There are 20 of us and for 24 years we have designed and built wood furniture, mostly for universities but also for corporations and the government. Many of us build furniture for our own homes. If you have questions about home or business furniture, woodworking, antiques, carving, finishing, tools or repairs, we’ll do our best to answer.

A question we’re asked all the time is about the difference between veneer and plastic laminates. Veneer is thinly sliced wood that is then glued to fiberboard, plywood or particleboard. Plastic laminates are man-made materials that often look like wood. They are created using printed paper that is laminated with clear plastic. The resulting panel is then glued to fiberboard, plywood or particleboard. Both are used to make furniture. Laminates are durable and generally scratch resistant. They are used mostly for commercial furniture and counter tops. Veneer is real wood, so it is beautiful. Wood surfaces, even protected with modern finishes, can be damaged by abrasion and impact. Like most things, you have to choose the best fit for your purpose.