Expert: Kirk Ryan - 6/2/2009

Question
The back of the piece of furniture I just bought has what I believe to be press board.  It is dark brown, and has a small screen like texture.  The other side appears to be more of a laminate than a veneer. Is this considered wood and how can I tell?   

Thank you,
Julie

Answer
I know that some companies started cutting back on using real veneers for the "back panels" on bookcases and some display units. Sometimes they use a sheet of printed wood which is basically a laminate of fake wood. (but sometimes these can look real making it hard to tell)

But most companies still use the real veneer on the side of the back panel which is visible from the front of the unit. Chances are, if the piece you bought is real veneer everywhere else, then the back panel is real veneer too.

I know that the "melamine" pieces that IKEA, Wal Mart, and other stores sell would have the fake wood and fake panels. Your best bet is to ask the store what it is made of.