Types of Veneer

The veneer-manufacturing process makes available a wide choice of hardwoods, many of which are uneconomic or unsuitable for use in 'solid' form. A tree can be converted into various types of decorative veneer. The figure depends not only on the natural features of the wood, such as colour, grain and texture, but also on which part of the tree is used and how it is cut into veneer.

Most veneer is cut from the main trunk, which gives the longest and usually the widestfigured veneers. The variety of types is obtained by slicing the log in different ways. The type description may refer to the method of cutting as in 'crown cut walnut' or to the part of the tree from which the veneer is cut, as in 'burr' or 'burl' veneer.

Most sliced veneer is cut about 0.6mm thick.
Thicker veneer for furniture restoration is also produced in some woods.