How to Put Veneer on Plywood

A sharp utility knife is good for cutting veneer.

Hardwood veneers are a great way to create an expensive look on inexpensive furniture. Plywood furniture can be rugged and well designed, but it lacks the rich, warm texture of hardwood grain. Adding veneer to plywood creates the look of a solid piece of furniture for a fraction of the cost. Because you will be working with contact cement, be sure to choose a work area that is well ventilated and wear a filter mask that is rated for fumes as well as particles.

Things You'll Need

• Plywood
• Sander
• Tape measure
• Hardwood veneer
• Utility knife
• Sharp chisel
• Contact cement
• Rag
• Lacquer thinner

Instructions

Prepping the Veneer

1. Clean the surface of the plywood thoroughly to remove dust and grease. If there is a finish on the plywood, use a power sander to sand down the gloss to help the cement adhere properly.

2. Measure the plywood piece you want to cover with veneer. You will need width and length measurements.

3. Cut your veneer 1/4 inch larger than the face to be covered on all sides. Use a utility knife and a straight edge to get good clean lines.

4. Lay your cut veneer over the surface you wish to cover. Be sure that the veneer overlaps along all edges.

Gluing the Veneer Down

1. Roll a coat of contact cement onto the plywood. Use a medium-nap, small paint roller for best results. Be sure to cover the entire surface and avoid thick spots in the cement. Contact cement can be purchased at your local home improvement center.

2. Lay the veneer-wood side down on a level surface. Roll a coat of contact cement over the entire surface of the veneer backing.

3. Allow the cement to dry until it is completely dry to the touch. Do not attempt to set cement that is tacky or has moisture on its surface.

4. Lay 1/4-inch wood dowels across the surface of the plywood on top of the contact cement, about every 12 inches starting from one edge.

5. Position the veneer, glue side down, on top of the dowels. Remove the first dowel and press the veneer into place, smoothing it with a well-sanded woodblock as you go.

   Remove the remaining dowels one at a time, pressing the veneer down, until the all dowels are removed and the veneer is completely in place.

Finishing Touches

1. Roll over the veneer firmly with a J roller or rolling pin to press out any bubbles in the cement or voids in the veneer.

2. Trim the edge of the veneer with a sharp chisel or utility knife blade by pressing down through the veneer against the edge of the plywood.

3. Use a rag dampened in lacquer thinner to remove any excess glue along the edge and sand the edge smooth before adding finish or stain.

Tips & Warnings

• Keep contact cement and lacquer thinner away from open flames and ignition sources.

References

• "The Encyclopedia of Wood Working Techniques"; Jeremy Broun; Running Press; 1993
• Oakwood Veneer: Helpful Hints for Applying Veneer with Contact Cement
• Oakwood Veneer: Veneer Installation Reminders