1. Concept and Classification of Wood Veneer
Wood Veneer: Natural wood that is sliced into thin sheets, many of them with a thickness of about 0.6mm to under 3mm dependent on usage needs, few sheets being more than 3mm, which is equivalent to approximately 1/8 inch. A single natural wood tree, when sliced thin, will produce a large amount of Wood Veneer. The most common application of Wood Veneer is to form Plywood, one of the most popular materials used in furniture production today.
Wood veneer comes in various types, each with distinct characteristics. However, composite-wise, the veneer is differentiated into two kinds: face veneer and core veneer. Basically, in plywood manufacturing, there are two kinds of veneers: face veneer and core veneer. While both may serve different purposes from each other, they are both equally important parts in the making of a strong and handsome plywood panel. Here’s a detailed explanation of how face veneer differs from core veneer:
1.1. Face Veneer
Face veneer describes the thin layer of good-quality wood on the outside of a Plywood panel. It is the visible layer showcasing what the intended look and finish of the plywood is. Face Veneer is selected for its attractive grain patterns and color, overall good appearance. Appearance-grade hardwoods such as oak, maple, cherry, and mahogany are usually used to enhance the looks of plywood. Individuals manufacture and grade face veneer to make it have a smooth and defectless surface without such defects as knots, splits, or patches.
The main use of face veneer is to provide the plywood with an attractive, resistant, and finished surface. This is the visible part, and hence it assumes the general look of the finished product. Face veneer is important, especially in applications where people use the plywood, and also where critical appearances of the surface are necessary, such as in furniture, cabinetry, interior paneling, or decorative elements. Face veneer is thinner as compared to core veneer. It depends upon the desired appearance and particular application of the plywood. The thickness usually ranges from 0.3 mm to 2.5 mm for face veneers.
1.2. Core Veneer
Core veneer is the layer of wood between the face veneers in a plywood panel. The core veneer forms the inner structure and provides stability, strength, and rigidity to the plywood. Core veneer is generally sourced from poor-grade wood species or lesser quality hardwoods. The appearance is not as fine as that of the face veneer, but people do process it to obtain a somewhat decent surface. Knotholes, slight color variation, and other minor imperfections specific to core veneer do not affect the strength of plywood. Core veneer is an interior layer in plywood added for stability and holding the layers together. Core veneer provides resistance to warping and twisting or bending forces. Core veneer is of uniform thickness and intact structurally; it plays a significant role in the performance and service life of plywood.
Core veneer is thicker than face veneer and is used to create the inner layers of the plywood. Its thickness can vary depending on the plywood grade and the intended use of the panel. Core veneers are usually around 1.5 mm to 6 mm thick. Face veneer and core veneer play distinct roles in the construction of plywood. Face veneer focuses on the visual appeal and finishing of the plywood, while core veneer provides the structural strength and stability. Both types of veneers are vital for producing high-quality plywood panels that are aesthetically pleasing and durable.
2. What types of Wood Veneer are there?
It is impossible to count the number of veneer types on the market because the panels are made by thinly slicing different types of natural wood and then gluing them onto a veneer board. Each type of wood sliced and glued in this manner makes a different type of veneer.
After being manufactured and made into a product, Wood Veneer clearly shows the veneer layer, but it is impossible to tell what the core material is inside. Each type of core wood has different durability and water resistance properties.
Common types of wood used to make veneer include: Okoume, Bintango, Birch, Keruing face veneer, Eucalyptus, Acacia, and Styrax.
3. Manufacturing Process of Wood Veneer
Step 1 – Log Yard:
As soon as the tree log arrives from the forest, they are classified by species and kept under conditions of optimal humidity by spraying water or by soaking in water ponds. This is done to prevent the tree log from degrading which usually occurs as a result of drying.
Step 2 – Debarking:
The following stage involves debarking the tree log with precision and care to ensure that the bark is smoothly peeled off without causing any damage to the log.
Step 3 – Soaking of Logs:
The next step involves soaking the log to soften the fiber. It is necessary for uniform slicing. The logs are put into steamers and completely submerged at temperatures ranging from 80°C to 100°C for a period of 18 to 72 hours. For maximum efficiency, the tree log should be cut within an hour after soaking.
Step 4 – Cutting the Logs:
The key operation of how and where a tree log should be cut depends on the slicing method used to produce veneer. Each log, already identified, has its own barcode. This enables the various cuts to be identified any time. For peeling, the tree log will be cut in half or quarters. These logs are called peeler blocks or peeler billets.
Step 5 – Peeling:
Ensure that the veneer logs of the same tree are not separate tags corresponding to logs barcode are carefully attached and verified at each step. In this step, the tree logs are sliced to veneer sheets. There are distinct methods to slice a veneer from hardwood logs.
There are five methods to slice Wood Veneer: rotary peeling, flat slicing, quarter slicing, plain slicing, and half-round slicing. The production process for Veneer is as follows:
Rotary Peeling
Rotary Peeling is a process in the making of Wood Veneer whereby a log is rotated against a blade to effect the peeling of continuous thin sheets of veneer. It is, therefore, a very efficient and effective process that is relatively inexpensive considering the high yields realized from a single log. In the rotary peeling method, the veneer is peeled in long continuous sheets. There is continuity in the grain pattern, making this process acceptable for plywood and other wood manufactures whereby veneers with a consistent appearance are required. Besides, the rotary peeling process can be executed on a wide range of wood species, making it rather versatile. In all, rotary peeling has been one of those popular and effective methods considered in the production of high-quality veneer meant for different applications within the woodworking industry.
Flat Slicing
This involves slicing parallel to the growth rings; on the sheets of veneer, it shall show a straight grain pattern. The technique yields continuous and even veneers due to which it is apt for application on which a continuous, smooth, joint-free appearance is required. Wood can be flat-sliced in several grain patterns from straight to cathedral, furthering the versatility and visual aesthetic of the finished products. Besides that, the process of flat slicing does not result in much waste of the wood material; hence, it’s a very viable and highly environmentally friendly way of producing quality veneer for different kinds of woodworking projects.
Quarter Slicing
Another method used in the production of Wood Veneer is Quarter Slicing, whereby the log is cut into four quarters before slicing. Thus, the resultant veneer sheets have a straight grain pattern which runs at a right angle to the yearly growth rings of wood. Quarter Slicing gives a typical and consistent appearance to the veneer hence finding its application in expensive furniture and ornamental jobs. The special grain appearance provided by quarters slicing lends a touch of elegance and sophistication to the finished wood products, placing them in their league. Besides, in this process, one is able to make use of other species of wood for their unique characteristics and aesthetic value. In a nutshell, quarter slicing is a premium fashion of producing high-quality veneer that speaks of luxury and craftsmanship.
Plain Slicing
Plain Slicing is one such technique in the production of Wood Veneer, in which the log is sliced parallel to the growth rings. This provides a so-called cathedral grain pattern, created with a classic technique that has been a favorite for furniture and interior design ever since owing to its timeless appeal. It showcases natural variations and beauty, offering a range of grain patterns from straight to cathedral, adding elegance to woodworking projects. Overall, Plain Slicing highlights the wood’s natural beauty, making it a preferred choice for high-quality and visually stunning wood products.
Half-round Slicing
Half-round Slicing in Wood Veneer production creates unique grain patterns resembling a half-moon shape, adding elegance and sophistication to woodworking projects. It showcases natural beauty, making it a popular choice for high-end furniture and interior design. This method offers a creative and artistic approach, highlighting the beauty of wood species for visually appealing and durable wood products.
Step 6 – Drying:
The veneer sheets always remain in the natural order as they emerge such that all parts of the original log are kept together. One by one the slices of veneer carefully enter the dryer, where they are dried evenly within a few minutes. Air temperature of up to 320°F at high velocity is blasted on the surface. The veneer must be dried in such a way that it has at least 8-12% of moisture content.
Step 7 – Quality Check:
As veneer slices leave the dryer, they are again reassembled to reconstruct the log which never separates. The identification is subjected to several verifications. It involves examining and classifying the wood veneer. An expert carefully inspects each log to make sure customers receive quality veneers having strict standards.
Step 8 – Clipping:
It is the initial step in the splicing process. They are cut with clipper to obtain sheets that are even in length. A similar clipping or cutting process is performed to acquire sheets of a proper width. The quality of the veneer panel depends on the precision and angle of the cut. Panels are then headed to the glue machine, which bonds the edges of the veneer sheets.
Step 9 – Splicing:
Splicing carefully bonds veneer sheets to create a strong, durable, and visually appealing plywood panel. This meticulous technique enhances structural integrity and ensures a cohesive and uniform appearance for high-quality woodworking projects.
Step 10 – Packing:
The veneer sheets are finally measured, packed and labels are stuck with an indication of length, width, etc. Ready flitches are put into pallets. Each pallet is packed into protective polyethylene and is tightened with a packing tape. They are now ready to be transported.
4. Pros and Cons of Using Wood Veneer
4.1. Advantages of Wood Veneer
- High Aesthetic Appeal: The surface of Wood Veneer is covered with veneer sourced from natural wood, giving the finished products colors and grain patterns similar to natural wood. Wood Veneer also comes in a wide range of colors, meeting various usage needs.
- More Affordable than Natural Wood: The color and grain of walnut wood are beautiful, but its price is relatively high. Instead, customers can opt for walnut veneer furniture.
- Smooth, Shiny Surface: Veneer presents a smooth, shiny surface. This reduces chances of warping. Besides this, it stops termite attack.
- Customizable Patterns: Patterns can be adjusted, arranged, and patterned in various ways, such as cross-grain, horizontal, vertical, book-matched, reverse grain, among others, thereby creating a product with high aesthetic value.
- Versatile Applications: It is believed that one of the unique selling points of wood veneer is the ability to make a broad category of items and furniture with various values.
4.2. Disadvantages of Wood Veneer
- Limited Water Resistance: Since the core is made from industrial wood, Veneer has limited water resistance and is prone to damage or cracking. The application of Wood Veneer should be strictly in dry areas, where exposure to water is minimal. Examples include cabinets and kitchen shelves from daily products that should be well dried from time to time to avoid water particles and condensation sitting on the surface for some time and consequently producing mold.
- Susceptibility to Scratches: Veneer sheets are so thin that furniture made of veneer gets scratched while being put to work.
5. Applications of Wood Veneer
The application of Wood Veneer has a great number in everyday life. Having lots of colors, looking like natural wood, the veneer is widely used in furniture production: parquet flooring, cupboards, bookcases, and beds.
It is not only high in aesthetic value, but veneer is also preferred due to its durable, good quality, and moderate price. Veneer has wide applications in domestic and office furniture. This article will help customers have a better knowledge about the concept of veneer and its applications in daily life.
Are you looking to provide your customers with exquisite wood veneer options? With a wealth of experience in furniture manufacturing, HPC is able to provide a wide range of high-standard wooden furniture. Contact us today for more information and discover the perfect pieces for your customers!
