Veneer Matching

Veneer Matching – Individual Veneer Pieces

Once the veneer has been cut from the log as described in the “Veneer Cuts” page it must be determined and specified as to how the flitches are to be spliced together next to one another to form a panels face. Veneer jointing is the first step in matching two flitches to be spliced together. This is where the specified grade and flitch width will be established for each adjoining flitch. Once the veneer has been jointed it will need to have the edges glued and the veneer is ready for splicing. There are two basic methods of achieving this and the majority of today’s veneering is computer processed but there are still some that perform this operation manually. If no match is specified than by default Book Match is used as this match is the most commonly used match for “A” grade.

Below are examples of the most common matches for architectural grade veneers. Some of the other optional matches include Color and Pleasing match (grain is not required) and Plank matching (Deliberately produces a random appearance).

BOOK MATCH

This is by far the most common match. This is achieved by turning over every other veneer component from its sequence in the pile and edge gluing it to the previous flitch from the pile. It is essentially creating a mirror image of the flitch next to it. Although this type of matching is the most pleasing it also produces an effect that is called the “Barber Pole” effect. This is the cause of turning over every other flitch which puts the “Tight side” of one flitch facing outward and the “Loose side” of the adjacent flitch facing outward. This may refract light differently between the side by side flitches emitting a color or contrast variation. On a typical panel you may have several flitches over the entire face and this can be an undesirable effect for some.

SLIP MATCH

This method is achieved by pulling a flitch in sequence and placing it next to the previous flitch with out flipping it over. This puts the pattern on the opposite side but keeps the tight-side outward on all panels so as not to produce the “Barber Pole” effect. Some find this match as a alternate in eliminating the “Barber pole” effect but it also has some undesirable issues. One of these is that it produces a sharp contrast between the two flitches which is allowed in most standards due to the yield required to eliminate this completely. Another issue is the leaning effect this can cause when the grain slope over particularly larger doors make it appear to have a lean or twist to one side.