Expert: Greg Scholl - 1/11/2009

Question
Hi,

We recently bought a lovely bedroom set from The Roomstore.  It felt like solid wood in the store, but now we are noticing it scratches easily and when dinged, it looks like a layer of the wood has flaked off.  I was told the furniture was made of hardwoods and veneers.  After doing some research, I see now that when the furniture it dinged for whatever reason (kids or what have you), it is the veneer coming off.  The furniture does not feel cheap, but I don't think I like this veneer thing!  Now I am afraid to even let my kids in our bedroom for fear they will easily damage the furniture.  Is veneer junk?  What is the best way to touch up the dings that show bare wood and flaking?  The color is a dark wood, sortof cherrywood color.  Thanks!

Answer
Hi Melanie, not all veneers are created equally, some are extremely thin, some are not actually wood, but vinyl or even paper, and the type of wood makes a difference. The real issue is really the substrate (underlying layer) when it comes to durability. Much modern veneered furniture is on a particle board or what's known as MDF, a fiber board. These substrates are brittle by nature, and not as strong or durable as wood, or plywood substrates.They are comprised mostly of sawdust, and wood chips or shavings and some type of binding agent. They are dense, and fairly stable, but the main reason they are used is that they are "cost effective" (cheap). I can't really comment on your particular furniture, as I'm not familiar with the store, but it sounds like it may be of inferior quality. One tends to get what they pay for, and furniture manufacturers have developed an Art of making really good looking furniture out of what is essentially a waste product covered in a thin skin of nicely finished exterior that may or may not be real wood. You can buy a furniture touch up marker, and that is a good way to take care of small nicks and scratches, but if the veneer is actually coming off, there is really no way to fix that easily, other than trying to be careful around the pieces and prevent damage. Any good hardware store or Home ctr. should have a good quality furniture touch up marker in several different shades. Solid wood furniture, in a hardwood like Oak, Maple, Alder, Ash, is the best defense against kids, and are not damaged easily. Solid wood furniture also tends to have a simpler finish on it,without color coats, or "toning" as it's known and therefore repairs and touches up more easily. Hope that helps a little- post back if need be- Greg