Solid wood refers to wood that comes directly from a tree, cut into planks or boards, as opposed to engineered wood products like plywood that are made from wood composites.

Real wood furniture contains zero particleboard. Real wood has a unique and not altogether symmetrical grain pattern. When looking at a grain it usually will have small variances, that's a good indication it is real. If it's repetitive and matching across the piece, it's likely fake. Feeling the product and seeing if there is a grain can work as well.

Wood veneer is a thin slice (as thin as 3MM) of natural wood that is attached onto a panel of engineered wood. Attaching the veneer usually involves gluing or pressing. In furniture, wood veneers give the appearance of an all-wood piece, when in reality only the surface is taken from natural wood.

MDF has a smooth finish as it consists of wood grains that are of the same size. Particle-boards do not have a smooth surface as they consist of wood shavings and chips. MDF has a higher density level than particle-board.

Melamine is a chemical that has many industrial uses such as parts for cabinets. Melamine is a less expensive option other than wood counterparts. Melamine is not as durable as wood cabinets, and can be a potential issue in the future for repair.

Unfinished pieces are unpainted, unsealed, and unstained. Finished pieces are primed, painted, or stained with a top coat to seal in the product.