- Kenya's Environment and Climate Change Cabinet Secretary imposed a ban on the export of raw wood veneers to preserve forests
- Veneers are used in furniture, flooring, doors, wall panels, musical instruments, and automotive interiors
- The ban aims to address environmental concerns regarding deforestation and wood resource sustainability
In a bid to preserve Kenya’s forests, Environment and Climate Change Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale recently imposed a ban on the export of raw wood veneers.
While this may seem like a niche industry to many, veneer plays a significant role in our daily lives, though often unnoticed.
To better understand the impact of this decision, it’s essential to know what veneer is and how it’s used in everyday products.
What is veneer?
Veneer refers to a thin slice of wood, usually less than 3 millimetres thick, that is typically glued onto core panels such as wood, particleboard, or medium-density fibreboard (MDF).
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The main purpose of veneer is to provide a high-quality wood appearance on products without the cost and weight of solid wood.
Veneers can be either raw (unprocessed) or finished (treated and ready for use).
Popular products made from veneer
1. Furniture
- Tables, chairs, and cabinets: Many household furniture pieces, such as dining tables, chairs, and cabinets, are made using veneer.
Manufacturers often use veneers to create surfaces that mimic expensive hardwoods, offering a luxurious finish at a more affordable price.
- Office desks and shelves: Office furniture is another common use for veneer. Desks, bookshelves, and filing cabinets are frequently constructed with veneer to give them a polished and professional look.
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2. Flooring
- Engineered wood flooring: Engineered wood floors are made with a top layer of real wood veneer over layers of plywood or high-density fibreboard. This construction provides the appearance of solid wood flooring while being more stable and resistant to moisture.
- Parquet flooring: Parquet flooring, known for its geometric patterns, often features a veneer surface. The use of veneer allows for intricate designs using different wood types, creating a visually appealing and durable floor.
3. Doors
- Interior doors: Many interior doors are made using veneer over a solid or hollow core. Veneer doors are popular because they provide the look and feel of solid wood without the associated costs.
- Cabinet doors: Kitchen and bathroom cabinet doors frequently feature a veneer finish, offering a uniform and high-end appearance.
4. Wall panels
- Decorative wall panels: Veneer is also used in decorative wall panels, providing an elegant and sophisticated look to interiors. These panels can be used in living rooms, offices, and commercial spaces to add a touch of luxury.
- Acoustic panels: In spaces like theatres and studios, acoustic panels often use veneer to enhance aesthetics while providing sound-absorbing properties.
5. Musical instruments
- Guitars and pianos: Veneer is commonly used in the construction of musical instruments such as guitars and pianos. The thin layers of wood provide both the necessary strength and the desired visual appeal.
- Speaker cabinets: High-end speaker cabinets often feature a veneer finish, combining sound quality with a stylish exterior.
6. Automotive interiors
- Dashboard and trim: Luxury car interiors frequently use veneer on dashboards, door panels, and other trim areas. Veneer adds a premium touch to vehicles, offering a blend of sophistication and functionality.
- Steering wheels: Some high-end vehicles feature veneer on steering wheels, enhancing the tactile experience for drivers.