Wood Veneer vs. Solid Wood Panelling: Which is Right for Your Space?

When it comes to our interior wall linings, choosing between wood veneer and solid wood panels can feel like a big decision. Both options bring the beauty of natural wood into your home or project, but each has its own strengths and considerations. With the launch of our new profiles including the Flow 30, which features a 5mm solid oak face, it’s the perfect time to explore the pros and cons of these two popular materials and help you decide which might work best for your needs.

The Appeal of Wood Veneer Panels

Our wood veneer panels are made by applying a thin layer of real wood to a core of MDF, these have been a crowed favourite since we first started and here’s why:

Pros of Wood Veneer Panels:

1. Cost-Effective: Veneer panels offer the beauty of real wood for less than the cost of solid wood. This makes them an excellent choice for budget-conscious projects.

2. Flexible and Versatile: Our veneer flex panels are much easier to bend and flex, making them ideal for creating stunning curved surfaces and unique design elements.

3. Lightweight: Veneer panels are lighter than solid wood, making them easier to transport, handle, and install.

4. Eco-Friendly: Since veneers use less wood overall, they are a more sustainable option, making better use of natural resources.

Cons of Wood Veneer Panels:

1. Durability: While durable enough for most applications, veneer panels can be more prone to damage from scratches or impacts compared to solid wood.

2. Refinishing Limits: Veneer’s thin wood layer means they're not as forgiving when it comes to sanding or refinishing over time.

3. Appearance: Some prefer the more robust and textured look of solid wood, which veneer can sometimes fall short of replicating.

The Strengths of Solid Wood Panelling

Solid wood panelling, such as our new profiles featuring a 5mm solid oak face, is a premium option that delivers the timeless appeal of real wood in its most natural form. Take a look here 

Pros of Solid Wood Panels:

1. Authenticity: With solid wood, you’re getting the real deal—rich grain, natural texture, and unmatched warmth.

2. Durability: Solid wood panels are highly resistant to everyday wear and tear. They can also be sanded and refinished multiple times, ensuring they stand the test of time.

3. Prestige: Solid wood panels add a sense of luxury and refinement to any space, making them a favorite for high-end interiors.

4. Enhanced Acoustic Qualities: Solid wood can provide better sound absorption, improving the acoustics in a room.

Cons of Solid Wood Panels:

1. Cost: Solid wood is more expensive than veneer, which may not suit every budget/project.

2. Weight: These panels are heavier, requiring more effort for installation.

3. Flexibility: Solid wood panels are harder to flex, making them less versatile for curved surfaces. However, with skilled craftsmanship, even solid wood panels can be flexed to achieve the curves we’ve all grown to love in Feature Panel's wood veneer panels. This requires expertise but opens up exciting design possibilities.

Introducing Our 'Flow 30' Solid Oak Panels

Our 'Flow 30' panels feature a solid oak face with a durable plywood back, offering a practical and stylish solution for installations that demand the beauty and strength of solid oak. These panels measure 1190mm (W) x 2700mm (L) x 8mm (T) and can be cut to suit your project’s requirements. They are available on either a bendy play backing or a 16mm MDF. 

Key Features of 'Flow 30':

• Solid oak/hardwood face for unmatched durability and natural beauty.

• Performs as well as any hardwood would in high-moisture environments, making it an excellent choice for challenging spaces.

While these panels are less flexible than veneer, skilled woodworkers can still achieve stunning curved designs, allowing for creative applications without compromising the solid oak finish.

Choosing the Right Option for Your Project

When deciding between wood veneer and solid wood panelling, consider the following:

• Budget: Veneer panels offer a cost-effective way to achieve a wood look, while solid wood is an investment in quality and longevity.

• Design Goals: For intricate curves and bold design statements, our Flex veneer panels’ flexibility may be the way to go. If durability and prestige are key, solid wood is worth the splurge.

• Craftsmanship: If you’re working with skilled woodworkers, you can explore creative applications like flexed solid wood panels for curved designs, blending the best of both worlds.

Why Choose Our Panels?

At Feature Panel, we’re proud to a large variety of options to suit a range of styles, budgets, and design aspirations. Our veneer profiles are crafted for versatility and elegance, while our new solid oak face profiles provide the ultimate in natural beauty and durability. Whether you’re enhancing a curved feature wall or creating a bold statement with solid wood, we have the perfect solution to elevate your space.

Ready to start your next project? Contact us today to explore our range of premium wall linings and find the perfect fit for your design vision!