Timber Veneer: Different Types of Veneers For Your Home Interior
When we think of timber veneers, one particular type of veneer comes to mind. However, you will be surprised to know that you can find several different types of timber veneers in Tasmania. In this guide, you will explore the manufacturing process and the common types of timber veneers.
What is Timber Veneer?
Timber veneer is a thinly sliced wood that creates a finished wood look on interior work. The timber is generally cut to be thinner than a one-eight inch and is bonded with an inexpensive substrate. What is the substrate? A substrate is a layer that can underlay anything. In the case of wood, the substrate can be an affordable veneer, paper, or plastic. The total thickness of the finished wood veneer is about one-eighth of an inch. The purpose of a timber veneer is to achieve the look of a higher-end solid wood for interior decor at quite a low cost and requires short manufacturing time. For instance, manufacturing a solid wood mahogany bench will be extremely expensive. However, if you were to build a bench out of less expensive wood, such as plywood, then you must apply a thin mahogany veneer on top. This way the bench will appear to be made of mahogany but at a lower cost. Once the veneer is made, it can be sanded using sandpaper and stained to look like an elegant, solid wood.
How Are Veneers Manufactured?
Timber veneer is made by slicing one-eight of an inch from wood logs using a rotary knife lathe tooling / cutter-heads. Rotary knife lathe tooling / cutter-heads are dedicated repeat tool systems that are capable of the rapid mass production of a turned item. They are typically used to produce furniture or staircase components. The process is similar to how a deli worker would be slicing thin slices of cheese off a block. The wood log is set up somewhere between the two blocks that suspend it, and the machine slowly takes off long, thin lengths of wood for a veneer. This veneer will later be added to a substrate.
What Are The Types of Veneers?
1) Natural Veneer
As the name suggests, natural veneers are 100% natural without incorporating any artificial element. A natural veneer is a pure and sliced timber. They are cut from selected wood logs that are prepared for production, which depends on the features and the structure of the material. This type of veneer reflects the species of timber and from which it comes. It delivers a wide range of natural variations creating an important selection within a single species.
2) Re-toned Veneer
Generally, light coloured woods are dyed to produce an artificial coloured veneer. The veneers are pressure treated to provide maximum penetration of the colour into each veneer. The veneer is coloured throughout the entire thickness and can be sanded during manufacturing or on-site. One of the best advantages of this type of veneer is that manufacturers can forge portions of a project while continuously maintaining the colour consistency throughout the length. Apart from timber, woods that undergo this process include Tasmanian Oak, Sycamore, Anegre, Birdseye Maple, Tulipwood, and Koto.
3) Reconstructed Veneer
Reconstructed veneers are manufactured from a ready-made timber such as Poplar, Obeche, or Bamboo, usually plantation grown. The logs are sliced into veneer, then dyed all the way through, and dried. The layers of various coloured veneers are laminated together in moulds in a grain pattern. They are later resliced into veneers. However, the arrangement of the veneers depends on the desired pattern. The process involves the use of computer software to produce desired veneer patterns and figures.
The Bunker is one of the best Tasmanian timber suppliers having an extensive range of plywood, timber, and composite products ready for your next project. Check out their collection on Tas.bunker.net.au or contact them on (03) 62 485 777.
