The What & Why of Veneer
This is basic information about Veneer that could be useful to you in time of need … now or perhaps sometime in the future.
What exactly is Veneer:
Veneer is an alternative to solid wood furniture. In woodworking, it refers to thin slices of wood, usually thinner than 3 mm (1/8 inch), that typically are glued onto core panels (typically, wood, particle board or medium-density fiberboard) to produce flat panels such as doors, tops and panels for cabinets, parquet floors and parts of furniture.
Types:
Raw Veneer
Raw veneer is veneer that is sliced or rotary cut then dried, bundled and sold as a full flitch or individual “leaves” of veneer.
Paper-backed Veneer
Paperbacked veneer is a real wood veneer permanently bonded to a paper backing.
Phenolic-backed veneer
A phenolic back is basically a plastic resin that backs a sheet of wood veneer.
Various uses:
Masonry – veneer is a layer of bricks used to cover the surface of a wall, but which does not add any additional strength to the structure. It is used to make a building or wall more visually appealing without interfering with the structural integrity.
Stonework – Stone or brick veneer is used in many different construction applications, although most commonly to build homes. It is created by pouring a light concrete mixture into stone-shaped molds and allowing it to harden. The end result is a faux stone that can be applied to buildings and walls for decorative purposes. As in masonry, this covering does not bear the load of the wall or increase the strength of the structure to which it has been applied.
Other End Uses of Veneer
• Cabinet interiors and exteriors
• Desk and Table tops
• Kitchen tops
• Doors
• Draws
• Furniture
• Shelves
• Wall Paneling
Yes…it can and is used for all the above. Still need more reason?
Ok, then here’s the WHY!
Why Veneer:
Veneer furniture is often cheaper. It is easily available for smaller budgets, specifically first time homeowners. Convenient, right?
Due to the fact that it is manufactured instead of being harvested like solid-wood, veneers can be designed to give the appearance of a wider variety of wood finishes.
You can often find pieces that have been made to look like a more exotic species of wood that may not be available in many solid wood collections.
Veneer also can provide a more uniform finish and be easier to match to when adding pieces to a previously decorated room. For all the room décor aficionados, this should be encouraging.
So, all-in-all, this is really great substitute for the regular woodwork, provided you take care of what material you are using to put underneath the veneer.
Great, you are now, almost, an expert on Veneer. Go out and show off your knowledge!
P.S:
Dentistry usage!
Ya…you’ve probably already heard about this…or may be not…but this is also a use!
Veneer, here, refers to a thin layer of material that is placed over the surface of a tooth. This is done in order to improve the appearance of the tooth, or to protect its surface from damage.