Do you have a cherished piece of furniture that you are loathe to part with, but it has seen better days? Maybe an heirloom that you are sentimentally attached to, but it doesn’t quite fit in with your interior décor?
Remodelling furniture is a favourite way to bring prized pieces back to life or to transform them so they blend with your current interior scheme. But what is the best way to make over your furniture for best effect?
Many people consider painting furniture to give it a new lease of life. The only thing with this approach is that if it is a well-used piece, such as a dining table or sideboard, then scuff marks are going to start showing very quickly. You may be a fan of the distressed, shabby chic look, in which case the paint-it method may well work for you. But if you are keen to preserve an elegant look, and you love the appeal of wood grain and don’t wish to cover it up with a layer of paint, you’re going to need an alternative.
Wood veneering – the alternative to over-painting furniture
Applying real wood veneers is a fantastic way of restoring furniture. And with so much choice when it comes to timber species, you have the opportunity to blend it seamlessly with your décor, or go all out and create a super statement piece.
Real wood veneers are very thin sliced sheets of natural timber. The sheets are applied using specialist techniques to a flat surface with the resulting finish as flawless as if the piece had been crafted from solid wood. Edging is also applied to ensure a perfect, all-round finish.
Veneering as a method of furniture restoration is value-added, because it will endure for many years to come, provided it is carried out correctly. In addition, wood veneers are environmentally sound. Sustainably sourced and cut in such a way to get the most possible out of the log, natural wood veneers are considered an eco-friendly option to solid wood or over-painting.
Choosing a wood veneer finish for your remodelled furniture
There is such a huge variety of choice when it comes to real wood veneers. From classic favourites like ash, beech, oak and maple to slightly rarer choices such as cedar, cherry and walnut right through to the more exotic timbers like chestnut, bubinga, imbuia and olivewood. Many timbers have their own varieties and cuts too, like crown cut, quarter cut, straight grain, cluster, burr, bird’s eye and figure.
When choosing your perfect finish for your remodelled furniture, you can either elect to stay neutral, or go all-out extravagant. And you don’t have to settle on just one timber either. Why not choose two and create an eye-catching design that’s wonderfully unique? The limit really is your imagination when it comes to renovating furniture with real wood veneers.
Just one thing to consider though; wood veneering is no job for a novice or amateur DIY enthusiast, especially if the piece of furniture features curved or bevelled edges. Expert knowledge is needed to ensure the correct application of the wood veneer for an impeccable looking and long lasting finish.
Remodelling furniture with real wood veneers
If you are inspired by the idea of using real wood veneers to refurbish your favourite piece of furniture, or indeed an entire suite of furniture, fitted wardrobes or kitchen, why not speak to the experts at Read Veneers? We can help you transform your treasured item into a brand new feature for your home. To discuss your project, you are welcome to get in touch.