Let’s start with the basics. What is a veneer? Veneers are thin slices of an expensive wood pressed onto a cheaper wood (plywood), sold in sheets of 8 ft. by 4 ft. Its quality comes down to 3 simple things.
Quality of the Veneer (Top Layer)
It is generally 0.5mm (or higher) as per International Standards. Its thickness allows you to sand the wood multiple times, extending the life of the material. It is also less likely to chip off because of this thickness.
It needs to be dried properly before pressing to bring down the moisture content to avoid swelling or shrinking.
Quality of the Plywood (Base)
It is important to maintain the moisture content of the plywood in sync with the veneer, especially if the veneer and the plywood are manufactured in different factories.
Factories in India generally use 3.5mm of Gurjan Plywood as the base.
Adhesive
Glues are applied onto the veneers and the plywood before introducing them into a press. It is important to spread the glue evenly to avoid any peeling off and also to avoid bending of the plywood.
Unfortunately, it is impossible for customers to evaluate these points at a store. It helps if you’re accompanied by a professional (interior designer or contractor), but you’re largely dependent on the store. It is also a competitive business where sellers are notorious for cutting corners to lower costs.
Pro Tips:
Ask for the brand of the material. It helps if it is a branded material.
Look for signs of defect. It is criminal to buy material without seeing it, on the basis of just a photograph.
It is important to know the species of the wood you’re buying. Not the exotic name used to hike prices but the botanical name.
True quality is known only after use. Get references and go to a trusted store.
It is a beautiful product that deserves your time and attention. Ask. Learn.
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