What Are Some Other Types of Wood Veneers?

Beyond the specific wood species (like oak, maple, or walnut), veneers are categorized in several other ways, primarily based on how they are cut from the log and how they are treated or backed. These factors dramatically influence the veneer's appearance and its practical use.

1. By Cutting Method 

The way a log is sliced into veneer sheets determines the grain pattern.

• Rotary Cut: The log is "peeled" on a large lathe, much like unrolling a paper towel. This method produces a continuous sheet with a very broad, non-repeating grain pattern, often with concentric growth rings. It's the most common and economical cut, typically used for the inner layers of plywood.

  
  

• Plain Sliced (Flat Cut): The log is sliced straight through its length. This is the most common cut for decorative veneers, as it produces the classic "cathedral" grain pattern with a prominent, repeating arch shape.

  
  

• Quarter Sliced: The log is sliced into quarters, then each quarter is sliced perpendicular to the growth rings. This method yields a straight, linear grain pattern, often with "ray fleck" or "flaky" markings in woods like oak.

  
  

• Rift Cut: The log is cut at a slight angle (usually 15 degrees) to the growth rings. This cut produces a very straight, fine-grain pattern, which is especially popular for oak because it minimizes the ray fleck.

  
  

2. By Wood Figure or Pattern 

Some veneers are prized for their unique, non-uniform grain patterns, which are often the result of abnormal tree growth.

• Burl Veneer: Sliced from a gnarled, warty growth on a tree. It features a swirling, intricate pattern with clusters of "eyes" or pin-knots. Burl veneer is highly decorative and often used for small, high-end projects like jewelry boxes or car dashboards.

• Crotch Veneer: Comes from the intersection of a large limb and the tree trunk. The tension in the wood at this point creates a beautiful, flame-like or feathery pattern.

  
  

• Bird's-Eye Veneer: A rare figure, most commonly found in maple. It looks like small, swirling, circular "eyes" scattered across the grain, giving the veneer a very unique look.

  
  

• Quilted Veneer: Has a wavy, three-dimensional, or "quilted" appearance, as if the wood has been puffed up in certain areas. This is often found in maple and mahogany.

  
  

3. By Treatment or Backing 

Veneers can also be modified or have a backing added to enhance their properties.

• Paper-Backed Veneer: A thin layer of wood veneer is laminated to a paper backing. This makes the veneer more flexible, less prone to splitting, and easier to work with, especially for covering curved surfaces.

  
  

• Phenolic-Backed Veneer: The veneer is backed with a phenolic resin, which makes it extremely durable and resistant to moisture. This type is ideal for high-traffic areas and humid environments like kitchens and bathrooms.

  
  

• Engineered (Reconstituted) Veneer: This isn't a single piece of wood. It's made by slicing a fast-growing, less-expensive wood (like poplar), dyeing it, and laminating the sheets together to create a new log that can be re-sliced to mimic the grain of more exotic or expensive woods like zebrawood or ebony. This allows for a consistent grain pattern and color across large projects.

• Dyed Veneer: Natural veneer that has been dyed to a uniform color. This provides a consistent color and can be used to achieve vibrant, non-traditional looks.