Veneer matching refers to an arrangement of veneer strips with different or similar grain patterns within one or different panels. Once the veneer leaves are sliced, they are carefully matched and chosen depending on the specific project. Although each veneer leaf is different, there is always a relationship between those that have been cut one after the other. Colors and patterns may also vary to produce unique veneer design patterns that render a unique and dramatic effect to the decor. Continuing on the topic, in this blog post, we discuss four common matching veneer design patterns. Read on!

1. Mix Matching

To reproduce mix matching, veneer leaves are matched randomly so that they can disperse certain characteristics such as gum veins or knots evenly across each veneer sheet. One of the most common advantages of random matching is that manufacturers can use veneers from several logs to produce a set of panels while designers can find great use of leftover pieces of veneer The technique is ideal when you are looking to give a haphazard effect to your veneer design pattern with shades that vary from dark to light and grains that flow in different directions.

2. Book Matching

The book matching method is based on the principle of a mirror image. To reproduce the pattern, veneer sheet manufacturers turn successive veneer leaves present in a flitch like the pages in a book. They are then joined edge to edge and produce pairs. When two veneer sheets are book-matched, the loose and tight faces alternate in adjacent leaves. The patterns accept stains and reflect light differently, resulting in noticeable color variations in some species. Book matching is commonly seen in furniture where walnut or swirl mahogany veneer design patterns are used to create a dramatic effect.

3. Slip Matching

To reproduce the slip matching technique, manufacturers slip successive veneer sheets present in a slab of timber one along with the other and glue them edge-to-edge to produce a series of repeating grains but not in pairs. The biggest risk of this technique is that you rarely get perfectly straight grain patterns, resulting in lean panels. The slip matching method gives the veneer design pattern uniformity of pattern because all the faces reflect light similarly.

4. Reverse Slip Matching

The reverse slip matching technique is usually used with crown cut veneers. Under this method, manufacturers slip match the veneer leaves after which they turn every second leaf end-to-end. This technique is generally used to balance the leaf crowns so that all of them do not appear at one end, producing a veneer design pattern that is unique in its own way.

Related: Wood Veneer Sheets: What Makes them a Perfect Surfacing Material?

Wrap Up

Veneer design pattern matching is an art that requires experience and great deal of attention to detail. Decowood from Greenlam offers high quality veneer sheets in a range of species and designs including engineered veneers. To know more about different available veneer design patterns and discuss your requirements, call 18008330004, or fill out our contact form and we will get back to you as soon as possible.