I would guess that most chess boards sold are veneered. That doesn't have to mean they are poor quality. I have two of the HOS Palisander and Maple boards in different sizes. I haven't had them long or used them much but they seem like nice boards. Those boards and many like them from various retailers are made by the Spanish company Rapachados Ferrer. I have several other boards made by them and my experience is that they make good quality boards, even if they are veneered.
HOS has their share of problems just like any other vendor. From what I've seen and heard, most of those problems are related to chess pieces and not their boards. I don't think you'd be disappointed in the boards.
Hello all at Chess.com! I'm looking to purchase my first chess board and had considered the House of Staunton Palisander and Maple board (it's $70, which is about my budget). I've just finished reading a few horrorific stories from other individuals who've purchased products from this site and am now reconsidering. I read in one post that boards less than $300 would be veneered and not even manufactured from the woods described. Can you guys offer any advice on whether to continue with this purchase or consdier another manufacterer? Thanks so much,
-Matt