What’s the aesthetic difference between the standard veneer cuts that are available?

Cuts, Grades, Color & Matching

We realize the many variations of wood veneers, cuts and grades available can be a bit confusing, not to mention the different wood species you can choose from. And you want to make sure you and your client know exactly what to expect when your doors arrive onsite.

That’s why we’ve gathered your most frequently asked questions on the topic of Wood Veneer Cuts, Grades, Colors & Matching and provided our answers below to help you clear things up.

What’s the aesthetic difference between the standard veneer cuts that are available?

Depending on the species you’re looking at, there are up to 4 possible veneer cuts available. For all wood species, you can select from Plain Sliced (Flat cut), Quarter Sliced, or Rotary Cut.

If you’re looking at Red or White Oak as your species, then you can also select from Rift Cut or Comb Grain.

The following illustrations will help explain the differences between the cuts (arranged from the most economical to premium): 

Rotary Cut Veneer 
Rotary Cut veneer is the most economical cut you can specify. 
As shown in the illustration, the veneer is taken from the outside of the log in a lathe-like fashion. (Like a paper towel coming off a roll.) This provides wide sheets, broad patterns and difficult matching.
This method gives the greatest yield from each log and produces consistently wide leaves. 
Because of its random, non-repetitive grain pattern, it can’t be used for sequence matching.

Plain Sliced or Flat Cut Veneer 
Plain Sliced veneer (sometimes called Flat Cut) is the most popular cutting method you’ll see. 
It provides a pleasing look, as well as yielding a good amount of material from each log depending on the log sizes and placement in the flitch. 
The illustration shows the typical “cathedral” grain pattern or arches that appear in this veneer cut.

Quarter Sliced Veneer 
Quarter Sliced veneer is one of the most desirable cuts, in terms of aesthetics. 
This cut produces a tight vertical grain, eliminating the arches and cathedral looks found in Plain Sliced veneer. 
The oak species can show a flake pattern when slicing through medullary rays in some species.

Rift Cut Veneer 
Rift Cut is only available in oak species. 
This cut is specified when you want to reduce the “flake” effect on Oak, by angling the cut to 15 degrees to the radial.
Aside from that subtle difference, it provides a similar look to Quarter Sliced veneer

Comb Grain Veneer 
Comb grain veneer is a variation of rift cut veneer and is therefore only available in the oak species. 
It’s the portion of rift cut slices with the tightest & straightest grain. 
Comb grain has limited availability and is a costly veneer.