Print this or keep it on your phone. Run every listing you’re considering — including ours — against all 12 points. If a seller can’t answer several of them in writing, that’s your answer.
Material language (what the description actually says)
1. Does it say “100% solid walnut” — or “walnut solids and veneers”?
Only the first means solid lumber in every part covered by the claim. “Solids and veneers” means some solid parts plus veneer over a hidden core.
2. Is “walnut” describing the wood, or just the color?
“Walnut finish” and “walnut tone” describe a stain. The piece may contain no walnut at all.
3. Are the words “engineered wood,” “hardwood laminate,” “MDF,” or “particleboard” anywhere in the specs?
If so, that’s the core. Real veneer is a legitimate material — but it should be disclosed, not implied to be solid.
Wood species
4. Is the exact species named — ideally American black walnut (Juglans nigra)?
Vague trade names like “Asian walnut” or “tropical walnut” can be entirely different species with different density, stability, and grain.
5. Will the seller confirm the species in writing for every component described as walnut?
Not just the top — the legs, frame, drawers, and panels too.
Construction — ask for photos
6. Edge and end grain: on solid lumber the face grain flows continuously around the edge. Veneer shows a thin surface layer, an abrupt grain change, or a different core at an exposed edge.
7. Undersides and concealed surfaces: a painted underside or dust cover can hide the substrate. Ask what’s underneath, in writing.
8. Joinery: look for mortise-and-tenon or properly reinforced corners, and slotted fasteners on large tops that let the wood move with the seasons.
Component by component
9. Is every major element specified — tabletop/main surface, legs and base, drawer fronts and boxes, back panels and shelving?
A “Solid Walnut” headline often hides a veneered top or drawer fronts while only the legs are solid.
10. Can it be refinished?
Solid walnut can be sanded and refinished for decades. Veneer cannot — once the surface layer wears through or chips at an edge, it’s done.
Price you actually pay
11. What is the complete delivered price?
Line-item freight, curbside vs. white-glove in-room placement, stair or long-carry charges, and restocking or return-freight fees. A low sticker with hidden freight is not a low price.
12. What are the written warranty, transit-damage, and return terms?
Does the seller handle freight-damage claims directly? Is there a clear return window with the restocking fee stated up front?
How Modena Mobilia answers all 12
Every component we describe as walnut is solid walnut — most often American black walnut — never veneer, never “walnut finish.” We sell factory-direct, so the price reflects the wood and the joinery, not 200–400% of showroom and distributor markup. Flat-rate shipping within the contiguous U.S., with rates disclosed separately.
Every piece in our own collection passes all 12 points. Shop by room:
