- Veneer - 

If you take a look around, you will almost certainly find some veneered furniture in the interior. But how much do you really know about veneer? What is it, where does it come from, and what are the advantages and disadvantages of veneered furniture? We are continuing EMKO's Behind Furniture series with a short introduction to veneer.

Basically, veneer is a thin layer of natural wood that is glued and pressed onto various surfaces. It retains the natural warmth and beauty of solid wood while using only a thin layer of timber, it varies 0.3-5mm. Once applied to a substrate such as particle board, MDF or plywood, veneer can be waxed, oiled, lacquered or even painted.

Why is veneer so popular?

As simple as it is, veneered furniture is much more affordable than solid wood furniture. Furthermore, veneer, together with specialised manufacturing equipment, allows curved shapes to be produced much more easily and cost-effectively, usually resulting in less material waste.

Another advantage is that veneer can be carefully selected and matched to create a more even and calm appearance. Solid wood, on the other hand, naturally has more variation in its grain pattern, which is not always desirable.

When veneer is pressed onto engineered boards, it is also more stable than solid wood. It is less affected by changes in temperature and humidity and does not expand or contract as much as solid timber. However, like solid wood, veneer reacts to sunlight and will gradually develop a warmer, slightly yellow tone over time. As a result, two identical chairs purchased at different times may initially differ in colour. There is no need to worry, though—the difference will gradually become less noticeable. After all, veneer is still real wood.

What should you look out for when buying veneered furniture?

It is important to remember that veneered furniture is not naturally resistant to water. If moisture penetrates the veneer, it can cause it to lift away from the surface quite quickly. Water-resistant lacquers can help reduce this risk, but they are not a permanent solution. With heavy use, signs of wear may still appear after three to five years—or perhaps never, if the surface is properly cared for and not exposed to standing water.

What is underneath the veneer?

The most common substrate is particle board (also known as chipboard). It is stable and is made from small wood particles that are glued and pressed together. It may contain formaldehyde-based adhesives, but there is no need for concern, as their use is strictly regulated within the EU.

The main advantage of particle board is that it is the most economical substrate for veneering. Its disadvantages are its relatively low resistance to moisture and the fact that it is not well suited to repeated assembly and disassembly. Screw holes can gradually crumble after being used several times. For this reason, veneered particle board furniture is generally not intended for frequent moving. Large panels, such as wardrobe doors, can also be more susceptible to damage, whereas smaller products are typically durable and long-lasting.

At EMKO, the Momoko Side Tables are made from veneered particle board. Their flat-pack construction allows for safe delivery and easy assembly at home, while the specially engineered design keeps them sturdy and stable.

A stronger and more durable alternative is MDF (Medium-Density Fibreboard), which is made from fine wood fibres mixed with resin and compressed under high pressure. MDF is heavier, more expensive and considerably more resistant to moisture, impact and crumbling. It also offers greater flexibility in shaping, making it ideal for curved designs. Fine example is the EMKO Multifunctional Pill and Macaron Pendant Lamp. MDF is also used for the desktop of the 4.9 Desk, where the drawers are opened and closed frequently, making it an excellent choice for long-term durability.

Plywood is generally considered the highest-quality engineered wood for veneered furniture. It is made by gluing and pressing together multiple layers of veneer. In fact, plywood is essentially veneer bonded into a solid panel, which is why, in some countries, it is even classified as solid wood. Lower-grade veneers are typically used to manufacture the plywood itself, with a final layer of premium-quality veneer applied to achieve the desired finish. For example, birch plywood may be finished with an oak veneer. Plywood is exceptionally strong, can be bent into complex shapes and offers excellent durability, making it the preferred material for many chairs.

At EMKO, plywood is used in the Citizen and Hoya chairs as well as in the beautifully crafted "wings" of the My Writing Desk. These products perfectly demonstrate the precision that can be achieved when cutting and bending plywood, helping to explain both the manufacturing process and the value of the finished piece.

How should veneered furniture be maintained?

Caring for veneered furniture is very similar to caring for solid wood. Oiled or waxed surfaces should be cleaned with a damp cloth, making sure no water is left sitting on the surface afterwards. If you spill coffee, wine, soft drinks, ketchup or any other coloured liquid, it should be wiped away immediately to prevent staining.

When the surface needs refreshing, lightly sand it using fine sandpaper (around 180 grit) before applying a fresh coat of oil or wax with a sponge. Buff the surface with a soft, dry cotton cloth and allow it to cure for 24 hours. If a lacquered surface requires refinishing, we strongly recommend leaving the work to a professional, as the process is considerably more demanding.

We hope this short introduction has helped you better understand the advantages and disadvantages of veneered furniture and the different types of engineered wood used beneath the veneer. We also hope it will help you choose the products that best suit your needs and expectations.

EMKO team