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How to Choose the Right Wood Veneer for Your Furniture Project
Wood veneer furniture is made with natural wood but uses a less expensive core material. It is not subject to the same aging effects as solid wood and is easier to clean.
Figured veneers like burl and crotch and quilted and mottled patterns are available. Many retailers flatten the surface as it dries, making it easier to work.
Grain Patterns
Many species of natural wood can be used for furniture or wall coverings. The choice depends on the tone desired & how the tree was sawn. Wood veneers are sliced wafer thin & adhered to a substrate to make furniture or wall coverings. It can be matched in numerous sequences to create visual rhythm or continuity. For example, in book matching, alternate veneers are flipped to face each other like pages in a book for a symmetrical pattern. Another popular method is slip matching, where veneer flitches are joined without flipping.
When looking for a wood veneer supplier, be sure they have a large selection of the species you want to work with. They should also be readily available to discuss your needs & answer questions by email or phone.
Avoid companies that use wax or silicone on their wood veneer. These chemicals can build up on the surface & cause cloudiness or white residue on the furniture finish.
Texture
Wood veneer is a sustainable alternative to solid wood furniture. It utilizes only the tree’s outer layers, which is a more environmentally friendly use of the resource. Plus, it allows designers and manufacturers to use exotic and rare species of trees that would need to be more practical and affordable in solid form.
When choosing a wood veneer piece, look for the grain and figure. Precise details of the wood are unique; each has swirls, circles, and lines that give it character and add a one-of-a-kind appeal.
You can also tell if a piece is made of natural wood by its weight. Solid pieces tend to be heavier than their veneer counterparts. Check for carved details as well. If the carvings are very detailed, then it’s likely that the piece is carved from solid wood.
Durability
Wood veneer sheets are usually less durable than solid wood furniture. Since only the outer layer is natural wood, refinishing options may be limited, and some surfaces are more susceptible to water, heat, or sunlight damage.
However, many veneers are treated with protective materials to help resist moisture and other environmental factors. This can make them a more practical option for areas of high traffic or families with kids and pets.
The choice between solid wood and wood veneer is primarily based on the style of your furniture and how often it will be used. If you plan to resell the piece or move it frequently, solid wood might be a better choice as it’s more resistant to warping from heat and humidity. Alternatively, wood veneer might be the way to go if you want to create a clean, classic look emphasizing grain patterns. This also allows you to use exotic or rare species of wood that would be cost-prohibitive if purchased in solid form.
Appearance
The beauty of wood veneer is that it can be stained or painted to create the exact look you want. It is also very durable, so nicks and gouges can usually be repaired with some basic furniture repair kits.
Since wood is a natural material, no two pieces of solid wood will ever be identical. This makes for a beautiful, unique design that adds a unique flavor to your home.
When shopping for furniture, you can tell if it’s made of solid or veneer wood by weighing it. Solid wood is much heavier than veneer. You can also feel the grain, a swirly pattern of lines and circles typically raised on the surface. If you feel a smooth surface rather than the ridges and raisings, it’s veneer. You can also look for carved details, standard on solid wood pieces but only sometimes found on veneered furniture. You can also ask the salesperson, who should know exactly what type of wood your piece is.
Harper Harrison is a reporter for The Hear UP. Harper got an internship at the NPR and worked as a reporter and producer. harper has also worked as a reporter for the Medium. Harper covers health and science for The Hear UP.