If you’ve ever gone furniture shopping, you’ve probably seen “solid wood” and “engineered wood” options. But what does that mean? Are they different? What are the pros and cons of each type of wood? In this blog post, we’re going to break down the differences between solid wood and engineered wood so you can make an informed decision when it comes time to purchase your own furniture.

What is Solid Wood Furniture?

Solid wood furniture is exactly what it sounds like—furniture made out of solid pieces of wood. It may have some parts (like drawer pulls or decorative legs) that are not made out of wood, but the main structure will be solid pieces of high-quality hardwood. This type of furniture has a lot of benefits—it looks great, it can last a long time, and it can even become an heirloom piece passed down through generations if cared for properly. However, because solid wood is susceptible to changes in humidity (it can warp or crack). Although rare, it isn’t ideal for all environments.

What is Engineered Wood Furniture?

Engineered wood furniture is made out of composite materials such as particleboard or medium-density fiberboard (MDF). These materials are created by taking small pieces of real hardwood and combining them with other materials like glue, resin, and sawdust. The result is a material that looks like real hardwood but has some distinct advantages over solid wood—it’s more affordable, it doesn’t warp in humid environments, and it can be produced in large quantities quickly. However, these materials are less durable than solid hardwoods and cannot be sanded or refinished easily if they get scratched or damaged.

Which One Is More Sustainable?

When purchasing either option, make sure to look into where the material was sourced from. When purchasing solid wood, for example, make sure that the material is harvested responsibly and is certified by the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). When looking at engineered woods, look for products with low VOCs (volatile organic compounds) that are made from recycled materials whenever possible.

Ultimately, both types of furniture have their advantages and disadvantages—it just depends on your individual needs when making your decision! Although more flexible in a humid environment, engineered woods can sometimes be less sustainable due to their over-production; whereas with solid woods you must ensure responsible harvesting practices were used during production. No matter which one you choose though –make sure to check where the material came from before buying. That way, you know you're getting something that's good for both your home AND the environment.