VENEER MATCHING TECHNIQUES

In this guide we are going to limit our discussion of veneer matching techniques to the most common techniques to

produce veneer faces. In future tutorials we will address more complex veneer matches and designs as well as matching

techniques from panel-to-panel.

When we speak of veneer matching techniques, there are three common methods used to join veneer components:

BOOK match, SLIP match, and PLANK match. The next few pages demonstrate the most common techniques, but below

is some “eye-candy” that takes veneer matching to new levels.

Book Matched Veneer

Veneer components are unfolded from the stack and “flipped” 180 degrees to achieve a mirror image from component

to component. This is very common matching done for plain sliced (or flat cut) veneers as it delivers a pleasing

alternating pattern that does not tend to “lean” from one side of the face to the other.

Notice that the “cathedral” in this sample is in mirror image from component to component.

Cathedral

Book matching is also used and amplified when creating faces made of burl components as shown below. Notice the

“book” matching is done on both the vertical and horizontal axis. This gives burl veneer its distinctive kaleidoscope

effect.

Slip Match Veneer

Each successive component from a stack is laid out without any flipping so the same side is always up and in sequence to

the previous component.

Notice the effect this has on the look of the face, each “cathedral” in this material is slightly left justified and offset the

same amount from component to component.

Cathedral

Often times veneer components can have growth patterns that are not perfectly symmetrical. On plain sliced veneer,

the cathedrals can be slightly skewed or displaced off-axis. With quarter cut veneer the grain pattern may not be

perfectly straight, rather it may be off-axis or have a “sweep” or bend to it along the length of the component. Using an

appropriate veneer match can mask these natural appearances and yield the desired results in the face.

Below is an example of the same slip matched veneer components that are 5 degrees off-axis to the right. As you can

see, the result tends to “lean” to the right.

This face below is the same veneer components ( 5 degrees off-axis) with a “book” match. Notice that the “leaning” is

cancelled out by the alternating components and yields a pleasing and feature-rich grain pattern.

This is why book matching veneer that is plain-sliced or flat cut is the de-facto standard with most veneer species ….

except for species that demonstrate extreme barber-pole effect when plain sliced. (See last month’s article in our

archives).

Plank Matching

This matching technique is typically used in flooring. While the discriminating buyer will specify color and cut of the

veneer, the components do not need to match in any way, they can be of different widths and lengths. In lower grades,

the components can even be of differing cuts (flat cut, quarter cut, rift cut). This matching technique is beginning to

show signs of increased popularity; particularly where long horizontal wall or horizontal elevation patterns are desired.

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This discussion illustrates the patterns that often develop with natural wood veneer. The permutations are endless.

There is seldom a “right” or “wrong” answer to the matching used to develop a veneer face. There are industry best-

practices as we have described and then we have to evaluate the aesthetic look and feel the customer desires.

Value engineered panels can stretch a project budget a long way and we are highly skilled in delivering the “look and

feel” desired. Each GL Veneer sales engineer has anywhere from 10 – 25 years of experience with developing veneer

patterns and will be happy to work with you and your customer to achieve the desired results while keeping costs

within reach.

We can assist in selecting veneers from our vast inventory or source specific veneer species and characteristics from our

suppliers around the world.