Despite facing competition, veneer is still a sensible choice for flooring and furniture surface materials
Wood veneer – whether for furniture or floors – has always been an important component in furniture and interior design. And although its popularity may have waned over the years, veneer remains a viable option for home design.
This is especially true as more people become environmentally aware, as veneer is lauded for its ecological characteristics; it is recyclable, promotes sustainability and is non-toxic.
According to the Singapore Furniture Industries Council in its book “Essential Furniture Knowledge”, veneer is sliced from species of wood that are decorative with various vein patterns. It is then glued over a wood substitute such as plywood, chipboard or MDF (medium-density fibreboard) to give the appearance of real wood.
Essentially, veneer is a combination of wood and wood substitutes, offering the beauty of natural wood grains without the costly implications that solid wood has.
A Better Option
In the last few years, veneer surfaces are facing stiff competition from synthetic or artificial veneer, which is better known as laminate. Although laminate is more affordable and offers a wider choice of aesthetics, veneer has a more natural look and feel that appeal to many people.
Some would argue that the grain patterns, colours and earthiness of wood can be difficult to replicate in laminates, and the result might look artificial.
Safety First
Although veneer might not last as long as solid wood, it comes with a protective surface that can make furniture and floors last a little longer. For example, Keding Enterprises supplies KD panels, which feature a protective surface that not only accents the vivid grains of wood, but also provides superior resistance to dampness and scratches.
Some veneers, such as Keding’s Prefinished Wood Veneered Panels, are manufactured with eco-friendly coating materials imported from Germany. The coating has the added benefit of making the veneer completely fire-resistant.
Conventional lacquer used on solid wood, however, is highly flammable.
Surface Tension
Veneer is just one of the many options for surfacing material, but it has distinct advantages over its competitors. Veneer offers the beauty of solid wood without requiring the same level of maintenance. But unlike laminates, veneer exudes an authentic, natural feel.
By James Leong
Article first published in Lookbox Living.
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