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Best Types of Veneered Wood for Your Interior Design

Veneered wood is an incredibly popular material used in modern interior design, celebrated for its versatility, aesthetic appeal, and affordability. Homeowners and designers can use veneered wood to achieve the luxurious look of solid wood without the associated expense.

Whether you're updating your home's interior or crafting bespoke furniture, choosing the right veneered wood for your project is an important step. Different types of veneer wood come with unique characteristics, making them suitable for various applications.

In this guide, we'll explore the best types of veneered wood for interiors, helping you to select the right choice for your next project.

What is Veneer Wood?

Veneered wood is crafted by applying a thin layer of real wood over a more affordable substrate, offering the same rich texture and appearance as solid wood. The manufacturing process of veneer wood involves slicing logs into thin sheets, which are then glued onto the substrate, which is usually made from MDF, plywood, or particleboard.

Benefits of Using Veneer Wood in Furniture and Interiors

Veneer wood offers numerous advantages, making it a popular choice for furniture and interior design.

Aesthetic Appeal

Veneer wood provides the natural beauty and warmth of solid wood, enhancing the visual appeal of any space.

Cost-Effectiveness

Veneer wood is cheaper than solid wood, making it an affordable choice for high-quality furniture and interiors.

Environmental Sustainability

Using veneer wood helps conserve precious hardwood resources, as it uses less wood than solid wood furniture.

Strength and Stability

Veneer wood combined with engineered substrates offers superior strength and resistance to warping and splitting.

Best Wood Veneer Types for Interiors

Oak Veneer

Oak veneer is one of the most popular wood veneers, known for its versatility and rich appearance. The heartwood colour ranges from light brown yellow to brown, while the sapwood is lighter and clearly separated. The grain is thick and straight, with prominent growth rings that add to its visual appeal.

Oak veneer is widely used in various interior applications, including furniture, cabinetry, and wall panels. Its robust and classic look makes it suitable for both traditional and contemporary designs.

Ash Veneer

Ash veneer is highly decorative, featuring a colour palette that ranges from white pearled to rose. Its grain texture is often striped or patterned, giving it a distinctive and expressive look.

Ash veneer is perfect for creating statement pieces in interiors, such as feature walls, custom furniture, and decorative panels. Its striking appearance enhances modern and eclectic designs.

Walnut Veneer

Walnut veneer has a rich colour range from greyish to brownish-black, with a well-defined growth pattern and a smooth texture. It exudes a sense of class and sophistication, making it a favourite in high-end interiors.

Walnut veneer is commonly used in luxury furniture, cabinetry, and panelling. Its elegant appearance is ideal for creating refined and timeless interiors.

Sapele Veneer

Sapele veneer is part of the mahogany family, known for its even colour and grain. It often features a curly or mottled figure with a wild "razor" pattern, making it visually stunning and unique.

Sapele veneer is excellent for adding an exotic touch to interiors. It's often used in furniture, musical instruments, and decorative panels, complementing darker woods like walnut.

Cherry Veneer

Cherry veneer is sourced from North America and features colours ranging from orange/reddish to reddish-brown. It sometimes contains black deposits and small pin knots, adding character. Cherry veneer darkens with exposure to light, developing a warm, mellow tone.

Cherry veneer is popular in cabinetry, fine furniture, and panelling. Its warm hues and distinctive grain make it ideal for traditional and rustic interiors.

Maple Veneer

Maple veneer typically ranges from creamy white to light yellow with a pink tinge, ageing to a deep pale gold. It has a smooth texture and tight uniform grain, making it strong and easy to work with.

Maple veneer is often used in cabinetry, flooring, and furniture. Its light colour and smooth texture are perfect for contemporary and minimalist designs.

Beech Veneer

Beech veneer ranges from pale pink to creamy reddish-brown. Known for its fine silky texture and tight uniform grain, beech includes small silvery pith rays that give it a slightly lustrous sheen.

Beech veneer is commonly used in furniture, cabinetry, and flooring. Its subtle colour and smooth texture are ideal for modern and Scandinavian-style interiors.

Choosing the Best Wood Veneer for Your Needs

When choosing the best wood veneer for your needs, several factors come into play:

Colour

The colour of the veneer should complement the overall colour scheme of the space. Lighter veneers like maple and ash brighten up a room, while darker options like walnut and sapele add warmth and sophistication.

Grain

The grain pattern of the veneer affects the visual texture of the furniture. Straight grains offer a sleek, modern look, while wavy or curly grains add a touch of elegance and complexity.

Texture

The surface texture, whether smooth or textured, can influence the tactile feel and visual appeal of the veneer.

Durability

Consider the durability of the veneer, especially for high-traffic areas or frequently used furniture. Harder woods like oak and maple are more resistant to wear and tear.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Veneered Wood

Poor Quality Veneer

Using low-quality veneer can result in a less attractive and less durable product. Poor quality veneers may peel, crack, or discolour over time.

To identify high-quality veneer, look for uniform thickness, consistent colour, and a smooth surface. Reputable suppliers such as Cutsmart will provide information about the veneer’s grade and origin.

Improper Maintenance

Improper maintenance can shorten the lifespan of veneered wood furniture. Common mistakes include using harsh chemicals, excessive water, or abrasive cleaning tools.

Always use gentle cleaning solutions, avoid soaking the veneer, and use soft cloths for dusting and cleaning. Regularly inspect the furniture for any signs of damage and address issues promptly to prevent further deterioration.

Veneered Wood FAQs

What is veneer wood used for?

Veneer wood is used for a variety of applications, including furniture, cabinetry, wall panelling, and decorative items. It provides the look of solid wood while being more economical and environmentally friendly.

What are the different types of veneer wood?

Different types of veneer wood include natural veneer, engineered veneer, and various cuts such as rotary cut, plain sliced, quarter sliced, and rift cut. Each type offers unique characteristics and visual effects.

How is wood veneer made?

Wood veneer is made by slicing thin sheets of wood from logs. These sheets are then bonded to a substrate, such as MDF or plywood, to create a strong and visually appealing surface.

What is the best type of wood veneer for furniture?

The best type of wood veneer for furniture depends on the desired look, durability, and application. Popular options include oak, walnut, cherry, and maple, each offering unique aesthetic and functional benefits.

What are the advantages of wood veneer over solid wood?

Wood veneer offers several advantages over solid wood, including cost-effectiveness, environmental sustainability, and greater design flexibility. It allows for the use of rare wood species and provides a stable, durable surface.