Short answer: A durable dining table is about construction, finish and care, not only whether it is made of solid wood. Our Vela and Ushi tabletops are lacquered wood veneer over MDF, and their frames and legs are ash wood. The Orsa tabletop combines solid ash wood with veneer-laminated MDF, and we list it as heat resistant up to 350°F (177°C) and scratch resistant against tableware and kitchenware under 10 lb (4.5 kg).
Many tables use the words "wood" or "solid wood" loosely. Here is what the terms mean and how to read a product description.
On This Page
- What is wood veneer?
- What is solid wood?
- How Cozey tables are made
- Heat and scratch resistance
- Is veneer worse than solid wood?
- Caring for a wood dining table
- Choosing a table
- Explore Cozey dining
What is wood veneer?
Wood veneer is a thin sheet of real wood applied to a supporting panel. In our tables the panel is medium density fibreboard (MDF), and the veneer is about 0.3 mm thick on the Vela and Ushi tabletops. The veneer provides the natural grain and appearance of the wood. The MDF underneath gives the panel its flat, stable structure.
What is solid wood?
Solid wood is made of wood through its full thickness. It can often be sanded and refinished, depending on its finish and construction. A table described as "solid wood" should be solid throughout the part being described, which is why we are specific about which parts of each table are solid ash and which are veneer.
How Cozey tables are made
How Cozey tables are made
| Table | Tabletop | Frame and legs |
|---|---|---|
| Vela | 15 mm MDF with 0.3 mm wood veneer, lacquered | Ash wood, satin stain |
| Ushi | 15 mm MDF with 0.3 mm wood veneer, lacquered | Ash wood, satin stain |
| Orsa | Solid ash wood and veneer-laminated MDF in oak or walnut, satin finish | See product page |
The MDF panels are TSCA Title VI compliant, a standard for formaldehyde emissions from composite wood.
Heat and scratch resistance
We list the Orsa tabletop as heat resistant up to 350°F (177°C) and scratch resistant against tableware and kitchenware items weighing less than 10 lb (4.5 kg). These figures describe tested limits for everyday use, so keep using trivets for very hot pans and avoid dragging heavy or sharp objects across any table.
Is veneer worse than solid wood?
Not automatically. Veneer and solid wood have different strengths. Veneer over a stable panel gives a consistent surface, and solid wood can often be refinished. The right choice depends on how you use the table, how you maintain it and what you want to see and feel. We prefer to describe materials exactly rather than rely on vague phrases like "solid wood look".
Caring for a wood dining table
- Dust with a soft, dry cloth.
- Wipe spills quickly. For stains, use a damp cloth with mild soap, then dry right away.
- Avoid harsh cleaners, which can damage the finish.
- Use coasters and trivets to protect the finish from heat and moisture rings.
This is general care advice for finished wood. Check the product page for the specific care instructions for your table.
Choosing a table
- Everyday family use: look for a durable finish and an easy-to-clean surface, and check whether the maker lists heat and scratch resistance.
- Hosting often: an extendable table gives you length when you need it. Read our dining table size guide.
- Small spaces: see our guide to compact dining sets.
Explore Cozey dining
Product specifications and materials can change. Check the current details on the product page before ordering.