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Veneer

Natural wood veneer is another common decorative surfacing material used in the lamination industry.

What is Veneer?

Veneers are available in a variety of wood species, both domestic and imported.

A modern wood vanity with a white countertop and rectangular sink, featuring a matching tall cabinet and a rectangular mirror mounted on a white wall.

Composite panels, like particleboard and MDF, are the preferred substrate for veneers due to their superior surface qualities of being flat, smooth, uniform, dense, and free of knots and grain patterns.

Their dimensional stability, strength properties, and cost advantages further increase the advantages of using these substrates.

How It's Made

Veneers are typically sliced between 1/25″ and 1/50″ (1.0 mm to 0.51 mm) and are available plain or with a paper or fleece backer that has varying degrees of flexibility. The backers provide stability and strength to the veneer and minimize splintering, cracking, and checking. Veneers can be overlaid with either heat-activated resins or cold-pressed.

The main resin used in hot press systems is a urea-based adhesive due to its ability to make the panel more rigid, have faster processing parameters, and lower cost base. Another hot press resin system that is increasingly used is a soy-based resin. Cold press systems typically use polyvinyl acetates, casein, and contact adhesives. These systems are used for smaller production quantities and may be less rigid than heat-activated resin systems.

Vaneer
Modern kitchen with wood-grain cabinets, grey upper cabinets, and a kitchen island with a white countertop.

Applications

Veneered composite panel constructions are used in many applications, including high-quality furniture, case goods, store fixtures, and cabinetry. Some veneers are used for profile wrapping, typically over MDF, for high-end millwork applications.

Design Sustainably

Find out what makes North American composite wood panels among the greenest building materials available.

Sustainability
A composite image showing an aerial view of a lake surrounded by forest fading into a modern kitchen interior with a stainless steel refrigerator and black pendant lighting.

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Browse our annual guide, which provides the most comprehensive product information about North American composite panels and decorative surfacing products, or use our product finder to locate a manufacturer perfect for your unique needs and applications.

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