1. They're still very durable. Just because veneer furniture isn't completely made up of solid wood, doesn't mean it's not durable. Because veneer furniture is not prone to the same aging effects as solid wood, such as splitting or warping, wood veneer furniture will often outlast solid wood furniture by years.
Simply put, it counteracts all the cons of solid wood. It doesn't shrink and swell like solid wood, it's cheaper to purchase, it's much more sustainable, and you can purchase veneer in “flitches,” which allows you to create a uniform look.
Because it's made from natural wood, wood veneer is prone to scratching and gouging, which can quickly make it look weathered and worn. And unlike solid wood, when wood veneer gets damaged it's not easy to repair by sanding away scratches because the top wood layer is thin and easy to cut through.
Wood veneers are an excellent material choice for many furniture pieces due to their clean look and the variety of colours and styles available.
Plywood and veneer wood furniture can both last for ages to come, provided some basic maintenance is performed on them from time to time. Both can offer pretty high returns over the initial investment, making the money invested in them worth every penny.
Disadvantages to Wood Veneers
Wood veneers are not as heavy as natural wood, which can be off putting to some buyers. Additionally, since wood veneers are not coated with surface polish, it's easier for liquids to be absorbed into the wood layer and cause damage.
There are two main types of wood furniture: solid wood and wood veneers. While solid wood furniture is crafted completely out of solid wood, wood veneer furniture consists of a thin layer of wood that is attached to an inner panel or panels (usually fibreboard or particleboard).
Veneers require periodic maintenance as they are not waterproof and may get damaged by heat. Therefore, veneer finishes should be avoided in moisture-laden areas like the kitchens or bathrooms because moisture can seep under the veneer and loosen the top layer.
To maintain the oiled wood veneer, very lightly brush wood areas with a fine Scotchbrite pad moving in the direction of the grain to open the pores of the wood and remove fingerprints and dirt. Never use wax-based products (Pledge, Endust), aerosol-powered cleaners, polishes, waxes, abrasive cleaners, or oily polishes.
Every kind of wood is susceptible to water damage and wood veneer is no exception. Water spillages can happen at any time around the home and when it happens there are ways to restore the veneer back to its former glory.
The most expensive type of dental veneer is the one that is made of porcelain instead of the lower-quality materials used in the more affordable options. The reason for this is that porcelain does not stain or change color over time which ensures a beautiful smile for the long-term.
Prolonged humidity or exposure to water can soften the glue, letting the veneer blister, crack, or peel. Veneer is also easily damaged from the surface, and old veneers are often cracked, buckled, or broken, with chips or entire pieces missing.
In the case of softwood plywood, each veneer contains two grades, one for the “face” veneer and the other for the “back” veneer. There are four grades of plywood veneer: A, B, C, and D. A-grade plywood is the highest quality.
Oak Veneer: Oak is the most popular veneer used in furniture. It looks very chic and elegant due to its dark colour and hard texture. It is also quite a hardwood, making it very durable and strong.
Cracks can also occur when a veneer loses too much moisture (or loses moisture too quickly). When this happens, internal stresses become so strong that the wood cells shrink, lose elasticity, and then separate from each other.
Even though porcelain veneers are super-thin, they are also incredibly strong. The composition of veneers makes them resistant to developing chips and cracks – though, of course, the wearer's behavior is an important factor here too.
Wood veneers in the simplest of terms are thin slices of natural wood generally less than 1/40” thick. These veneers are typically pressed onto or laminated to thicker core materials such as plywood, particle board and MDF to create structural panels to be used in place of thicker hardwood lumber.
You stain and finish wood veneers exactly the same way that you stain and finish real wood. You will usually stain or finish your wood veneer after it is glued down, but you can apply your stain or finish before gluing if you choose.
If the veneer is in good condition and isn't chipping… you can sand, prime, and paint like you would any piece of furniture.
As you might expect, veneered pieces are very delicate and require careful sanding to avoid irreversible damage. If you sand veneer too much, you may render it unusable.
Starting with the cons — veneers are irreversible, costly, and need to be replaced after 15-20 years. The pros? Veneers can allow for both shape and color changes, can make your teeth stronger than they were, and are natural looking and allow for a true smile makeover.
1) Long-lasting smile enhancement
They may last up to 15 years with proper care before needing to be repaired or completely replaced. After getting veneers, however, you will not have to worry about constantly replacing them. In addition, most types of veneers are resistant to stains and chips!
Veneers are indeed a permanent procedure, as they are attached to your teeth after a part of your enamel is removed. However, the life span of the veneers themselves is around 15 years, after which you will need to get them replaced.