Solid wood vs reconstituted wood: what to choose according to your project?

Wood is a material of choice in many construction, layout and carpentry projects. But faced with the diversity of products available, a question often comes up: should you opt for solid wood or reconstituted wood? These two families have very different characteristics. Here is a detailed guide to help you choose the solution that best fits your needs.

1. What is solid wood?

Solid wood is cut directly into the trunk of the tree. It maintains all the natural properties of the selected species (oak, beech, ash, etc.) without significant transformation. It is a noble, authentic and living material.

Advantages of solid wood:

• Natural aesthetics : veining, color, unique irregularities
• High durability : excellent mechanical resistance and resistance over time
• Repairability : solid wood can be sanded, restored, reworked
• High perceived value : ideal for high-end projects

Disadvantages:

• More expensive At the time of purchase
• Can be deformed if poorly dried or stored improperly
• Heavier and sometimes more difficult to machine

2. What is reconstituted wood?

Also called composite wood or engineered wood, reconstituted wood is made from fibers, chips, or thin strips of wood that are glued together. The most common products are MDF, plywood, OSB, or laminated boards.

Advantages of reconstituted wood:

• More accessible price than solid wood
• High dimensional stability (little or no deformation)
• Standardized formats and practical for layout
• Less material loss At the cup

Disadvantages:

• More uniform appearance, sometimes less aesthetic
• Less sustainable over time (sensitive to humidity depending on the type)
• Presence of glues or solvents in some products

3. Comparison: solid wood vs reconstituted wood

Criteria Solid wood Reconstituted wood Aesthetics authentic, natural Uniform, standardized, uniform, standardized High priceEconomical priceDurabilityVery longAverage to correctDimensional stabilityVariableExcelent ease of machining Easier processingMore complex Easy to useEasy Outdoor useYes (if species adapted) No (except special products)

4. Which wood should you choose according to your project?

Opt for solid wood if:

• You realize a high-end furniture or customized
• Are you looking for a natural, healthy and durable material
• The wood is exposed or visible (staircase, worktop, interior facade)

Prefer reconstituted wood if:

• You have a restricted budget or a serial project
• You realize a interior layout (dressing room, box, partition)
• You need precise formats or ready-to-use panels

5. The expertise of La Scierie VUITTON

At Scierie VUITTON, we specialize in solid hardwood: oak, beech, ash. We support our professional customers in choosing fuel, drying and sections, according to their project. For an authentic and sustainable result, we prefer solid wood, prepared with care and dried to heart, with respect for the material.