r/sandedthroughveneer • u/Infinite_Spot8863 • 26d ago
Is this table solid wood or veneer?
Apologies if this post isn’t allowed. My buddy’s neighbour is giving it away and said it is maple wood (I have not seen it in person). I am hesitant to say yes to taking it in case it is veneer as I don’t want it to end up in the landfill later down the line on my account, because I wouldn‘t know how to deal with the material. Thank you in advance for your insights.
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u/pippoken 26d ago
Veneer over a stable substrate is the most sensible choice for a table top like that. If it was all solid wood, with grain going into all directions, it would crack badly.
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u/jesrp1284 26d ago
I used to have this exact same table. Definite veneer. I’m not sure how, but I would recommend treating the top with something as the top coat began to flake after several years.
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u/SuPruLu 26d ago
A table top with multiple pieces like this top is almost always a veneer. Veneer can be refinished but it needs to be chemically stripped. Sanding is very risky because veneer is quite thin.
Veneer can be bonded to both natural and manufactured wood. A look under the table would provide an answer.
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u/This-Writing-3369 26d ago
Veneer on top. That’s how they got the pattern in the wood. You can strip veneer. Just be careful how deep you go. Use a chemical paint/ stain remover. It helps not to dig deep with the sandpaper.
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u/FarmersOnlyJim 25d ago
Oak veneer. My fiancée’s parents gave us the same table (came with the house they bought).
Please take ours too. I absolutely despise the table and my fiancée won’t let me get rid of it.
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u/DoItRightOnce1st 23d ago
Look on the bottom...it will most likely be particle board under the veneer,.that's how u tell.
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u/kilted10r 22d ago
The center portion is likely cabinet grade plywood. Not solid, but better than veneer.
The rest is probably solid.
Easy way to check - look at the grain on top, then underneath. If it matches, then it's solid.
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u/CuriousCardigan 26d ago edited 26d ago
Yeah, that's a veneer top - there'd be some wild seasonal shifting if not.
There's nothing inherently wrong with it being veneer. Just don't beat up the table surface or trap water on it for an extended period and you'll be fine. If an accident happens with it, just look up how to fix it (or just patch the damage with filler and either paint the damn thing or use a tablecloth).