Veneers are a thin wood material that can be used in a wide range of sustainable construction applications to cover a variety of surfaces. Veneers offer the aesthetics of real wood, using a fraction of the raw material required for solid wood. The use of veneers allows efficient use of renewable natural material, thus reducing the environmental impact of construction projects. Veneers can be used to create durable, aesthetic and environmentally friendly surfaces for walls, furniture and interior elements.

What are veneers and why are they suitable for sustainable construction?

Veneers are thin pieces of wood, typically 0.5-3 mm thick, made either by turning logs or by cutting wood into thin slices. Their main advantage for sustainable construction is material efficiency - a single tree yields significantly more surface material in veneer than in solid wood.

The veneers are an ecological choice, as they make efficient use of the raw material. The carbon sequestration capacity of wood is preserved in the veneers, which means that carbon is stored in the structures for a long time during construction. In addition, veneers are a renewable material whose production has less impact on the environment than many synthetic surface materials.

They also have the advantage of being lightweight, which reduces emissions from transport. Modern surface treatment methods improve the durability of veneers and extend their life cycle, reducing the need for material replacement and thus the long-term environmental impact of construction.

What are the most common types of veneer in a sustainable construction project?

Three main types of veneer are used in sustainable construction, each with its own strengths. Nature snippets are traditional veneers made from real wood, reflecting the natural texture and tone of the wood. They are particularly suitable for applications where the authentic look and feel of wood is valued.

The solid dyed natural veneers offer a wider range of colours and a more even tone. They have the advantage of colour consistency and UV resistance. TABU's dyed-through veneers are ideal for applications where a specific hue and better lightfastness are required.

Industrially manufactured veneers, such as micro veneers and reconstituted veneers, offer a more consistent and often more durable alternative. They can also be made more efficiently from fast-growing wood species, making the material more ecological. Industrial veneers are particularly suitable for applications where a uniform finish over large surfaces is required.

All veneer types offer the possibility to use rare wood species in a sustainable way, because when veneered, the valuable wood is sufficient for many times the amount of surface material compared to solid wood. Discover our wide range of veneer options to find the best solution for your project.

How to install and handle veneers correctly?

Proper installation of veneers starts with careful groundwork. The substrate must be clean, dry and level. Bonding is a critical stage - we recommend using high-quality, low-emission adhesives suitable for sustainable construction. Veneers can be glued directly to a variety of substrates such as wood panels, plywood or MDF.

During the installation phase, it is important to pay attention to the orientation and patterning of the veneers in order to achieve a uniform result. The veneers can be installed in different patterns, such as mirror or continuous patterns, which increases the design possibilities.

Surface treatment is an essential part of ensuring the durability of veneers. Veneered surfaces should be treated with environmentally friendly varnishes, oils or waxes that protect the surface from wear, moisture and UV radiation. A properly treated veneer surface can last for decades, making it a durable choice.

Maintenance of veneers is simple - regular cleaning and reprocessing if necessary will significantly extend the life of the material. Damaged veneer surfaces can also be repaired or partially replaced, reducing the need to replace the entire surface.

Which parts of the building can make the best use of veneers?

The veneers are suitable for a wide range of indoor applications. On wall surfaces veneers offer a warm and acoustically pleasing alternative. Veneer panels can be used as whole wall panels or as accent walls to bring a natural feel to the interior.

For furniture surfaces, veneers are a traditional and elegant choice. They can be used to create both modern and classic looks in kitchen and bathroom furniture, office furniture and fixed storage solutions. For doors and fixed interior elements, veneers create a coherent look with other surfaces in the room.

In acoustic panels, veneers combine aesthetics and functionality. Veneered acoustic solutions enhance the sound environment of a space while bringing out the natural beauty of wood. Ceiling-mounted veneered panels can serve as both an aesthetic and acoustic element.

More innovative uses include veneered light fittings, staircases and partitions. Veneers can also be used on curved or shaped surfaces, allowing for a wide range of design solutions. See our realised veneer interior solutions to get inspiration for your own project.

How do veneers contribute to building certification and environmental ratings?

Veneers can make a significant contribution to achieving environmental certification for buildings. LEED certification veneers score points in categories such as material efficiency, use of local materials and indoor air quality when using low-emission adhesives and finishes.

In the BREEAM rating, the use of veneers contributes to sustainable materials points, especially when using responsibly produced, FSC or PEFC certified veneers. The good material efficiency and long life cycle of the veneers improve the overall assessment of the building in terms of resource efficiency.

The use of veneers in the criteria of domestic certificates, such as the RTS environmental rating, supports the use of renewable materials and indoor air quality objectives. Veneers also reduce the carbon footprint of a building compared to many synthetic surface materials.

Carefully documenting the origin and environmental characteristics of veneers can maximise their usefulness in the environmental rating of a building. Responsibly produced veneers are part of a holistic sustainable building strategy.

Summary: How to maximise the sustainability benefits of veneers in a construction project?

To maximise the sustainability benefits of veneers, it is best to choose certified veneers from responsibly managed forests. Longevity is key - choose quality veneers and treat them properly with a durable surface treatment.

At the design stage, it is good to consider the efficient use of veneers by minimising wastage. Combining veneers with other ecological materials also creates sustainable solutions. Training designers and contractors in the correct use of veneers ensures the best results.

A maintenance and servicing plan for veneer surfaces should be drawn up at the design stage to maximise the life cycle of the material. We offer a wide range of high quality veneers, including TABU's through-dyed natural veneers and technical veneers. Our experts will help you choose the most suitable veneer solutions for your project and advise you on their optimal use in accordance with the principles of sustainable construction.

The use of veneers in sustainable construction is at best a holistic solution that combines aesthetic, ecological and economic benefits. When used thoughtfully and professionally, veneers provide the feel of a genuine natural material in a sustainable way.