Timber Veneer – Definition, Types, and Process of Manufacturing

Timber veneers are currently stealing the show when it comes to beautifying houses, offices, and other infrastructures. As one of the most decorative building materials, the demand for veneers for personal and commercial use is rapidly increasing. Timber veneer has been used in construction by builders and designers throughout history.

Continue reading to learn more about the definition, applications, and manufacturing process of timber veneers.

What is timber veneer?

Timber veneer is a popular building material that consists of thin slices of wood glued to wooden boards and fiberboard. It is one of the most sought-after decorative materials on the market, with a thickness ranging from 0.5 to 0.85 mm. The most commonly used veneers for interior and exterior projects are ash veneer, Tasmanian oak veneer, maple veneer, birch veneer, and spotted gum veneer. The price of veneers is affected by the type of wood used and the manufacturing process.

What makes timber veneer popular among builders and designers?

One of the main reasons timber veneer is popular among Australian builders and designers is that it is a natural and renewable source of energy. It also promotes sustainable development and is seen as a viable alternative to nonrenewable materials such as steel, plastic, and aluminum.

Another reason is that the production of veneer is economically advantageous. Wood can be used efficiently because a single cubic metre of the wooden log can result in 1000 square metres of timber veneer.

What are the different types of wood used?

Various types of woods are used for producing timber veneer. A few of them are as follows: 

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Anigre Veneer – Anigre is a hardwood native to Africa's tropical regions. Its colour is yellowish-brown or golden brown. Anigre, which is commonly used as veneer, is also used in boat building and other lighter construction.

Ash Veneer – Also called Fraxinus, this tree is found on many continents of the globe including Asia, Europe, and North America. Ash is a tough but elastic hardwood that is used as a veneer in office furniture and other products such as electric guitars and drum shells.

Birch Veneer – Birch veneer is made from a pale brown-coloured, thin-leaved hardwood tree. It has a uniform texture and is used to make plywood and veneer.

Spotted Gum Veneer – Spotted Gum veneer is made from Spotted Gum, an Australian hardwood. The tree can be found in almost every part of Australia and is extremely hardy. The thickness is approximately 18mm, and it is slightly greasy. Spotted Gum veneer is commonly used in the construction of boats, polo sticks, implement handles, and diving boards.

Tasmanian Oak Veneer - Tasmanian oak is a hardwood native to Tasmania, an island state in Australia. It has a slightly reddish brown colour and is used to make veneer. It also has a brilliant finish and can be used for paneling and flooring.

What is the process of manufacturing timber veneer?

Once you're familiar with the various types of wood used to make veneer, let's take a look at the manufacturing process. 

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The veneer is made from various types of logs, and the first step in the manufacturing process is to separate the logs into categories at the manufacturing unit. Following separation, the logs are soaked in water and stored in a humid environment.

Debarking is the second step in this process. Special care is taken when removing the barks to avoid causing damage to the logs.

The third step is called cooking. The debarked logs are cooked in the steamers where the temperature ranges between 80-100 degrees.

The process of cooking the logs lasts for 72 hours.

The time has come to cut the logs after the cooking. Veneer slicing machines are used to peel logs. For accurate shape, size, and thickness, each type of veneer requires its own machine.

After the cooking, it's time to cut the logs. Logs are peeled using veneer slicing machines. Each type of veneer requires its own machine for precise shape, size, and thickness.

Veneers are clipped and their edges are glued by putting them into glued machines.

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During splicing, the veneers bear the heat and pressure to ensure consistency.

In the last step, veneers are measured, labeled, and packed for getting delivered.

From where should one buy timber veneers?

Individually and professionally, timber veneers have a wide range of applications. To beautify the location of your choice, bring high-quality timber veneers from reputable manufacturers. Matilda Veneer stands out among market players because they provide durable and beautifully designed veneers that are used by architects, interior designers, project managers, and shop fitters all over the world. Birch Veneer, Ash Veneer, Tasmanian Oak Veneer, and Spotted Gum Veneer are all made from high-quality wood. Matilda Veneer offers Amoora veneer, Tasmanian Blackwood (Quarter), Butternut, Ash, Birch, and Cedar Red (Crown), among many other architectural veneers.