The terms encountered when buying furniture today, such as wood, solid wood, kiln-dried wood, thermowood, MDF, chipboard, veneer, rustic, and solid wood look, can be confusing for many. In fact, often even a product made of MDF or chipboard with a wood-patterned foil overlay can be advertised as a wooden table. However, each of these materials has completely different production techniques, durabilities, and intended uses.
In this guide, we explain the following questions in a simple yet scientific language:
- What is real solid wood?
- Why is kiln-dried wood the foundation of quality furniture?
- What is the difference between thermowood and normal drying?
- Why is raw (undried) wood risky for table making?
- Which wood cut (end grain / edge grain) should be preferred for a cutting board?
- Are MDF and chipboard really wood?
This guide is prepared to help you identify the right material when purchasing solid wood furniture.
🪵 Why Is Material So Important When Choosing a Solid Wood Table and Coffee Table?
For furniture like tables and coffee tables, which endure the most weight and impact in daily use, the type of wood used determines the product's:
- lifespan,
- resistance to cracking,
- risk of movement (warping, twisting),
- surface quality,
- aesthetic appearance,
- and even its durability in international shipping.
Therefore, the fundamental truth that anyone buying solid wood furniture needs to know is:
“Not every product that looks like a wooden table is real wood.
Not every natural wood is suitable for all furniture.”
For example:
- Raw (undried) walnut tables can develop large cracks within a few months.
- Thermowood walnut is not suitable for table tops because its fiber structure weakens at high temperatures.
- MDF/chipboard products with a solid wood look do not offer the durability of real wood.
- Incorrectly cut wood increases the risk of warping and twisting in a table.
This blog post serves as a comprehensive guide explaining the types of wood used, processing techniques, and their impact on product quality for proper table and coffee table selection.
1. What is Real Solid Wood?
Solid wood is the wood itself. It is cut in a single piece, and only cutting, sanding, and finishing processes are applied.
Advantages of solid wood:
- each piece is unique
- very durable
- can be used for years
- can be renewed by sanding
- contains no chemicals, completely natural
Prominent solid wood types:
- Walnut
- Oak
- Chestnut
- Ash
- Maple
The high durability of solid wood furniture is due to its completely natural fiber structure.
2. Why is Kiln-Dried Wood the Foundation of Quality Furniture?
When natural wood is cut, it contains 30–60% moisture.
If a table or coffee table is made with this moisture, the following problems are inevitable:
- cracking
- warping / twisting
- bending
- fungal growth
- surface defects
Therefore, wood used in solid wood furniture production is subjected to kiln drying.
✔ What is kiln-dried wood?
- between 45–70°C
- for 7–20 days
- in a controlled temperature and humidity environment
It is wood dried under these conditions.
Resulting moisture content: 8–12% (ideal for furniture)
✔ Advantages
- minimum risk of cracking
- stable dimensions
- more homogeneous appearance
- hygienic and long-lasting
- resistant to cargo transport
High-value woods like walnut and oak are always dried using this method.
3. What is the Real Difference Between Thermowood and Normal Drying?
Some people mistakenly believe thermowood is "higher quality drying."
However, thermowood is a completely different process.
Kiln Drying
- 45–70°C
- purpose: moisture reduction
Thermowood
- 180–220°C
- oxygen-free environment
- purpose: altering the cellular structure of wood
Thermowood results in:
- wood becomes very stable
- color darkens (caramel tones)
- increased resistance to water, moisture, and outdoor conditions
- fiber structure weakens → becomes more brittle
✔ Where is Thermowood used?
- exterior cladding
- saunas
- decking
- outdoor furniture
- wall cladding in humid areas
❌ Where is it not used?
- large table tops
- table/coffee table bases
- cutting boards
- surfaces subject to high impact
Because fiber brittleness and deep knife marks pose a problem.
4. Why Does Raw (Undried) Wood Pose a Big Risk in Table Making?
When natural wood is cut, its interior is full of water.
If a table is made with this water, the following problems are inevitable:
❌ Certain cracking
It can crack lengthwise, starting from the ends.
❌ Warping – twisting
The tabletop warps, with one side lifting up.
❌ Mold and insect problems
Moist wood is susceptible to microorganisms.
❌ Varnish/sealant will not adhere
Leaves stains on the surface.
Therefore, raw wood is only suitable for tasks such as:
- construction timber
- pallets
- forms for high-humidity outdoor areas
It is definitely not used for tables, coffee tables, and furniture.
5. Are MDF and Chipboard Real Wood?
In short: No.
MDF and chipboard are not solid wood.
What is MDF?
- wood dust + resin + pressing
- not real wood → it is a composite
- usually covered with veneer or foil
What is chipboard?
- wood chips + adhesive
- weaker than MDF
❌ Disadvantages
- not resistant to water
- risk of swelling and bubbling
- weak against impacts
- cannot be repaired
- solid wood look is entirely a visual effect
Compared to solid wood, its durability and lifespan are very short.
6. Which Wood Cut Should Be Preferred for a Cutting Board?
The cut used for a cutting board is critical for longevity and hygiene.
🟩 End Grain (Butt Cut) — Best Option
- fibers are vertical
- knife marks penetrate into the fibers and close
- knife dulls less
- professional chef standard
- longest-lasting form
🟨 Edge Grain (Side Cut) — Mid-Level
- more affordable
- moderate knife marks
- ideal for home use
🟥 Face Grain (Surface) — Not Suitable for Cutting
- only recommended for serving
- knife marks are very noticeable
- not hygienic
❌ Why is Thermowood not used for cutting boards?
- fiber brittleness
- deep knife marks
- surface fiber tear-out
- risk of bacterial accumulation
This is why kiln-dried types like walnut, oak, maple, and beech are preferred for cutting boards.
CONCLUSION: Right Wood → Right Product
As we have seen in this guide:
- Solid wood is the most natural and durable material.
- Kiln-dried walnut/oak is the gold standard for tables and coffee tables.
- Thermowood is excellent for outdoor use but not suitable for tables/cutting boards.
- Raw wood carries a high risk in furniture making.
- End grain cutting boards are the most hygienic and longest-lasting.
- MDF and chipboard are not real wood and cannot replace solid wood furniture.
A table remaining perfectly sound for years is possible with the correct selection of materials.