Solid Wood Furniture vs Plywood Furniture: Why We Chose Solid Wood at Urbanfry Homes

When customers ask us,
“Can you make a lower-priced version in MDF or plywood?”
The short answer is: we’ve chosen not to.

The answer is simple — because we’ve seen what lasts in real homes.
This blog isn’t about saying one option is “bad.”
It’s about helping you understand what you’re actually paying for, so you can choose what works best for your home.

Understanding the Two Materials (In Simple Terms)

What Solid Wood Furniture Really Means

Solid wood furniture is made entirely from natural timber, such as:

• Sheesham wood
• Mango wood
• Teak wood

Each piece has:

• Natural grain patterns
• Slight variations in colour
• A weight and sturdiness you can feel immediately

At Urbanfry Homes, this is the material we work with — because it allows us to craft furniture that lasts for years, not just seasons.

What Plywood Furniture Is Made Of

Plywood furniture uses:

• Multiple thin wood layers
• Industrial adhesives
• Veneers or laminates on top

It’s widely used because it’s:

• Faster to produce
• Easier to standardise
• Cheaper upfront

And for some short-term needs, it can make sense.

Durability: What We’ve Seen in Real Homes

Solid Wood (Our Experience)

From beds to storage units, solid wood furniture:

• Holds up to daily Indian usage
• Can handle weight without sagging
• Can be repaired, re-polished, or re-finished

Many customers come back years later asking for a polish refresh — not a replacement. That’s a good sign.

Plywood (What Customers Tell Us)

Customers often share that:

• Edges start peeling
• Joints loosen over time
• Moisture causes swelling

Once the internal layers weaken, there’s very little that can be done.

Indian Weather & Living Conditions Matter

India isn’t a controlled indoor environment:

• We have humidity
• Monsoons
• Temperature changes

Solid wood breathes naturally, and when crafted well, it adapts.
Plywood relies heavily on glue — and glue doesn’t love moisture.
This is one of the main reasons we don’t compromise on material quality.

How It Looks & Feels (This Is Hard to Fake)

One thing customers often say after receiving a solid wood piece from us:

“It feels real.”

Solid wood furniture:

• Feels heavier and grounded
• Has warmth you don’t get from laminates
• Ages gracefully instead of looking worn

Plywood furniture may look perfect on day one — but it doesn’t develop character over time.

Health & Home Safety (Especially for Families)

Plywood furniture often contains:

• Chemical adhesives
• Surface coatings

Over time, these can release VOCs into your home.
Solid wood furniture:

• Uses fewer chemicals
• Is safer for homes with children
• Feels better for long-term living

This matters more than people realise.

Price: The Honest Breakdown

Yes — solid wood furniture costs more initially.
But here’s how we explain it at Urbanfry Homes:

When you calculate cost per year of use, solid wood often turns out to be the smarter investment.

Why Urbanfry Homes Works Only With Solid Wood

We chose solid wood because:

• We want furniture that outlives trends
• We believe in honest materials
• We want customers to buy less often — but better

Our designs may look modern, but the foundation is traditional craftsmanship.

So, What Should You Choose?

Choose solid wood furniture if:

• You’re setting up a long-term home
• You value durability and repairability
• You want furniture that feels authentic

Choose plywood furniture if:

• You need something temporary
• Budget is your only priority
• Usage is light and short-term

There’s no wrong choice — only an informed one.