Red Oak Veneer Grading

The beauty of American red oak veneer lies in the fact that no two logs are the same and, as such, each log can be cut to yield strikingly beautiful, distinctive veneer. With its wide variety of cuts, colors and natural characteristics and figures, American red oak veneer offers the consumer a broad range of options for creating the desired look. While there are no set grading standards for U.S. veneer specification, the U.S. industry does adhere to several standard cutting techniques. With an adequate understanding of U.S. hardwood veneer cuts, colors, availability, delivery times and your own needs, American hardwood veneer suppliers will be able to supply you with exactly what you need for your project.

According to the Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association (HPVA), the standard veneer cuts available on the market are as follows (source: www.hpva.org) :

Rotary - Rotary veneer is produced by centering the log in a lathe and turning it against a broad cutting knife which is set into the log at a slight angle. Rotary cut veneer can be sufficiently wide to provide full sheet (one piece) faces.

Plain Slicing (Flat Cut) - Plain sliced veneer is veneer sliced parallel to the center of the log to achieve flat-cut veneer. The cathedrals are formed by the inner most annual growth rings as the veneer is cut through the flitch.

Quarter Slicing - Quarter slicing achieves a straight grain appearance by slicing perpendicular to the annual growth rings.

Rift-Cut - Rift-cut veneer is produced from the various species of oak. Oak has medullary ray cells which radiate from the center of the log like the curved spokes of a wheel. This straight grain cut is at a slight angle to the medullary rays in oak to minimize ray fleck (flake).

Lengthwise Slicing - A board of flat sawn lumber is passed flat over a stationary knife. As it passes, a sheet of veneer is sliced from the bottom of the board. This produces a variegated figure.

Beyond cuts, you can specify color, figure, and number of natural characteristics when you place your order. HPVA also recommends that you consider desired dimensions of veneer and packaging requirements. For more information on specifying American red oak veneer, please visit www.hpva.org.

English :: French :: German :: Italian :: Spanish