Using wood veneers to update furniture

As we become increasingly aware of our dwindling resources, now, more than ever our forests are a precious resource. Wood furniture should be cherished, and we can look at quality wood veneers as an alternative to solid wood furniture.

 

ABOVE: Combine different wood veneers to add a custom design to your furniture. In this case, a plain white melamine table is given a Birch veneer and then masking tape used to mask off a border and lettering before using Woodoc Gel Stain. The entire tabletop is then sealed with Woodoc 5 Polywax Sealer.

Wood veneers are thin, usually 3mm, compressed layer of varied timber species that can be applied to affordable substrates such as chipboard, commercial plywood or SupaWood (MDF). The method of applying veneers is a technique dating back thousands of years, and today, when we need to look at more sustainable alternatives to cutting down forests, veneers offer the DIY enthusiast a way to achieve the look of real wood without cost to the environment.

You can buy sheets of wood veneer at select hardware stores, or do an online search for a local supplier. The price varies according to the wood species - the rarer being more experiensive.

For more information of how to apply veneer to chipboard, plywood or SupaWood (MDF) I have included some videos that shed more light on the process. This video shows how to apply self-adhesive veneer, or see this video for advice on applying veneer using contact cement. I also found this excellent video that not only explains in detail as to what veneer actually is, but offers practical tips and shows how to correctly apply veneer.

ABOVE: Create your own veneer lampshade using an existing wire frame, or attaching wood veneer to embroidery hoops. If doing the latter option cut a solid circular shape for the top of the lamp for mounting the lamp fittings. The inner layer can be glued to the inside of the frame, while the outer layer is fastened to the outside.

ABOVE: Use veneer to add decorative detail to a plain cabinet.

YOU WILL NEED:

Sheet of wood veneer (source online)

Paper and supplies to make a template

Contact adhesive and brush or applicator

Woodoc interior sealer and brush

Sharp scissors or craft knife

Rubber roller or rolling pin 

240-grit sandpaper

 

HERE'S HOW:

1. You ideally want to make a template that is the full width of each door, so that you can transfer the design onto your wood veneer. This project features a scallop design that is repeated from bottom to top, each layer overlapping the other. Trim the shapes with a craft or utility knife. 

2. Apply a layer of contact adhesive to both the doors and the back of each piece of veneer. Allow to dry until slightly tacking before sticking the veneer onto the doors. Work from the bottom up, carefully ensuring that each layer is perfectly straight. Note that the very bottom piece is solid and does not have any cut out shapes.

3. You can use a rubber roller or rolling pin to press down over the veneer and remove any trapped air bubbles. Once dry, after about an hour, use a sharp craft blade to trim away any rough edges and lightly sand with 240-grit sandpaper.

4. Finish off with a couple of coats of sealer to protect.

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