Oak Veneer vs. Birch Veneer

Oak

• Up to 17 species of oak tree are referred to as “red oak” in the lumber trade. Oak is the most abundant species of tree in the United States used for furniture, flooring and building. Oak veneers have a distinctive coarse grain pattern that ranges in color from light pink to blood red. Oak timber is easy to plane, shape and bend. Oak veneer panels give a warm look to a room or furniture.

Sliced or Peeled Veneers

• Oak and birch veneers are typically rotary-cut or sliced. Orienting the angle of the knife or rotary blade produces different grain figures. A peeled log is one that has been cut radially around the log. Peeled veneers are used principally for structural purposes, while sliced veneers are used for furniture, cabinets, paneling and other decorative purposes.

Birch

• The light, bright coloring of yellow, sweet and paper birch species makes it a desirable wood for veneers. Yellow and sweet birch are harder, heavier and stronger than other birch species. Birch has a uniform grain pattern that creates a sleek look to veneered furniture. Grain patterns vary according to the cutting technique used. Birch veneer often is chosen when a strongly grained look is not desired.

Matching Patterns

• Slip, book, random and end matching are the most common methods of creating patterns in oak and birch veneers. Every other piece of veneer is turned over to create alternate matching pieces in book matching. Alternate pieces of the veneer slices are slipped out of sequence to create slip matching. End matching puts book-matched pieces end to end or side to side to create a uniform end look to the veneer panel.