What are Reconstituted (Value Engineered) Wood Veneers?

Engineered wood veneer, also known as reconstituted veneer, composite veneer, or value engineered veneer, is a man-made product designed to replicate the appearance of natural wood veneers. It is created through a process that involves the following steps:

• Selection of Raw Material: Typically, fast-growing, plantation-grown species like poplar or basswood are used due to their sustainability and ease of processing.
• Lamination: Thin sheets of the raw material are laminated together using adhesives. These sheets can be dyed or left in their natural colour.
• Reconstruction: The laminated blocks are then sliced into thin veneers. These veneers can be rearranged and re-laminated to form a block with the desired grain pattern and colour.
• Slicing: The engineered block is sliced again to produce thin sheets of veneer with consistent patterns and colours.
• Finishing: The sliced veneers are finished to enhance their appearance and durability. This can include sanding, staining, and applying protective coatings.

Benefits of Engineered Wood Veneer

• Consistency: Unlike natural veneers, engineered veneers have uniform colour and grain patterns, ensuring a consistent look across large surfaces.
• Customization: They can be produced in a wide range of colours, textures, and patterns, including those that mimic rare or exotic wood species.
• Sustainability: They often use fast-growing, renewable wood species and can reduce the demand for endangered or less sustainable natural wood species.
• Cost-Effectiveness: Generally more affordable than natural wood veneers, especially those from rare or exotic species.

Applications

Engineered wood veneers are used in various applications including:

• Furniture manufacturing
• Interior panelling
• Cabinetry
• Doors

In summary, engineered wood veneer provides a versatile, cost-effective, and environmentally friendly alternative to natural wood veneers while offering consistent quality and a wide range of aesthetic options.