What is wood veneer?

Wood veneer has been used in furniture making for thousands of years and was relied upon by civilisations dating back as far as the ancient Egyptians. Today, it is used by manufacturers all over the world to make high quality furniture and is available in a variety of styles and colours. But what is wood veneer and what are the benefits of choosing it over solid wood? We explain that and much more in this article.

 What is wood veneer?

Wood veneers are thin layers of wood that have been sliced from a felled tree, before being glued together to form a solid and durable surface that can be used in a variety of ways. Special techniques are used to cut the veneer to present the best qualities of the wood, emphasising the grain patterns, natural colour and individual character marks. Wood veneer is a cost-effective and environmentally friendly alternative to solid wood and is a fantastic option for furniture and wood panelling at home.

What can wood veneer be used for?

Wood veneers are typically used for:

Interior architectural projects are a perfect fit for wood veneer products, and wall panelling is frequently used in both domestic and commercial environments as a cost-effective way of transforming the aesthetics of the space.

Wood veneers are used as an alternative to solid wood as costs are lower, which can be passed onto the consumer. Veneers are used to make things such as bookcases, cupboards, built-in cabinets and a wide range of storage cabinetry.

Wood veneers are more stable than solid wood as they are far less likely to show drastic reactions to changing temperature levels, and where weight is an issue (in ship making, for example), they also provide a strong alternative. 

How does wood veneer compare to solid wood?

In some instances, you may be unsure whether to buy wood veneer furniture or solid wood furniture There are pros and cons for each option which we explain in more detail below:

Wood veneer

Advantages

Wood veneer is a better option for the environment as more can be made from the wood because it is sliced into sheets during processing. As a result, less trees are felled to produce furniture and home decorations. Wood veneer also offers a variety of design options due to it being much thinner than solid wood, which allows it to be manipulated in many more ways. Another plus is that good quality wood veneer is stable once it has been glued to a substrate, which significantly reduces the likelihood of splitting or warping.

Disadvantages

There may be instances where wood veneer peels or blisters if it has not been treated with enough care. However, this can be prevented by lightly cleaning the veneers on a semi-regular basis and also adding a finish to the wood, so it is protected against heat, water, dirt and dust.

Solid wood

Advantages

Solid wood is a popular choice for many homes and when treated well stands up to the scrutiny of everyday wear and tear, such as watermarks, stains and scratches. Solid wood is easy to keep clean and only requires a light sanding down to remove most blemishes.

Disadvantages

One of the main things to be aware of with solid wood is that it can sometimes split. This tends to happen when overexposed to high temperatures or excessive amounts of water or moisture in the air. While you can use oil and wax finishes to add a protective coating, this does require more maintenance and effort over time. Solid wood also responds more to the surrounding atmospheric conditions, so it can expand or contract in hot or cold settings which leads to warping, bending and the misshaping of the furniture.

 Is wood veneer more eco-friendly than solid wood?

In short, yes, wood veneer is an eco-friendlier option compared to solid wood. Reduced waste is one of the main environmental benefits, as wood veneer is made from thinly sliced layers of the tree, compared to solid wood which is sawn from a log. This allows for maximum yield from the tree and much less waste compared to solid wood. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) also say that veneers make better use of raw material, as a single tree can produce thousands of square metres of wood surface.

You should always try to source wood veneer from managed forests, as some hardwood and softwood species are rare, so if you want a distinctive look like those seen on ash and cherry, or oak and maple trees, they can usually be sourced from manufacturers who use veneer from managed forests. This is a more sustainable choice and much kinder to the environment, while still giving you the finish you prefer.

 Is wood veneer more eco-friendly than solid wood?

In short, yes, wood veneer is an eco-friendlier option compared to solid wood. Reduced waste is one of the main environmental benefits, as wood veneer is made from thinly sliced layers of the tree, compared to solid wood which is sawn from a log. This allows for maximum yield from the tree and much less waste compared to solid wood. The Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) also say that veneers make better use of raw material, as a single tree can produce thousands of square metres of wood surface.

You should always try to source wood veneer from managed forests, as some hardwood and softwood species are rare, so if you want a distinctive look like those seen on ash and cherry, or oak and maple trees, they can usually be sourced from manufacturers who use veneer from managed forests. This is a more sustainable choice and much kinder to the environment, while still giving you the finish you prefer.

Wood veneer care and maintenance

A little TLC can go a long way to making your wood veneer last longer. The great thing about veneers is that once installed they can usually be left to their own devices apart from a light clean from time to time.

How to clean wood veneer

When it comes to cleaning wood veneer, try to use a damp, soft lint-free cloth for the surface. Avoid wiping against the grain as this would distress the wood and help to keep the surface smooth and manageable. If you need to remove marks left by food or drink, you can use a bit of washing-up liquid to wipe them away.

Try to include your wood veneers in your dusting routine, as this will keep the wood looking fresh and vibrant. Avoid using a furniture polish that contains silicone or wax, as this can affect the appearance over time. For example, wax builds up to cloud the surface, while silicone leaves a white residue behind that is easily noticeable. In general terms, avoid using any type of abrasive cleaner on your veneer to ensure the surface remains in good condition. 

 Wood veneer maintenance

It’s quite natural that over time your wood veneer can start to show signs of wear and tear as it is exposed to everyday activities around your home. The good news is that there is usually something you can do if you need to restore or protect your veneer, most of which can be done without spending much money.  

Wood veneer marks and scratches

You can use a high-quality furniture polish to gloss over lighter scratches and marks. All you need to do is add the polish to a soft cloth and gently rub it into the affected area until you can no longer see it. For wood veneer that has deeper scratches, you should be able to find furniture repair kits that can colour and fill in these areas. Before using the spray, make sure to read the instructions and test it on a small area to make sure it works as you need it to.

Wood veneer and sun damage

Like almost any item you leave exposed to direct sunlight for too long, wood veneer can start to fade and lose its colour and vibrancy. This is where care should be taken about where you position and install your veneers to ensure they last for longer. The solution is relatively easy, as you simply need to avoid putting them in front of windows or areas that expose them to direct sunlight. If the layout or design of your room makes this difficult, you can protect the veneer with curtains, blinds or even UV screens.

Wood veneer and moisture damage

There’s a good chance that your wood veneer may have to deal with liquid spillages the longer it is exposed to the routines of your home. When this happens be sure to wipe it away as quickly as possible, as if left on the veneer it can easily seep into the wood and eventually loosen the glue that is being used to attach it to the surface. Depending on the type of liquid spilled, it can also discolour and stain the wood permanently.

When wiping up the liquid, use a paper towel or clean dishcloth, as sponges will only spread the liquid further across the surface. When it comes to wood veneer furniture, using coasters is a good way to avoid the appearance of water rings underneath cups and glasses. The same applies for food, with use of coasters and mats helping to lower the risk of damage.

Wood veneers and heat damage

While wood veneer is generally more stable in hot and cold environments compared to solid wood, there are still some scenarios where care should be taken with heat. For example, too much exposure to heat or steam from hot plates can loosen the glue underneath the veneer. This is another good reason to use coasters and placemats at mealtimes. You should also take care not to move dishes and plates directly from a microwave onto a wooden veneer surface as this can also create some damage that is hard to repair.