Over recent years solid oak furniture has become very popular for a number of reasons; solid oak means its solid, not veneered. Veneer has a tendency to rise, bubble and peal, exposing the material beneath. Usually if marked, veneered furniture is irreparable, unlike solid oak, which is easy to maintain and can usually be repaired. Oak is a hard wood, meaning it is extremely durable and long lasting, allowing it to be passed from generation to generation.