At Grain Wood Furniture we aim to make solid wood furniture available for as many Americans as possible. We’ve developed our products to sell at great value by using modern techniques and through constant improvements to our online sales process. One technique we use to create high-quality products out of solid pine wood is using blockboard. Learn what blockboard is and its benefits below.
What is Blockboard?
Simply put, blockboard is a type of wood board in which solid wood edge-glued panels are sandwiched between thin (in our case ⅛ inch) layers of wood called wood veneer.
Is it just Veneer?
No. Though blockboard uses veneer layers, the function and quality of blockboard differs significantly from what is typically associated with veneer. Often used by cheap composite wood furniture manufacturers, veneers can be used to save costs by decorating the low-quality MDF or particle board underneath. In the case of our blockboard construction, both the material beneath the veneer and the 2-layer veneer itself are high quality materials with complementing functions in creating a top-quality product.
Why do you use Blockboard?
Since it costs about 30% more than edge-glued panels, we choose to use blockboard only when it makes our product better. There are 2 main reasons we use it:
- For a smooth, modern finish on products like those in the Mid Century Collection.
- For stability in large panels like headboards and top panels that could otherwise split, crack, or warp.
Additionally, you still get the benefits in durability and care that you expect from solid wood panels. Keep reading to learn about how to care for and even refinish our products.
Which Pieces are Blockboard?
We use blockboard on large panels like headboards and top panels for all products as well as most panels on products with smooth finishes like those in the Mid Century Collection. For rustic finishes, like in the Montauk Collection, you’ll find that smaller panels like drawer fronts do not use blockboard and instead use edge-glued panels to create a more interesting variability in texture and color.
Care and Refinishing
All items should be cared for according to our care guide no matter the type of construction.
Refinishing is possible for blockboard as well as solid wood panels. For blockboard, only light sanding should be applied to avoid damaging the veneer surface.