Wood veneers are highly aesthetic and complex components of woodwork, and when executed to a high standard can really help to establish a woodworker’s reputation for quality.
Wood veneers can be used on floors, walls, ceilings, furniture, casework, and more to project a sense of opulence and fine craftsmanship. Let’s take a closer look at some of the common applications of wood veneer.
About Wood Veneers
Wood veneers are thin layers of wood cut from solid lumber. The finest aesthetics of the wood are emphasized, like the grain patterns, character marks, and natural color or discoloration patterns.
Wood veneers are a cost-effective and environmentally-friendly alternative to solid wood and mean you can be aesthetically flexible as there is such a wide range of wood grain patterns to choose from.
You can also choose from different types of wood.
The 3 Most Common Applications of Wood Veneer and Why
Wood veneers are used by interior decorators and architects as decorative components in their designs and require professional woodworkers with a high level of craftsmanship to fabricate and install the work.
Applying wood veneer is so complex that common industry standards such as the Architectural Woodwork Standards help ensure the work is not only produced to a high standard, but that all parties – architects, woodworkers, and general contractors – are on the same page. Communication is made easier and more precise, while quality is also assured.
The three most common applications of wood veneers are:
- Commercial environment applications – this includes interior architectural projects for buildings such as hotels, office lobbies, reception areas, board rooms, and elevators where wall paneling is heavily used. Cruise ship interiors are also included in this category.
- Casework – wood veneers are used as an alternative to solid wood to reduce costs and carbon footprint. It is a good way of maximizing natural resources in a sustainable manner.
- As an aesthetic cover for medium density fiberboard (MDF) or industry-grade particleboard – as a cost-effective alternative to solid wood, wood veneers are used to cover MDF or industrial grade particleboard to create the illusion of solid wood and make the final product more robust.
When is it best to use Wood Veneer Rather than Solid Wood in these Three Applications?
- When you need a cost effective and more stable option – applying wood veneers can be the best option if you want to reduce the cost while providing similar aesthetic value. Of course, your client needs to agree that veneers are a better option than solid wood, particularly for decorative projects like wall paneling.
- When weight is an issue, for example in a boat or yacht interior – when working on the interior architecture of a ship or yacht, using wood veneers rather than solid wood is ideal. It is not just a matter of cost-effectiveness, but using veneers helps to reduce the weight of the boat.
Find out more in our comprehensive guide to wood veneers.
