Solid wood means that each part is made of genuine hardwood lumber and nothing else. For large surfaces, strips or boards are bonded side-to-side with stronger-than-wood glue and other wood joinery techniques.
Of and by itself a real wood veneered surface on a substrate of something else like PB or MDF is not necessarily bad, it is just not solid wood.
Some alternatives are hardwood veneers--thin slices of wood bonded to composite boards or plywood. This type of construction is sometimes described as "all wood." Even Particle Board PB is all wood like a hot dog is all meat.
In addition, artificial laminate surfaces of plastic, foil or paper often are printed with photographs of wood grain patterns and bonded to composite board. Remember the terms "oak, maple and cherry finish" may simply refer to the color or the photographic reproduction of the wood's grain-it does not necessarily mean it is the authentic, natural hardwood.
If you're not sure whether the item is solid hardwood or an imitation, examine the construction.
Dovetail joints are generally a good sign. Another indication is gluing. Solid hardwood furniture and cabinetry consist of many pieces of lumber glued together edge-to-edge or end-to-end with continuous glue lines. Put your finger on a glue line and trace it across the top surface, over the edge, and to the underside. If the line disappears, chances are it's not solid hardwood.
© 2000,1996 Hardwood Manufacturers Association
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