There are a number of veneer matching techniques providing an excellent range of visual effects. Obviously, the degree of figure (grain, color and natural characteristics) in the timber specie chosen, the method of veneer production, together with the desired effect, determine the best matching method for your project. Below are the most common matches used in architectural plywood.
Vertical Butt & Horizontal Book Match
Where the height of the flitch does not permit its fabrication into the desired height of panel, it may be matched with vertical butts as well as with horizontal book leaf joints.
Book Match
All types of veneers are used. In book matching every other sheet is turned just as the leaves of a book. Thus, the back of one veneer meets the front of the adjacent veneer producing a matched joint design.
Slip Match
In slip matched veneer sheets are joined side by side and convey a sense of repeating the flitch figure. All types of veneer may be used, but this type of matching is most common in quarter-sliced veneers.
Reverse Slip Match
This is similar to a slip match, except that each alternate sheet is reversed end for end. Normally used with crown cut veneers.
Mismatched or Random Match
Individual leaves are random matched for effect. Knotty veneers are often laid this way. This is done to disperse characteristics such as clusters of knots more evenly across the sheet.
End Match
Typically used to extend the length of veneer panels.
Stack Match
Leaves are placed on top of each other to continue the natural grain pattern vertically.
Specialty Matches
The matching techniques below are labor intensive, often hand made, usually with veneer wastage significantly higher than normal matching/joining techniques, and are priced accordingly.
Herringbone Match
Diamond Match
Reverse Diamond Match
V Match
Veneer Slicing
Depending on how a log is cut, strikingly different visual effects can be achieved with the wood’s grain and characteristics. This is part of the beauty of working with hardwood veneer – that two logs of the same species, cut in different ways, can produce veneers that are distinctively different.
There are five principle methods of cutting veneer.
Quarter Slicing
Achieves a straight grain appearance by slicing approximately perpendicular to annual growth rings.
Plain Slicing (Flat Cut)
Sliced parallel to center of log to achieve flat-cut veneer. “Cathedrals” are formed by innermost annual growth rings as veneer is cut through the flitch.
Rift Cut
Produced from various species of oak, which has medullary ray cells that radiate from the center of a log like curved spokes of a wheel. This straight grain cut is at a slight angle to medullary rays to minimize ray fleck (flake).
Rotary Cut
Produced by centering log in a lathe and turning it against a broad cutting knife set into a log at a slight angle. Can be sufficiently wide to provide full sheet (one piece) faces.
Half-Round Slicing
Cutting on an arc roughly parallel to the center of a log to achieve flat-cut veneer. “Cathedrals” can have more rounded tops since grain is formed by innermost growth rings as veneer is cut through the flitch.
For more information on wood veneer and frequently asked questions about the product, please visit the DWP Learning Center.
