Solid wood: a unique material that combines beauty and durability in high quality furniture
Solid wood is synonymous with quality and authenticity in the furniture world. But what does solid wood really mean and how can we recognize it? These are important questions for those looking for furniture that combines beauty, durability and sustainability. In this guide, we’ll take you on a journey to discover what makes solid wood unique, to help you make informed and lasting choices in line with our philosophy of excellence and craftsmanship.
What does solid wood mean?
The term “solid wood” refers to wood that comes directly from the heart of the tree, without any treatment or manipulation that alters its natural structure. This type of material keeps its soul intact, expressing all its strength and uniqueness. Every grain, every knot, every shade tells the story of a living material, capable of evolving over time, adding warmth and character to the environment in which it is placed.
How to recognize whether it is solid wood?
Identifying solid wood is not difficult if you know what to look for. Here are some elements to look for:
- Authentic grain: solid wood has a natural grain that is never repetitive or too regular. Each piece is unique, with variations that only nature can create.
- Weight and solidity: to the touch, solid wood is distinguished by its weight and texture. Compared to composite materials such as MDF or particleboard, solid wood provides an incomparable sense of solidity.
- Finish and edges: in solid wood furniture, the grain extends seamlessly to the edges. This is a hallmark compared to veneered materials where the edges often show obvious differences.
- Changes over time: solid wood is a living material that evolves over time, responding to changes in moisture, heat and light. These natural changes are part of the appeal of wood and contribute to its authentic beauty.
Solid wood compared to other materials: qualities and differences
Solid wood has distinctive characteristics that have always made it highly valued in furniture making and that distinguish it from other materials.
- Plywood. Plywood is a material composed of thin sheets of wood that are stacked and glued together, providing good stability and structural strength. Compared to solid wood, plywood is generally lighter, making it particularly suitable for designs that require flexibility and greater lightness. While solid wood retains the charm of the natural material with its grain and ability to mature over time, plywood is a viable alternative when strength and weight need to be balanced, especially for moving parts or large structures such as doors and panels. Riva 1920 uses plywood with a solid poplar core to guarantee not only lightness but also strength and structural solidity, creating furniture that combines aesthetics, functionality and durability.
- Particleboard. Composed of compressed wood scraps and resins, particleboard is an economical solution but suffers from lower strength. Over time, especially in humid environments, it tends to warp and lose structural integrity, making it a less durable choice than solid wood.
- MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard): This material is made by compressing wood fibers with resins, making it denser and more uniform than particleboard. However, even MDF cannot match the quality of solid wood. Subject to warping under high humidity and pressure, it remains a less valuable and durable choice over the long term. In addition, MDF often contains substances that are potentially harmful to health, as it is manufactured using glues and formaldehyde. In contrast, solid wood, finished only with natural products, such as the vegetable oils and waxes used by Riva 1920, offers a 100% guarantee that the final product is safe and free of chemicals that are harmful to health.
Ultimately, solid wood is the value choice for those who want furniture that lasts and enriches spaces with the natural charm of real wood.
Riva 1920 solid wood: tradition, quality and sustainability
Riva 1920 uses only the highest quality solid wood from sustainable and certified sources, with essences selected exclusively from controlled and programmed cuts, respecting nature and enhancing each resource. Each piece produced embodies the essence of craftsmanship and passion for wood, creating unique furniture that tells a story. Riva 1920’s solid wood is not just a material, but a symbol of authenticity, durability and design, capable of transforming any room into a warm and welcoming space, with elegance and solidity designed to last.
Whether it is an imposing solid wood table designed to furnish prestigious contract environments, designer chairs and stools capable of combining ergonomics and refinement for work or hospitality spaces, or sideboards and buffets designed to offer elegance and functionality in the organization of spaces, each Riva 1920 product is the result of the highest quality craftsmanship capable of satisfying the needs of a demanding professional market.
Discover the beauty and quality of real solid wood by exploring the Riva 1920 collections, where every detail is taken care of to offer furniture designed to last.