Wood Veneer Thickness
When you are shopping around looking for wood veneers, one question you may find initially difficult to answer is how thick should wood veneers be? Aesthetics and quality of wood tend to be the first things people think about when choosing a veneer, but its thickness is also something that should be considered. Here we talk more about wood veneer thickness to help you make the right choice for your project.
How thick should wood veneers be?
Due to the wide range of veneers that are available today and the many manufacturers that rely on them for the production of their furniture, it is hard to pinpoint an exact standard thickness for wood veneers.
The species of wood influences how thick it can be, as do production costs and sometimes customer preferences on more custom-made items. Different countries and regions across the world also tend to use varying veneer thickness, for example, 0.20mm thick veneers are imported to some parts of Japan, while 2.4mm thick veneers are utilised by boat building companies.
When it comes to manufactured furniture, in general terms, economy furniture will lean towards thinner veneers to keep retail prices low, while more expensive pieces will factor in higher costs which allows for thicker veneers to be included.
A reliable ‘standard’ you can always depend on for most home projects are veneers with a thickness of 0.6mm, as this provides good quality and stability against changing temperatures. Thicker, constructional wood veneers tend to range between 1.5mm to 2.5mm, as they are made to the high standard needed to protect against wear and tear.
If you are starting work on an interior design project at home, it’s advisable to always check the product description of the veneer you have in mind to see how thick the veneer is and if it is suitable. Be sure to double your calculation to account for the top and bottom veneers, and factor this into the other elements of the job you have planned.
Can wood veneer thickness change over time?
Like any other type of wood, veneers can be affected by their immediate environment. When we see the finished veneer product nicely packaged and ready to install, it’s easy to forget the journey it has gone on to get there.
Starting life as a tree log, the wood is not exposed to central heating and the very fast changes in humidity it will be exposed to much further down the line, especially in interior environments. Once installed, a veneer can sometimes be affected by heat and moisture, causing it to expand or contract.
In most instances the change will be too small to make any noticeable difference. But if the veneer is left exposed to excessive amounts of moisture or heat, it could warp and change shape. For this reason, it is advisable not to place wood items too near or directly facing radiant heat sources for extended periods. It is also a good idea to apply a finish to the veneer to increase protection levels and lifespan, while also increasing its aesthetic appeal.
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