Most Asked Question?
Can veneer be pre-finished prior
to installation?
Pre-finishing veneer can be done, contact your regional sales representative or our customer service staff for more information.
How do I minimize veneer colors
from fading?
All wood veneers, both natural or dyed, are subject to color change over time due to exposure to ultraviolet light (UV), fading, environment, or aging of the wood. We suggest everyone use a non-yellowing finish containing UV inhibitors to slow and limit such fading.
What is wood veneer?
Veneer is real wood. The wood is sliced very thin, approximately 1/50”, and made into sheets of varying sizes. These veneer faces are then permanently bonded to paper back, poly resin back or wood backing material and processed to become flexible and more durable at the same time.
Other Relative Questions?
Can veneer be pre-finished prior to installation?
Pre-finishing veneer can be done, contact your regional sales representative or our customer service staff for more information.
How do I minimize veneer colors from fading?
All wood veneers, both natural or dyed, are subject to color change over time due to exposure to ultraviolet light (UV), fading, environment, or aging of the wood. We suggest everyone use a non-yellowing finish containing UV inhibitors to slow and limit such fading.
How do I order samples?
Is the wood veneer ready to use when I receive it?
Generally speaking it is ready to use right out of the box but there is an important step to take before you begin any project. Because wood will react to environmental conditions such as temperature and relative humidity or dry conditions it is advisable to allow the veneer to acclimate to the conditions in your work space prior to using it. This can be accomplished by removing it from the box at least 48 hours to up to 4 days prior to the time you will be using it.
What are your veneer grades?
This tool brings superior craftmanship and pricing to our clientele with our *veneer grading system.
Our natural & dyed veneers are classified into four categories, Hand Selected, Standard, Commercial, and Seconds.
With all natural products variations are a reality, however our system organizes the quantity, size, visual appeal of particular bundles. This allows you to choose the quantity and price that best fits your project. Our staff is trained to provide you with the best support to ensure you order adequate quantities and yields to suit your needs. We don’t want you to look at our veneers as a simple product, but Materials Inc. is a unique experience, which assists you from start to finish. This allows you to pick the quality you need with the price you’ll love.
*Our Veneer grading only pertains to our natural & dyed veneers.
HAND SELECTED
This is the best of the grade of veneer, which is as close to perfect as wood veneer can possibly be. The widest flitches are used and sheets here predominantly organized in sequence. This grade is for jobs that require the best of the best in sequence and visual consistency.
STANDARD
These veneers are beautiful, but allow for a few marginal nodes. The sheets are generally in sequence and match in grain and color and the widest veneer flitches typically are used to allow for fewer splices.
COMMERCIAL
Based on the species there are more marginal nodes accepted, however the quality is perfect for wider spread application. Sheets are generally close in grain and color. Splices (joints or seams) are wider (less in number) than standard grade.
SECONDS
This grade provides the lowest yield in grain consistency. More nominal defects are present than any other grade. The sheets are not likely to match in sequence, however it is perfect for projects were subtle variety is valued.
What is 10 mil and 20 mil paperback in regards to wood veneer?
The 10 or 20 refers to the thickness of the backing material, in this case paperback. The thickness of 1 mil equals 1/1000” so in the case of a 10 mil veneer the backer thickness is 10/1000”. Equally, in the case of 20 mil veneer the backer thickness is 20/1000”. In both cases the thickness of the wood veneer face is the same.
What is wood veneer?
Veneer is real wood. The wood is sliced very thin, approximately 1/50”, and made into sheets of varying sizes. These veneer faces are then permanently bonded to paper back, poly resin back or wood backing material and processed to become flexible and more durable at the same time.
What surfaces can I apply wood veneer to?
The best surfaces or “substrates” for wood veneering are MDF, particle Board and cabinet grade plywood in that order. It is ok to veneer over hardwood when necessary and there are some other surfaces that can be successfully veneered. When in doubt it’s best to utilize our Customer Service team for more specific applications.
Why do I need to acclimate the veneer sheets? What do I need to do?
Wood veneer is a versatile, organic material that reacts to changes in environmental conditions. Veneer is hygroscopic which means it emits and absorbs moisture. When you receive your veneer it needs to acclimatize to conditions in your environment to reach equilibrium. The ideal environment to achieve equilibrium with your veneer is defined as 30-55% relative humidity at a temperature range between 55-85 degrees F. Prior to application, allow your veneer a minimum of 48-72 hours lying flat out of the box within the range of conditions stated. It’s also important that your substrate be acclimatized in the same conditions as the veneer to have greater success and avoid problems.