Definition of Wood Veneer

Wood veneer is a composite or very thin layer of high-quality wood that is usually laid over a less expensive piece of wood. Using a thin but high-quality piece of wood veneer laid over a less expensive framework for furniture enables a woodworker to save money and make more creative pieces of furniture. Wood veneer is peeled, sliced, or sawed from a piece of wood. Numerous kinds of grains are used as decorative veneers.

Burled Veneer

Burls are the most popular of all the wood veneers. The design is random, swirled, and circular with an elegant finish. Burls come from the knobby growths on the lower part of the tree and can be one of the most expensive veneers available.

Quilted Veneer

Quilted veneers have a patterned design similar to a stitched quilt and have a luminous iridescence with a repetitive quality.

Curly

Grains cross a vertical grain, creating a curly pattern. The finish can be uneven with a slight shimmer. Maples often provide a perfect sample of curly veneer.

Cathedral

Cathedral veneer is one of the most common and least expensive veneers. The pattern resembles the spires of a church steeple in a repetitive pattern.

Quartersawn

Quartersawn is most often an oak veneer that has a straight and narrow striped appearance. It can shimmer with flecks of lightness.

Birds' Eye

Birds' eye veneer features speckles of round spots, almost resembling a cheetah hide. This highly coveted finish is most often found in maple species.

Ambrosia

An ambrosia pattern is caused by a disease or insect infestation in a tree. Created as a natural response to protect the tree and help it heal, this pattern can create a very desirable and decorative wood veneer.

References

• Merriam Webster
• Wood Gallery
• Joe Wood Worker

Resources

• A source for wood veneers for sale.