The in's and out's of Timber Veneer Specification

Timber Veneer is super thin timber that is cut 3mm or less (sometimes down to 0.3mm) and used to cover either particle board or MDF to give the surface a wood grain appearance (deceptively beautiful). Timber veneer is also used to make plywood as it is glued in layers to make it both lightweight and strong.

Timber veneer is fairly easy to bond to manufactured fibreboards, panels and flooring as long as the surface is relatively flat and a good adhesive is used such as PVA glue. It is mainly used internally unless it is made into plywood with a Marine Bond which is suitable for semi-external applications such as soffits, outside ceilings or undercover areas.

Pre-finished veneer is real wood veneer that comes in a ready to use laminate form. The face of the pre-finished boards is finished with a clear coating, or a UV cured film, melamine film or acrylic polyurethane. There is a variety of films that the veneer can be finished with, each react to scratches, fading moisture and yellowing in a different way. Most timber veneers, once pressed will require a finish over the top to protect it.

Why should I use Timber Veneer?

• Better sound insulation
• Much better colour permanence
• Increases the strength of wood products making them very durable and hardy
• It is a natural product with great aesthetic, eco-friendly and 100% recyclable
• Non-toxic, as green as they come
• Flexibility - you can bend it, curve it, make it go around things
• A very stable product (if used on a substrate) for kitchen cabinetry, drawers, and anything built-in or panelled (not plywood) as solid timber will bow in different environments.

Fun fact!

Wood veneers have been used in furniture-making and millwork techniques for over 200 years.

Specification of Timber Veneer

Select the species and understand the veneer's natural characteristics (ie. colour, natural figure and the natural characteristics that occur)

Select the cut as timber veneer can be produced by slicing or peeling. Logs can be flitched to produce quarter cut (generally straight grain) or crown cut veneer. Rotary logs produce a swirl pattern.

Quantity needs to be considered, whether it is in supply for a start. Is there enough of it around to supply the job, how it needs to be prepared to deliver what effect it is you want to achieve.

Select your substrate as veneer is generally pressed onto particleboard, MDF or plywood. You need to consider what is available as well as timing is crucial.

Dimensions need to be specified whether you want an imperial 2440x1220 sized board, the standard 2400x1200 or an oversized 3000x1250 etc. Every project has a size of board it requires and available may be an issue if there is not a lot of both the veneer and board around.

Cost is important as well. There are different costs associated with different timber veneer species.

Timber veneer vs Laminate

While timber veneer consists of a fine surface layer of real wood and a base with a different less expensive substrate, laminate is a decorative surface that is not real wood, but has a wood appearance. It is often made from plastic or paper and bonded to the composite base.

Stack Panel products

At Stack Panel, we can use 100% timber veneer such as Western Red Cedar to match the other timber lining products you may be using in your projects, making all panels match seamlessly. Ask us for a sample today of our pre-finished, ready to install plywood or Timber Veneered panels for your next design. Get creative and customise your own look if you don't see what you want on our site. Our Timber Veneer on MDF or Particle board products are also 100% Australian Made and Certified.

For sample requests or quotes, please contact us:

[email protected] | 02 9997 5196 |stackpanel.com.au