Thickness is an important consideration when choosing a veneer sheet for residential and commercial interiors because it affects the durability of the surface finish, quality of finish, and how well the veneer can be used in different applications. While a veneer is primarily desired for the natural beauty of the wood, thickness options would aid in ensuring the continued performance of the veneer on a structure, so that its application will have the refined detailing as desired by modern interior designers.
The following serves as a practical guide for the appropriate selection of veneer sheet thickness and the placement of each type within the project.
What is the veneer sheet thickness?
The term veneer sheet refers to a very thin layer of natural wood that is glued to an existing substrate such as plywood, MDF or particleboard. The typical thickness of a veneer sheet ranges from 0.3mm to 3mm,m depending upon the type of veneer and how it will be used in the future.
Thicker veneers sheet will provide you with a larger sanding allowance and durability, while thinner veneers will be used primarily for decorative surface applications.
Common Veneer Sheet Thickness
Thin Veneer Thickness 0.3mm – 0.6mm
Thin veneers are the most commonly used thickness of veneer and are primarily used for any type of surface finish.
Best places to use thin veneers:
- Wardrobes
- Wall Panels
- Cabinets
- Laminates
Thin veneer sheets have more flexibility and are less expensive than thicker veneers; therefore, they can be used in larger projects where visual consistency is required.
Interior Standard Veneer Thickness 0.8mm – 1mm
The thickness of 0.8mm to 1.0mm provides a little more durability and finish quality than a thin veneer.
Best places to use standard veneers:
- Premium Furniture
- Cabinets for offices
- Feature wall panels
- Interior Doors
The standard veneer thickness allows for a light sanding and possible refinishing of the surface, thereby extending the life of the finished surface.
Thick Veneer Thickness 1.5mm – 3.0mm
Due to the thickness of the veneer sheets, they are referred to as “heavy veneer” and provide a feel similar to that of real wood.
Best places to use thick veneers:
- Luxury Furniture
- Tablestops
- Reception Counters
- Commercial Interiors Subjected to Heavy Traffic
With a thicker veneer sheet, a designer can achieve a deeper sanding and refinishing, which adds to the longevity of the finished surface.
Selection of Veneer Use – Project Type
Residential Interiors
Typically, the typical range for the thickness of the veneer sheets needed to build the wardrobes, wall panels and modular furniture is between 0.6 mm and 1.0 mm.
Commercial Spaces
Hotels, offices, and retail spaces typically select a thicker veneer sheet type since they will endure frequent use while maintaining a high-end appearance over time.
Custom Furniture
Heavy veneer is the best choice for building custom furniture because durability and refinement are equally important factors in designing custom furniture.
Considerations for Selecting a Veneer Thickness
- Type of substrate that will be used in the project.
- The anticipated wear and tear on the project.
- Budget for the project.
- The likelihood of future refinishing.
- Complexity of design.
Choosing an appropriate veneer thickness will ensure structural integrity while maintaining the beauty of the natural wood grain.
While understanding the thickness of the veneer sheet allows a designer and a homeowner to select the best product for aesthetic and functional application, the progression from a thin decorative layer to a thicker durable panel shows how versatile veneer sheets can be in a variety of applications. Royale Touche’s superior quality veneer collections are created for modern interiors with aesthetics, durability, and long-term value as the main design criteria.
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