Mahogany veneer generally refers to a thin slice of mahogany wood that is attached to the surfaces of core panels. These pieces of wood are typically not thicker than 3 millimeters (0.1181 inches). It is commonly used in woodworking to provide a coating for furniture, usually for aesthetic purposes.
Mahogany is a term that is used to refer to any number of different types of dark-colored hardwood. It is a popular material in the construction of furniture. Mahogany is also often used for making drums, because of the warm tone it produces. It is naturally durable and has a grain structure that is usually either straight or interlocked.
The difference in colors between the mahogany's sapwood and the hardwood is generally what gives it its striking look. Depending on the specific type of wood, the hardwood is usually of a darker color than the sapwood. Mahogany veneers are generally noted for their smoothness, stability, and durability.
Veneers are usually classified in four typical categories: raw, paper-backed, phenolic-backed, and laid up. The raw veneer has no distinction between its front and back sides, showing a finish on both. This means that either side can be applied to a piece of furniture. Paper-backed veneers and phenolic-backed veneers, as their names indicate, have their backs covered by paper and phenolic, respectively. These generally have the advantage of being less susceptible to cracking. Laid up veneer refers to a piece that is a combination of raw veneers.
Veneer can be acquired by directly peeling the trunk of a tree. It can also be produced from fitches, which are large rectangular blocks of wood. Lathes, slicing machines, and half-round lathes are some of the common tools that are used to manufacture veneer.
Mahogany veneer can be purchased at places such as furniture stores and woodworking suppliers. It may come in many different sizes, colors, and stains. Since the grain structure of mahogany is quite distinctive, it can give an elegant and sophisticated look to furniture. Mahogany veneer can be purchased separately, or furniture can be bought already covered with it.
Birch and maple veneer are often used as substitutes for mahogany veneer. While they differ in appearance, many environmentally-conscious consumers prefer this option because of concerns about the logging of mahogany in the South American rain forests. Accordingly, many mahogany supplies from places such as China and Africa are gaining popularity on the market.