A Complete Guide to Wood Veneer

Wood Veneer

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When you hear the term “wood veneer”, you may think of a cheap, laminate material with a painted-on wood grain pattern. But in reality, not all veneers are poor quality. Many veneers are made from real, expensive wood, and many woodworking techniques actually require the use of veneers.

Choosing a wood veneer for your home project can be a durable and eco-friendly way to complete your project, saving you money without sacrificing the caliber of the work. 

Read on to learn everything you need to know about the wood veneers. 

What is Wood Veneer?

To put it in woodworking terms, a veneer is a thin piece of wood that is glued onto another material. Usually, this base material is either a different type of wood, a particle board, or a kind of fiberboard. Plywood, for example, is made from several layers of wood veneer that have been glued together to form a piece of lumber. 

Wood veneers can be high-quality, and they are made from real wood. However, there are faux wood veneers that give the product a poor public image. These fake veneers are typically made from some sort of cheap laminate that is overlaid with a wood pattern.

Laminate (or faux wood) veneers are not the same as wood veneers, and it’s important to recognize the distinction between the two, as wood products can be stained but laminate cannot. 

Wood veneers are environmentally friendly. They’re also generally a good choice for a homeowner on a budget. They allow homeowners to showcase high-quality or rare woods without breaking the bank. 

What is Wood Veneer Used For?

Wood veneers have a wide range of applications. They are commonly used to make plywood, cabinet panels, and decorative surfaces — and they can also be used to build doors, furniture, and flooring. These are a few special woodworking techniques that require the use of veneers. 

Parquetry

Parquet flooring is a design style that involves pieces of wood veneer that are hand-glued into a decorative pattern. It adds an interesting, textured dimension to a room and can be ideal for homeowners on a budget. 

Book-matched wood

Bookmatching is a popular woodworking technique that involves symmetrical wood grain patterns. A bookmatched project will contain two pieces of wood that mirror each other, like the front and back cover of a book. It’s often used for cabinets, doors, furniture, instruments, walls panels, and tables.

This is an instance where veneers are superior to solid wood, because in order to get the bookmatched look, veneers must be cut from a piece of wood in certain areas. 

Marquetry

Marquetry follows a similar process to parquetry: small, cut pieces of wood veneer are used to build a pattern. However, parquetry is when the veneers are used to make the object itself, while marquetry involves a pattern that is built on top of another surface.

Marquetry is often used to create the intricate designs that you see on jewelry boxes, wood floors, furniture, etc.

Different Types of Wood Veneers

Wood veneers come in a variety of cuts, materials, and styles. If you prefer to use real wood, raw veneer is an excellent way to go. Because they can be made from nearly any type of wood, raw veneers are available at most price points. Raw veneer does not have any backing, so both sides of the piece can be displayed. If you prefer to order raw veneer that is already assembled to size, you will want to choose laid-up veneer. 

Paperback veneer is true to its name: it’s a type of wood veneer with a permanent paper backing. The paper stabilizes the wood and gives it more flexibility, making this type of veneer ideal for small or curved projects. It’s also a great veneer for beginners, as the paper back makes the wood easier to work with. If your veneer will be in a moisture-prone area, such as a bathroom or washroom, the water-resistant phenolic veneer will be a good choice. 

Rotary cut veneer, also known as reconstituted or engineered veneer, is made from raw wood that is dyed and treated to take on a certain grain pattern. Typically, it’s made from an affordable wood such as poplar. It’s a good choice for large projects such as wall paneling or cabinets, as the treatment process allows affordable woods to take on the appearance of higher-end woods. Reconstituted veneer is also very environmentally friendly, as it protects rare wood species. 

Benefits of Wood Veneer

Wood veneer has several significant advantages over solid wood. 

• Durability. The way wood veneer is constructed can protect against the splitting, cracking, and warping that tends to happen to solid wood. 

• Affordability. Often, wood veneer allows you to save money by using a cheaper wood for the base and showcasing the expensive wood on the outside. 

• Availability. Like the point above, you’ll run into fewer issues with sourcing hardwood in small quantities as opposed to using solid wood. 

• Eco-friendly. Using a piece of wood as a veneer stretches the number of applications the wood can be used for. 

• Waste-free. Instead of tossing the leftover trim from a project, the small wood pieces can be recycled into veneer. 

Should I Use Veneer Over Solid Wood? 

Wood veneers are best used on decorative surfaces, such as the side of a dresser or bureau. Because veneer allows you to create the look of a uniform wood grain — or even to book match the grain — you should use them on objects where you want more control over the look of the wood. For example, a cabinet, desk, or tabletop. 

Veneers are also less prone to warp, crack, or expand than regular wood. If you have a surface that may be prone to weather exposure, this can be a good place for a veneer. However, wood veneers can be more difficult to repair and refinish. They also don’t hold up as well in high-traffic areas, such as staircases or hallways. In these places, you should use solid wood if possible. 

Brandon Hubbard, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C