Real or Imitation? How to Spot Genuine Solid Wood and Epoxy Resin Furniture Before You Buy
Walk through any furniture market, physical or digital, and you will see the same words everywhere: “solid wood,” “premium,” “resin finish,” “handcrafted.” Some of these claims are true. Many are stretched. A table described as “wooden” may be mostly particle board with a thin veneer, and a “resin” surface may be a thin coating rather than a proper pour. Telling the difference is a useful skill, especially when you shop for solid wood and epoxy resin furniture online, where you cannot touch the piece first. This guide covers what to look for, what to ask, and what to check when the furniture arrives. Why Imitations Are So Common Real hardwood and properly poured resin cost more in material and labour. That creates an incentive to cut corners. Common shortcuts include: Veneers over cheap boards, sold with a “wood” label. Printed laminates that imitate grain patterns. Mixed or engineered wood described vaguely as “wooden.” Thin resin coatings applied over a surface inst...