Veneers comprise small slices of timber made from hardwood that sandwich a substrate, usually a less expensive wood such as plywood. The resulting wood veneer can be used directly in making kitchen cabinets or treated to change the grain color and texture. But the engineering of veneer wood is only done upon request by a customer.
The grain pattern in a natural veneer depends on how the timber is cut. The most common is the crown cut and quarter cut. That alone can make a big difference in the grain of the wood. If you have seen linear grain patterns, then that is a quarter cut. The crown cut usually leaves oval or elliptical patterns in the grain.
Veneer kitchen cabinets are popular in many countries. They are praised for high durability, resistance to scratching, aesthetics, and a wide range of color options. On the downside, such cabinets may require skills to repair. Depending on the material used in the veneer making, the quality may deteriorate with constant exposure to water. UV light and heat can also discolor the veneers!
Apart from the few cons stated, some of which can be solved by proper material selection, veneer cabinets are the best option. You can transform your kitchen in a flash, even on a low budget.
Pros | Cons |
DurableVery affordableAesthetically appealingOffers design flexibility because of many color options and finishes availableMatches perfectly with other natural materials | A wood veneer may get damaged by water.Veneer appearance may change in high temperatures.UV light can discolor some veneer materials. |