SPECIFYING

Plain sliced oak; veneered panel, solid stile and rails Figured walnut panel, plain sawn walnut solid frame

Why Specify? So that the architect/design professional can design and project a certain look and appearance. So that the particular species of veneer that has been selected will be used. So that the pricing of the veneer can be controlled So that when selecting the veneer the best possible yield can be accomplished So that the availability is sufficient to cover the project And the most important reason is so that after the completion of the project your client is smiling and your hours of work have come together to produce something special.

Selection of Quality Grade Architectural Woodwork Quality Standards Illustrated, published by AWI, provides three levels of quality: custom, premium and economy. Each quality grade has direct implications in the defects permitted in the veneer and the quality of the panel products. The Quality Standards also describes the method of gluing, splicing, sanding and backing panel products. Selection of Veneer Species Veneer species and method of slicing of the face and the back of all panel products should be specified. It is best that this information be either in the specifications or on the drawings, but not in both locations. Many problems can arise when a specification is not updated after the drawings have been revised. It is not unusual to find a specification calling for rift red oak when the design drawings indicate another species, such as walnut. This leaves the woodworker unclear on what to bid and the design professional with a potential liability for additional costs.

Various core types. Measuring veneer leaves and checking the match between leaves.

Selection of Core Type Consideration should be given to special requirements such as fire resistance. water resistance, weight, flatness, rigidity and strength required, defining the core which best fits a project's needs. Selection of Veneer Matching There are three areas of consideration with respect to veneers, all of which have been termed "matching." It should be understood that these are very different considerations. Confusion can sometimes result because of the use of the single word, "matching," to describe these considerations. This will be discussed further below. The three types of matching are: Matching between veneer leaves: deciding between slip, book, random and reverse slip match. Matching within the panel face: deciding between an unbalanced, balanced, center balanced and unmatched face. Matching between panels: deciding if adjacent panels are to match, and if so to what degree.

	< Selecting veneer | Table of Contents | Veneer specification checklist >

Copyright © 1999,2000 Veneernet.com
Unauthorized Use is Prohibited.