What Is Veneer?
Veneer is a thin layer of real wood bonded to another material, such as particle board or plywood. It is used to cover a damaged surface or provide a new and improved look to furniture. It is often less expensive than solid wood and more durable. However, if not properly cared for veneer can easily scratch or gouge. The best way to protect your veneer is to keep it out of the sunlight and away from heat sources. There are also products on the market that can be applied to the surface of your veneer to fill in nicks and scratches.
A lot of people think that veneer isn’t high quality but this couldn’t be further from the truth. With the right skills, knowledge and experience a veneer can look amazing. There are a wide variety of veneers available, from reconstituted to natural hard and soft woods. There are also exotic wood veneers and burl grain veneers that can be used for special effects.
Unlike solid wood veneer, which is prone to splitting and cracking, raw veneer can be joined together using wood glue. This helps to prevent the problems caused by changes in temperature and humidity that can cause wood to warp and crack. Another advantage of using veneer is that it can be made in much smaller pieces than solid wood and therefore more affordable. This means that you can get great looking furniture for a fraction of the price.
Many woodworkers use veneer to create stunning effects. This is particularly true of marquetry and intarsia work, which were both popular in the Renaissance. Veneer was also used in King Tut’s tomb and a great deal of the finest royal furniture for hundreds of years employed lavish Veneer construction.
While there have been examples of bad workmanship in veneered furniture, just as there has been with solid wood furniture, the majority of modern veneer is very well made and can be restored or refinished when it becomes damaged. It is important that you shop around and get a good recommendation for a veneered furniture maker before committing to any purchase.
If you are considering getting veneers, it is a good idea to visit your dentist and have your teeth examined before proceeding. They may suggest some tooth reshaping to prepare the surface for your veneers and will probably take a mould of your mouth to ensure that they fit well. They will also give you some temporary veneers to wear whilst the permanent ones are being made.
If you are concerned that your dentist is not experienced in the fitting of veneers, check out online reviews or ask friends and neighbours for recommendations. It is also worth asking your dentist for a case history of previous veneer fittings. The procedure is fairly quick and painless so it should not be painful but if you are worried you can ask your dentist to sedate you for the appointment.