Once cut, the way you select and match timber veneer leaves onto a substrate can create a variety of visual effects that can enhance your project designs. Each leaf varies slightly but belongs to a family of leaves, which then allows for different ways of matching them. The gradual change of the grain through each tree gives veneers their subtle variations – and makes matching them for each project a highly skilled role. Some of the commonly used timber veneer match types are described below.
Book matching
As the name suggests, in book matching each veneer leaf is folded out with its mirror image, like the centre pages of a book. The two adjoining surfaces are produced from the same piece of wood, so that they have almost exactly the same appearance, but mirrored.
Slip matching
Slip matching involves laying the veneer leaves face up, and side by side. The resulting grain pattern is repeated at the width of each leaf across the layout. That is, the visual effect shows a grain figure repeating, but joints do not show a grain match.
Reverse slip matching
To create this style, veneer leaves are slip matched then every alternate leaf is turned on its end. This balances the points (or ‘crowns’) of the grain. This is often used in boat-shaped tables or other areas where round or curved shapes would otherwise be cutting off the grain in peculiar ways.
Random matched
Also known as mismatched, in this layout, veneer leaves are placed next to each other in random order and orientation and randomly spliced edge to edge, producing a ‘board-by-board’ effect. This produces a rustic appearance, as though individual boards from a random pile were applied to the product.
Quarter matching
This is a way of jointing veneers based on the nature of the growth of the tree from which they’re cut. Four veneer pieces are book matched both from side to side and from top to bottom. Quarter matching is useful in making up larger panels.
Joining
Various grain patterns can be ‘joined up’ to form larger visual patterns and solve spatial issues. Burl veneers are often used in this way, with panels continued in a matched sequence until the required panel size is obtained. End matching is another way to solve spatial issues. Where the length of the veneer doesn’t allow its fabrication into the desired height of the panel, it can be matched with vertical butts, as well as horizontal book match joins.
Speciality matching
This is a technique that utilises natural grain patterns to create distinct patterns, such as herringbone, ‘v’ matched designs or radiating sunburst-like patterns. This kind of veneer matching pattern requires speciality skills and an eye for detail.
Bord Products
Australia
When your project demands the highest quality timber veneer and panel products, Bord Products is your go-to source. Our extensive range of FSC® and PEFC Certified Timber Veneers, Plywood, MDF, and Laminates, simplifying commercial-level sourcing for you.What sets us apart? Our strategic partnerships with industry leaders gives you direct access to an unparalleled range of high-quality materials. Our Melbourne facility, designed for large-scale production of timber veneer and laminate panels, manages an inventory of over 5000 sheets, ready to meet the scale and specification of projects large or small.Why Choose Bord Products?Extensive Range, Ready When You Need It: Our selection of high-grade panel products includes Local and Exotic FSC® and PEFC Certified Timber Veneer, B/BB Birch Plywood to Fire Rated MDF, Magnetic Laminate and more.Advanced Local Manufacturing: As one of Australia's leading volume producers of timber veneer and laminate panels up to 3600 x 1200 in size, our state-of-the-art facility gives us complete control over production timeframes and quality, keeping your projects on time.Your Success, Our Network: We provide hassle-free access to in-stock, commercial-grade wood panels. Our collaborative partnerships with Eveneer, George Fethers, Ventech, Briggs, Laminex and more ensure you access to the best materials at the best price.Expertise at Your Fingertips: With deep industry knowledge, our team is here to guide you in choosing the right materials, ensuring your projects not only meet but exceed expectations.For your next project, whatever the size, talk to a member of our experienced team.