Wood veneers — thin slices of wood layered atop door panels, cabinets and other items to give them a wood grain — come in a wide range of types. They vary in color, grain, cut and cost. Choosing the right one for your needs can help you achieve your desired style and save you money in the long run.
Doors are perhaps the most prominent item that relies on veneers, and their appeal is directly tied to their appearance. In this article, we will walk you through each of the primary wood door veneer types and how to choose between them.
Why Choose Veneer Over Other Finishes?
Wood veneer is one of many different types of finishes. Other options include laminate, enamel and polypropylene. The unique benefits of wood veneer set it apart from these options, including:
Repairability: Wood veneers can be repaired if they are scratched or sustain minor damage. The finish just needs to be sanded, and then the paint and varnish get reapplied to make the veneer good as new. This process helps doors maintain a clean look for longer.
Uniqueness: No two wood veneers are an exact match. Even when they have the same cut and color, their grains will always be distinct. This makes each one more memorable and attractive to the eye.
A natural aesthetic: Wood veneer is reminiscent of the natural world from which it originates. It can make a space feel organic and welcoming, and the unique grain of each veneer enhances this sense.
These benefits make wood veneers a uniquely appealing finish option. If a space needs livening up, they are a perfect choice.
The Types of Wood Veneer
Wood veneers can be made from a range of different woods, but the veneers themselves fall into four main categories, each defined by a unique approach to the veneer creation process. Wood veneer finish types include:
Backed wood: The basic wood veneer is placed on a base with a backing material such as paper or phenolic. This process strengthens the veneer so it can easily bend without cracking. Only one side of it can face outward, however.
Raw wood: These veneers have no backing, so either side can face outward. When the finish is applied, one side is stretched, and the other is compressed. As a result, each side looks different from the other. Raw veneers are typically made from hardwood trees due to their durability.
Reconstituted wood: These wood veneers get their name from the fact that they are composed of multiple slices of wood. Pieces are laminated together to create a block, then thin slices are carved from the block to create the veneers.
Laid-up wood: This category refers to veneers that are created by layering thinner wood slices atop one another. This process takes time, but it can result in veneers with unique shapes and designs.
Wood-on-wood: Veneers in this category are backed with a second wood veneer. The grain of the wood backing moves in the opposite direction from the wood veneer itself.
Wood Veneer Cut Types
There are several different approaches to cutting the wood slices that will become wood veneers. The four main cut types are:
Flat cut: This cut involves placing a half log parallel to a slicer with the bark side facing down. The slicer carves straight across the face of the log, producing a thin sheet of wood with a curved grain with an appearance often referred to as a cathedral effect.
Quarter cut: The logs used in this type of cut are first divided into quarters. They are then placed with their grain running perpendicular to the slicer so they can be cut into veneers. Because of the log’s orientation, the veneers produced by this cut have straight, narrow stripes along their entire length.
Rotary cut: This cut is very different from the others, as it involves twisting a full log against the slicer and peeling away its layers like an onion. The grain pattern of these veneers tends to be very broad as a result.
Rift cut: As with the quarter cut, these veneers are produced using a quarter log as a base. The log is first attached to an adjustable plate. The angle of the plate and the slicer are then adjusted to cut diagonally across the log. This process produces a veneer with an extremely straight grain pattern, free of flake and the cathedral effect.
Wood Veneer Cost Considerations
The cost of wood veneers is deeply tied to their type, quality and thickness. While these costs will vary based on the supplier, there are three general tiers:
Most cost-effective: Veneers in this tier tend to be made with common woods, such as oak, birch or maple. Their grain patterns may be flaky, knotty or subject to the cathedral effect. You will also find thinner veneers in this category.
Mid-range: This is the tier of rarer woods like white oak and white maple. Grain patterns are more consistent, and veneers will be thicker and more durable.
Premium: This tier contains the highest-quality woods, such as mahogany, walnut and rosewood. These veneers are extremely durable without compromising on appearance. Grain patterns are highly consistent, with minimal knots, flakes and other imperfections.
Choosing the Right Wood Veneer Type for Your Project
The right wood veneer depends on your needs and budget, but some woods are better suited to particular environments than others.
High-traffic commercial projects, such as hospitals and schools, typically require more durable woods that are easy to replace if necessary. Maple, oak and birch are common choices for these environments.
In executive spaces, appearances are more important. Law firms and corporate offices tend to choose wood veneers that lend a sense of prestige, such as cherry, walnut and mahogany. Clean and consistent grain patterns are highly valued.
Those with a smaller project budget should consider woods that are functional at a lower price point. Some of the most common are birch and red oak, which are often used in apartment buildings and other basic commercial settings. Imperfections in the grain pattern are more acceptable here, as are thinner veneers overall.
Choose Manhattan Door Corporation as Your Commercial Veneer Door Slab Manufacturer
If you are trying to find the perfect veneer door slab for your clients, you need a partner you can trust. We at Manhattan Door work with veneers every day and have been doing so for decades. Our door slabs are available in a wide range of woods, colors and grain patterns. Our lead times are as low as two to three weeks, and we prioritize customizability so you get exactly what you are looking for. Whether you need one door slab or 1,000, we have got your back.
Order Wood Veneer Door Slabs for Your Project Today
When you partner with Manhattan Door, you partner with reliability, expertise and passion. We do it right. The first time. On time. Every time. To learn more about our door slab offerings, contact our wood door team or reach out at (718) 963-1111.
