Facts About Veneered Furniture

A veneer is created from a very thin layer of timber. In some cases, the veneer can be almost paper thin. Hardwood veneers are as thin as 1/64 of an inch, with most veneers are around 3mm thick which look like typing paper, it is almost transparent, and can never be sanded, refinished or significantly touched up if damaged. Modern furniture is often made from manufactured wood products such as MDF or plywood that has been covered with a thin veneer of natural timber. This layer has been glued in layers to make it light weight and strong.

Variations on the veneer is common and depends on where the tree is from and the climate conditions in that environment both affect the veneer’s structure and colour. All kinds of wood are used to create the veneer layer. Sometimes expensive, rare woods are used as a veneer on top of a cheaper wood. Typical base woods that are combined with veneers include Pine, Oak, Ash, Beech, Cherry, Larch, Maple, American Walnut, Teak, Fir and Wenge.

The resultant material can only be used for flat surfaces such as the tops, sides and bases of furniture. Trying to shape or cut veneered wood will damage the veneer. Furniture made out of veneered wood possesses the outward appearance of wood complete with the grain and smooth finish but it’s not actually solid wood.

Using veneered wood to make furniture does have a long history. The Ancient Egyptians were the first to pioneer this technique. They used it extensively to create furniture and sarcophagi. Over the centuries, veneering techniques have also led to the creation of very beautiful marquetry designs in which furniture has been inlaid with a variety of light and dark woods to form pictures or geometrical images.

Veneered wood combined with a solid wood base makes ideal furniture as it gives strength and beauty. This is the most sustainable and environmentally friendly way of enjoying beautiful rare woods such as ebony within the home. Decospan are one of the top companies creating high quality veneers using woods like Hemlock, Iroko, Lacewood and Zebrano to be made into furniture.

• Wipe up spills quickly
• Use a soft cloth and beeswax furniture polish to maintain a good shine
• Scratches need to be carefully refinished

• Looking underneath, behind and inside veneered furniture will show a different type of surface
• If you see a large panel that has a repeating grain pattern, it may be a veneer.
• Picking up the furniture and looking at the base will usually show a layered or thick cottonwool effect pattern indicating the presence of plywood or MDF timber.
• Veneered furniture will be lighter and much easier to move around
• Wood Identification Guide

Advantages of veneered furniture

Extensive range of colours and finishes Very beautiful Opportunity to have rare woods in your home High quality veneers are very stable and long lasting Uses solid wood as a base Creates new design possibilities

Disadvantages

Veneers may occasionally peel away. This mainly happens with poor quality veneers where the glue has lost its strength. Scratches and marks may be harder to remove due to the depth of the veneer and may need specialist attention

Veneered wood is very eco-friendly as it allows more economical use of timber, especially unusual or rare woods. Every scrap of veneer is used. Unlike solid wood, veneers cannot be carved or ornamented. Instead attention focuses on the grain and the sheer beauty of the veneer. Often veneers can provide a wider range of colours and textures than might otherwise be available. Solid wood combined with a pretty veneer can create an eye catching piece of furniture possessing style and timeless elegance. Ultimately it is up to you to decide just what you prefer and what would suit your home best.