If you have an old record player or a bookcase with an intriguing wood pattern, chances are you’re looking for veneer paneling. Veneer panels are thin pieces of wood (1/8-inch or less) that are applied to the exposed fixtures of a variety of projects, from tables and chairs to custom wood doors and cabinets.
Veneers are essential to many aspects of construction, including residential and commercial wood doors. Most door dealers typically carry several dozen standard hardwood veneers, with the option to order more specialized wood species. When searching for veneers online or in a catalog, it’s best to request a physical sample to get an idea of the grain in person.
Veneer panels give the illusion of a solid wood core, but the actual cores of projects are usually made from particleboard, MDF, or more affordable wood species. Because veneer panels are so thin, carpenters can create projects with rare and exotic wood that would be much more expensive in thicker quantities.
In addition to saving money, veneer panels make it possible to incorporate exotic and delicate wood species into projects that require durability. Solid wood will eventually warp due to exposure to moisture, but prefabricated or ready-to-assemble doors with veneer panels and MDF cores will last much longer. Veneer panels can even be used for fire rated doors, which must meet strict industry standards for smoke and fire resistance.
Veneer panels can be classified in various ways, including the country of origin. Domestic veneers are cut from wood grown in North America, while exotic veneers are imported from other countries. Certain types of wood are grown both internationally and domestically, however appearance may differ depending on location. For example, oaks are prevalent in Europe, North Africa, West Asia, and North America, but they are available in several different types, such as the English brown oak, which gets its dark color naturally from fungi that grow in the region.
Alternatively, veneers can also be sorted by grain. Plain sliced veneers feature classic wood textures, usually appearing as vertical lines. For a more interesting look, many prefer knotty veneers, unique for their spiral designs reminiscent of marble. Although often very beautiful, these patterns are actually warping in the wood caused by insects, mold, and other factors. Flame veneers, also known as crotch veneers, are extracted from splits in the wood, which occur when a tree trunk splits or forms a branch. The result is a feather-like grain that is also very popular.
In addition to natural patterns, veneer panels can also be stained, from neutral colors like black, white, and gray to exciting shades of purple and orange. Tinted veneer panels are ideal for children’s furniture as well as certain dramatic design statements.
Ready to use Veneer Paneling for your next project? You won’t be the first, and you definitely won’t be the last. Believe it or not, veneer dates back to the ancient Egyptians, who used this method to decorate furniture and ceremonial tombs.