By solid wood do you mean cut from a log into whatever shape boards with no wood stuff filler? If so be careful with the phrase solid wood at the stores. They will "accidently" lie to you.

I have made my own coffee tables and help manage a place that sells decent Ashley style mass market furniture so I understand where you are coming from.

Our sales staff is pretty darned laid back and truthful. The industry guys we deal with the most are ok. Some better than others. The way to cut to the truth is by asking if you sand deep enough are you going to find another type of wood. I despise salesmen until I get to know them btw. Same with internet companies though so you may as well go see it in person.

You could go two routes. Get a nice solid wood high qaulity piece from a nice shop. Or a nice import. One company you might want to look at in the import area is Riverside Furniture.