Solid Wood or Panels: How to Choose

When planning custom furniture or cabinets, one of the first questions is: solid wood or panels? There is no universal right answer, only the best answer for your project.

Solid wood is prized for its natural beauty, its grain and its ability to be sanded and refinished over the years. It does, however, live with the seasons: it expands and contracts slightly with the humidity of the air, which has to be taken into account in the build.

To help you decide

• Solid wood suits tables, doors and pieces you want to keep for a long time
• Panels are stable and practical for large surfaces, such as cabinet sides
• A mix of the two is often the best compromise
• The type of finish also influences the choice of material

Quality panels, well chosen and well assembled, last a very long time. They offer great consistency and allow projects that use raw material more economically.

The simplest thing is to talk with us. Tell us where the piece will be installed, who will use it and how much upkeep you are willing to do. We will suggest the species and materials that fit your daily life.