A wood veneer is a thin slice of natural wood attached to a fiberboard panel or particleboard through gluing or pressing. In furniture, wood veneers give the appearance of an all-wood piece when only the surface is taken from natural wood. Wood veneer furniture pieces use minimal natural wood, making them more affordable and environmentally friendly. Wood veneers are also less prone to the splintering and warping that can come from an all-wood design. Wood veneers are attached to fiberboard, which is not as heavy as natural wood boards; if wood veneers are not coated with a surface polish, it is easy for liquids to be absorbed through the wood. And unlike solid wood, wood veneers can be difficult or costly once damaged. Solid wood furniture is entirely made from natural wood (except for any areas of upholstery, metallic fixtures, etc.). Solid wood is easier to repair, as most forms of damage can be fixed with sanding. While solid hardwoods will often outperform veneers in terms of durability, softer woods such as cedar are rising in popularity for their susceptibility to distress, patina, and other 'rustic-chic' signs of aging. Atmospheric pressure can cause natural wood to expand, leading to cracks or splits in the furniture design. While many designs now come with systems to prevent such from happening, it is still recommended that solid wood pieces be kept out of direct sunlight for prolonged periods.