Veneering is a technique that has been utilized for centuries to decorate and refurbish antique furniture. It involves the process of gluing a thin layer of high-quality wood to a base made of a less expensive material, such as plywood. The resulting piece has the look and feel of solid wood while utilizing a far lesser amount of the more expensive wood.
This method of furniture refurbishment allows for intricate designs and patterns to be created with ease, as the veneers can be easily cut and arranged in any configuration. Ornate designs, like marquetry, require thin pieces that can be carefully formed and arranged to create intricate patterns.
The use of veneering materials became popular in Europe during the Renaissance period and was widely used during the 17th and 18th centuries. Today, many furniture makers still employ veneering techniques to produce more beautiful and durable pieces.
In
antique refurbishment, this involves replacing old or damaged veneers with new ones; this process can help rejuvenate a piece, making it appear as good as new. Care must be taken when selecting new veneers to ensure that they match the original wood in both color and grain pattern.
While veneering has been utilized for centuries, the technique is still prominent in modern-day furniture production. It serves as an affordable and practical way to produce beautiful, high-quality furniture while preserving valuable and rare woods. The technique of veneering continues to be a favored practice in the world of furniture production and
antique refurbishment.