Veneers were often the topic of much more objection than most anything else in the furniture store when I was working the floor. Somewhere along the line, they got a bad reputation. On the other hand, solid wood is often thought of as the holy grail of wood furniture. However, neither of those is completely the truth or completely inaccurate.
Though many people think of veneers as "fake wood" coating, it is actually a great addition to wood furniture that gives it both uniformity and durability in varying climates. Veneers may be and often are made of real wood. What that means is that a hard wood like alder can be used with an Oak or Walnut veneer so that you get a durable piece of furniture with great durability and a reasonable price. Even in the case that your piece is based in solid wood, like oak, your veneer will give it a uniform look that it might not normally get.
As for solid wood, it is heavy and durable. The problem is that it is often hard to find a solid piece of furniture in the shape and grain that it desireable for furniture. Without a veneer, you end up with furniture that lacks uniformity and desireable grain. Additionally, with no veneer, the wood does not expand and contract as easily. That means that when you live somewhere it is dry or where the moisture in the air varies, you could end up with cracked furniture.
The moral of this whole furniture myth is that neither veneer nor solid wood is the total answer. The truth is that what you need is something made of solid woods and veneers that matches the aesthetics you are after. If you do that, you will certianly never go wrong. Then, with proper care, you can get wood furniture that lasts a long time and looks great in your home.
Hope this helps,
The Furniture Guy
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