The export of raw wood veneer was banned by Environment and Climate Change Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale, who cited concerns over dwindling forest cover caused by premature deforestation during the harvest of this commodity.
“By halting the export of raw veneer, the government intends to curb the practice of harvesting immature trees, ensuring that trees are allowed to mature and contribute effectively to the national restoration goals,” Duale said in his statement on Tuesday, August 27.
Veneer is a thin sheet or slice of wood, typically around 3 millimeters thick, produced through peeling, slicing, or sawing. Traditionally, veneer was obtained by sawing, but today, it is more commonly produced by “peeling” the trunk of a tree or by slicing large rectangular blocks of wood known as flitches.
The appearance of the grain and figure in veneer depends on how the wood is sliced through the growth rings of the tree and the angle at which the slicing occurs. This method affects the visual characteristics of the wood, influencing its overall pattern and texture.
The main purpose of veneer is to provide a high-quality wood appearance on products without the cost and weight of solid wood.
Veneers can be either raw (unprocessed) or finished (treated and ready for use). Processed veneer is typically glued onto core panels such as wood, particleboard, or medium-density fibreboard (MDF).
Although the use of veneer might appear to be a specialized field, it significantly influences our daily lives, often without our awareness. It is hence crucial to understand how it is incorporated into the products we use every day.
Here are some popular products made from veneer:
1. Furniture
Veneer is commonly used in crafting a range of furniture items for both homes and offices, such as dining tables, chairs, cabinets, desks, bookshelves, and filing cabinets.
Manufacturers frequently use veneers to replicate the appearance of costly hardwoods, providing a luxurious finish at a lower cost. In office furniture, veneers are employed to achieve a sleek and professional aesthetic.
2. Flooring
Contractors utilize raw wood veneer in various flooring applications, tailoring it for specific needs such as moisture resistance or enhancing aesthetic appeal.
For example, engineered wood floors feature a top layer of real wood veneer over layers of plywood or high-density fiberboard, offering the look of solid wood while enhancing stability and moisture resistance.
Another example is parquet flooring, renowned for its geometric patterns and often made with a veneer surface. The use of veneer enables the creation of intricate designs with various wood types, resulting in both a visually striking and durable floor.
3. Doors
Raw wood veneers are used in crafting interior doors to enhance their visual appeal. This approach allows builders to save costs by applying veneer over average-quality materials, creating the look and feel of solid wood without the high expense. Similarly, cabinet doors in kitchens and bathrooms often feature a veneer finish, providing a consistent and upscale appearance.
4. Wall panels
Veneer is also utilized in decorative wall panels to add elegance and sophistication to interiors. These panels are ideal for living rooms, offices, and commercial spaces, offering a touch of luxury. In theatres and studios, veneer is used in acoustic panels to combine aesthetic appeal with sound-absorbing qualities.
5. Musical instruments
Another notable by-product of raw veneer is its use in musical instruments like guitars and pianos. The thin layers of wood offer both structural strength and visual appeal. Additionally, high-end speaker cabinets frequently showcase a veneer finish, blending excellent sound quality with a stylish exterior.
6. Automotive interiors
Luxury cars and yachts often incorporate veneer in dashboards, door panels, and other trim areas, adding a premium touch that combines sophistication with functionality. Additionally, some manufacturers use veneer on steering wheels to enhance the tactile experience for drivers.
