Veneered timbers are used when both appearance and strength are of paramount importance to a project. Fabricated from structural grade engineered wood core (commonly referred to as “glu-lam”), a thin layer of appearance-grade veneer is glued to the faces and edges using a chemically inert water-based cross-linking polymer adhesive. This “iso glue” passes ASTM 2559 standards for adhesion strength and dries clear with virtually no discoloration to surrounding wood; thus, the glue joint is all but invisible even to close inspection after the final sanding is complete.
The overlayment is generally 1/16″ sliced or 3/16″ sawn cabinet-grade veneer, applied to all exposed faces. The species of the glu-lam core and overlayment need not match; any combination of substrate and surface is possible to achieve the balance of appearance, strength and cost required for a project.
Sliced veneers are produced by using a large fixed blade and forcing a rectangular cant across the edge. This process is more efficient due to the lack of sawdust waste, but the veneers produced are thinner than sawn veneers.
Sawn veneers are produced by traditional sawing process used for timbers; this results in a thicker veneer and a look that more accurately reflects the grain of sawn lumber ( flat” grain as a tangiental section of log/timber and “vertical” grain as a radial section). Once applied to a core, sawn veneers replicate the “look” of solid sawn timber more closely. Grain-matching around the edges and faces can be employed to enhance this fidelity further.
The GR Plume Company is committed to sustainable, responsible woodworking practice, preserving the precious resource of trees for generations to come. Our veneering techniques maximize the yield of choice stock, while providing the peerless look and timeless feel of heavy timber. Materials certified through the Forestry Stewardship Council are used upon request, though this is subject to availability restrictions.
Tetraleaf™ Timbers are the ultimate choice when beauty with strength is the goal.