Solid Timber vs Veneer: Choosing the Best Australian Made Dining Table for Your Space

Usually, buying an Australian made dining table doesn’t sound complicated. But the more you look, the more it entirely turns into something else. Size, shape, style—sure. But then someone mentions solid timber. Or veneer. And suddenly you’re comparing things you weren’t planning to.

The truth is, that detail matters more than you’d think. Especially if you’re considering a large dining table, or maybe something a bit more stylised like a parquetry dining table or even a French table with soft curves and old-world touches. In the next sections, we’ll break down the real differences between solid timber and veneer.

What’s the Real Difference Between Solid Timber and Veneer?

If you’re choosing a French table, parquetry dining table, large dining table, or any Australian made dining table, it helps to know how these materials stack up.

Solid Timber

Solid timber is real wood through and through. No layers, no tricks—just full pieces of timber cut and shaped into a table. You’ll often see it made from Tasmanian oak, messmate, or spotted gum in Australia. 

One big plus? These Australian made dining tables last. If you scratch the surface, you can sand it smooth again. A solid timber large dining table can stay with you for years, maybe even decades. It’s strong, heavy, and made to handle real life. That’s why it works so well for something like a large dining table where people gather often.

But it’s not perfect for everyone. Solid wood costs more. It’s heavy to move. And because it’s real, it reacts to the weather. You might see small gaps in winter or feel it shift a bit in the summer. That’s just what wood does.

Veneer

People hear “veneer” and sometimes think it’s fake. It’s not. Veneer is still real wood—just sliced thinner and fixed to a base. Usually MDF or ply. That makes the Australian made dining table lighter, cheaper, and generally more resistant to shifts in humidity.

For a lot of homes, that’s a smart trade-off. You still get the wood look. Sometimes, depending on the maker, it’s hard to even tell. Especially with finishes like parquetry dining tables, which are actually easier to achieve with veneer.

But—if you chip the surface, that’s it. Can’t really sand it down. And if the top starts to lift at the edges, fixing it isn’t always straightforward. It’s not built for decades of wear in the same way solid timber is. But for an Australian made dining table that’s more decorative than hardworking? It’s totally fine.

Things That Might Help You Decide

Think about how you actually live. Got kids? Pets? Use your large dining table for schoolwork, dinner, and everything in between? Then solid timber might be the better pick, it can take a beating and still age nicely.

If your Australian made dining table is more for show, or only gets used when guests come over, veneer could be a smarter option. It looks great and doesn’t come with the same price tag.

Speaking of price, budget matters. A solid timber French table can cost quite a bit. Veneer often gives you a similar style, like that elegant parquetry table pattern, without the higher spend.

Your home’s climate matters, too. If your space gets really dry in winter or humid in summer, solid wood might shift a bit. That’s normal. Veneer doesn’t really react the same way.

And finally, there’s the look and feel. Solid timber has more variation in the grain and colour, which some people love. Veneer tends to be smoother and more uniform. It just depends on what you like.

Conclusion

A solid timber large dining table is built to last and feels strong under daily use. Veneer works well for many homes, especially if you don’t have a bigger budget.

Whether you’re leaning toward a large dining table for big family meals, a French table with curved lines, or a parquetry dining table that makes a statement, think about how you’ll use it, and how long you want it to last. 

The best way to decide? Click here and explore the pieces created by the hands of luxury interior designer and furniture manufacturer Mark Alexander.