A while back we got a bit vocal about veneers in ‘ere (everyone knows the advert by now), and discussed in a blog about how we were none too pleased that wood veneers were being portrayed in a negative light, especially seeing as they are much more ecologically sound than solid wood, not to mention the fact that veneered furniture actually lasts longer and offers exceptional beauty and flexibility.
Seeing as the advert in question appears to have not gone away, we thought we’d have another go at dispelling the myths that seem to have got themselves attached to wood veneers over the years.
Veneers: A History Lesson
Unfortunately, the bad reputation of the veneer has been around since the middle of the 1900s, when mass production of furniture following the Second World War was commonplace. Veneers in those days were of low quality and they were poorly applied to low grade furniture that was not built to last. Sadly the reputation that came about back then seems to have stuck. But things are very, very different nowadays.
The natural wood veneers of today offer up a very different story. These days, only talented craftspeople and woodworking experts with specialist skills work with veneers, and the quality of the materials is exceptional. Veneered furniture is now not only appreciated for its reduced ecological footprint, but also for its charming beauty. In fact, veneered furniture and other pieces are considered amongst the most desirable and sought after.
Natural Wood Veneers More Durable than Solid Wood
Counter-intuitive as it may appear, veneered furnishings and fittings are in actual fact more durable than solid wood. As we said in our previous blog, some solid woods can be susceptible to warping and splitting and even the simplest everyday act such as a knock with a vacuum cleaner or a spilled liquid can result in damage. A lot of the time, a veneer applied to a flexible, robust base will actually produce a more stable piece, far less liable to sagging or cracking.
Decorative wood veneers also showcase the natural beauty of wood. The swirls of the burls; the dapple of the pommele and the charm of the crotch created where the trunk sprouted branches are all features unique to veneers.
Veneers are a thing of beauty, and as for quality, why would such high-end furniture and cabinetmakers employ their use so enthusiastically? Why are decorative wood veneers the option of choice for the high-end venues and top class accommodation? The answer is simple: it’s because natural wood veneers offer the entire package.
If you’d like to discover more about how decorative wood veneers could be used for your woodworking or interiors project, please get in touch.
