While many consider wood veneers cheap alternatives, they are more common than you might think. Thanks to their affordable prices, eco-friendly properties, and versatile use, wood veneers are a fantastic way to add style to any property. This post offers a wood veneer definition, potential uses, and advice on how to maintain wood veneer. Read this complete wood veneer guide to find out more.

What is wood veneer?

Wood veneer refers to thin panels or slices of wood attached to other materials. The wood is usually 3mm thick or less, and woodworkers often use glue or adhesive to attach these slices to the core material. The core, base material beneath the veneer may include a different wooden material, fibre boards or particle boards.

What are wood veneer’s uses?

You can find wood veneer in many products, as its versatile shape makes it suitable for various purposes. For example, you can find wood veneer in:

• Doors
• Furniture
• Flooring
• Countertops
• Parquetry and marquetry
• Cabinets

Is wood veneer real wood?

It’s essential to recognise the different types of veneers and their respective qualities. For example, plywood offers a high-quality finish by using several wood veneer layers to form a solid lumber piece. However, faux wood veneers like laminate are cheaper and usually plastic-based, meaning they’re less hardwearing.

Wood veneers are an eco-friendly option for property owners looking to include wooden finishes in their interior design. As wood veneers require less wood to make furniture or flooring, they use fewer resources than solid hardwood. Additionally, compared to faux wood veneers, they avoid plastic-based substances, favouring natural, biodegradable materials. Why not check your wood veneer supplier for their sustainability practices?

Wood veneer care and maintenance

There are many factors to consider with wood veneer care and maintenance. We recommend using a slightly damp, lint-free cloth to remove dust and dirt when cleaning wood veers. Wipe with the wood’s grain and use a mild detergent suitable for wood to tackle tougher stains. Furniture polishes containing silicone or wax are not ideal for wood veneers, and they build up surface residue over time. Stick to non-abrasive, soft materials to keep your veneer clean.

Minimising exposure to sunlight, heat, and excessive moisture helps keep your wood veneers looking new. For example, UV light from the direct sun can fade the wood veneer’s natural colour, while direct heat can melt the glue, bonding the veneer to the core material. Should damage occur, check with your manufacture on the best repairs method for your item.

Can you put wood veneer over metal?

While putting a wood veneer over metal is possible, the process is longer and more challenging than other materials like plywood or particle boards. As metal is non-porous, the veneer’s adhesive will not create a strong bond with the metal base. So, woodworkers will need to add an extra layer of material between the metal and wood so that the veneer glue has something to adhere to if using metal as a base material.

Shop wood veneers with Woodbois

At Woodbois, we have a range of eco-friendly, high-quality wood veneers, ideal for homes and businesses alike. We use Cremona peeling machinery from Italy to create ultra-thin veneers between 0.5-10mm, specialising in Ilomba and Okoume veneers. Contact us today to find out more and place your wood veneer order.