Veneer Board
There are several types of veneer boards available, with each type serving a different purpose.
Raw — this veneer can be used with either side facing up; it has no backing. However, the two sides will appear different after applying the finish.
Paperbacked — like their name suggests these veneers have a paper backing. It is available in large sizes, making it ideal for users who don’t wish to join raw veneers.
Laid up — consists of raw veneers that have been joined together to make larger pieces. The process is time-consuming, but you can order already laid-up veneers from some companies.
Phenolic backed — commonly used for composite or artificial wood veneers. Available in sheets that don’t crack when used on curves.
Reconstituted veneers — made from raw veneers – the veneer is cut from a log, dyed and laminated together to form a block. The block is sliced such that its edges form the grain of the reconstituted veneer.
Wood on wood — this is a two-ply veneer that contains a wood backer applied on the opposing direction of the face veneer.
Advantages of Using Veneers
- Compared to wood, veneers are more stable. Veneers consist of thin layers of wood glued together. They are less likely to warp, crack, or split like solid wood.
- Certain projects constructed using veneers would be impossible to construct using wood, given the contraction and expansion that occurs due to temperature and humidity fluctuations.
- Veneers are more sustainable and readily available than solid wood.