A veneer is a thin slice of wood glued to a base board such as plywood or MDF. It gives the grain and character of real timber without the cost and weight of using solid planks. It is widely used on wardrobes, doors, wall panels, and furniture where a natural finish is wanted.
Natural and engineered
Natural veneers are sliced from a log, so each lot has its own grain and shade. Engineered or reconstituted veneers are made to reproduce a consistent look across many sheets. If you need an exact repeat colour across a big project, ask about that early. We do not list species or specifications here; availability changes, so ask us what is currently on offer.
Working with veneer
- Base board: a flat, smooth plywood or MDF face. Veneer shows every flaw underneath.
- Matching: keep adjoining doors from the same lot so that the grain flows across them.
- Finish: veneer is usually polished or lacquered, which adds to the cost and time.
- Sunlight: natural veneer can change colour over time in strong light.
Veneer or laminate?
If you want a consistent wood look with minimal care, a wood finish laminate may suit better. If you want real grain and are happy to polish and maintain it, veneer is the answer. Many projects use both: veneer on feature panels, laminate on the rest.
Related
Ask about the base: interior plywood and furniture plywood. For feature walls, see wooden panels.