A Beginner’s Guide to Selecting Veneer for A Home

Veneer selection is an intense task for manifold reasons. It is a premium material that exudes warmth, comfort, and happiness. A veneer is an actual slice of wood that is glued to a base sheet made of plywood, MDF, and particleboard. They are thin sheets of less than 3mm dimension that provide an authentic wood-like feel. What makes veneer unique is that no two sheets can be the same. The grains, colors, textures, and patterns would differ from tree to tree. Hence, veneers are more desirable than most surface finishes for interiors. If you are confused about making the right veneer choices for your home, this article is where your research ends. Keep reading to know everything that matters during veneer selection.

How to Select the Right Veneer

Source: Decowood Veneers

Every selection process needs to begin with a list. Note down all your aesthetic and functional surface finish requirements. Once you know what it is that you want the surface to convey, you will be in a better position to make the veneer selection for yourself. 

Tree of Origin

The most commonly used veneers in India are sourced from cherry, maple, white ash, teak, mahogany, ash, oak, and eucalyptus trees. Every tree has its own uniqueness and offers different thicknesses and growth rings that are influenced by the terrain in which the tree grows. The durability of veneer is directly impacted by the tree thickness which makes bulky trees more desirable for cutting veneers. 

Veneer Cut

Veneers are available in the market as sheets and find applications as wall paneling, cabinet, door, and countertop finishes. Veneers are cut at various angles and it is important to define your design and pattern requirements to make the appropriate choice. 

Color and Pattern

When it comes to veneers, there are endless color and texture variations available in the market. Buy veneers that provide you with the right contrast you need. Match the veneer shades with your furniture color and wall paint so that you don’t end up with the wrong veneer sheet.

Treatment

Research about the kind of treatment that has been given to the veneer. It will impact the durability, appearance, and grains of the veneer and make it stand out from the rest of the crowd.

Cost 

Veneers are comparatively more expensive than laminates and MDF finishes. This is because they are availed from a natural material which makes them a high-end product. However, the quality of look and feel offered by veneers is worth the investment. 

Maintenance

Veneers are high-maintenance because they require polishing at regular intervals. Do not use wax-based products to coat the veneer. Limit its exposure to sunlight to avoid disfiguration of the colors and grains.

Final Word

Veneers are the most versatile surface finish available in the market. They add character to a surface, making them a significant part of the interior design detail. During veneer selection, make sure you are well-researched about the manufacturing brands, trendsetters, and innovators in the industry.