You'll find a lot of variation between brands. Some only tape the edges (1/32") others use solid wood edging (1/16-1/8). Of the latter some apply veneer to face first and then edge, others apply the edging first. All of the higher end brands I handle only offer veneer. Last year my mainstream brand brought out a veneered slab door and so had both. There was a lot of discussion among dealers when they wanted to discontinue the solid wood door. Some wanted to keep the solid because it was cheaper, some to appease an occasional customer who thought solid was better. To me they did the right thing and now only offer the veneer slab door. It is solid edging with veneer applied after, unusually good for the price. We used it for the desks a year ago, get a lot of use, no dings.

@jerzeegirl-Arrghh! @Altare Design, LLC- We are getting way into the tall grass here. What you posted is generally correct; the caveat is that if wood is PROPERLY dried and handled, you can use wide slabs without any warping or cupping. This technique was advocated and used by Milo Fulton. a custom furniture maker from Medina, Ohio. @Al- I need to get me one of them 3d printers....it'd be a lot easier than what I am doing this week; sanding back to bare wood a double staircase. @Select-I used to bite my thumb at texters...drives me crazy...until my phone went dead one afternoon. Now I use it some, but don't count me all in.

To get something to truly "glow from within" you need a high build of finish. Almost like putting it under glass. A hand rubed polished oil finish can give you something like that but mostly done on solid wood. The finishes on high end European kitchen tend to go for a natural look. Not seeing much of a film finish at all. That's what I'm showing here using the same Italian products they would use.

hittheroad2000 Carol, did you end up buying this line? In eco veneer? Are you happy with it and do you have any pics? We are debating it in a lighter stain. Thanks!