Plywood vs. Veneer — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 15, 2024
Plywood is a strong building material made by gluing together layers of wood veneers; veneer is a thin slice of wood applied to surfaces for aesthetics.
Difference Between Plywood and Veneer
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Plywood is constructed by gluing several layers of wood veneers at alternating right angles to enhance strength and reduce shrinkage, while veneer refers to the thin slices of wood typically used as a finish or decorative surface on furniture and doors.
Plywood's multi-layered structure makes it suitable for structural applications in construction and furniture-making, whereas veneer is primarily used for its appearance, offering the look of solid wood without the high cost.
Plywood is available in various thicknesses and grades, which determine its suitability for different uses, from building construction to cabinet making. On the other hand, veneer is often chosen based on wood type and grain pattern, emphasizing aesthetic value over structural integrity.
The manufacturing process of plywood requires more wood and industrial processing compared to veneer, which involves slicing fine layers from a wood block. Meanwhile, veneer allows for conservation of valuable or exotic wood by covering a cheaper material beneath, such as particle board or MDF.
Durability is a significant aspect of plywood, given its engineered strength for load-bearing uses, whereas veneer provides a delicate finish that requires careful handling to prevent damage like scratches or dents.
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Comparison Chart
Composition
Multiple layers of wood veneer glued together.
A single thin layer of fine wood.
Primary Use
Structural purposes in building and furniture.
Decorative finish on surfaces.
Thickness
Typically ranges from 1/8 inch to 1 inch.
Generally around 0.6 mm to 6 mm.
Durability
High strength and resistance to warping.
More susceptible to damage, less structural strength.
Cost
Generally less expensive than solid wood, cost varies by type and thickness.
Cost-effective way to achieve a high-end wood look.
Compare with Definitions
Plywood
Used predominantly in construction and furniture making.
Plywood is favored for cabinet doors due to its strength and ease of customization.
Veneer
A thin slice of wood or bark, typically used as a decorative surface layer.
The antique wardrobe was covered with a rich mahogany veneer.
Plywood
Available in various grades and thicknesses suitable for different applications.
For the outdoor deck, marine-grade plywood was used because of its resistance to moisture.
Veneer
Requires careful handling to maintain its delicate surface.
The carpenter carefully polished the veneer to avoid scratches.
Plywood
Known for its structural strength and resistance to cracking, shrinkage, twisting, and warping.
Plywood panels are often used in construction to provide temporary support because they are robust.
Veneer
Often used in fine furniture and architectural applications.
Designers used walnut veneer for the lobby's feature wall to create a luxe aesthetic.
Plywood
A material made from thin layers of wood veneer glued together at alternating angles.
The contractor chose plywood for the flooring base because of its durability.
Veneer
Applied to less expensive surfaces to mimic the appearance of solid wood.
The conference room table was actually veneer over a composite base.
Plywood
Typically less expensive than solid wood.
To stay within budget, they used plywood instead of oak for the interior framing.
Veneer
Allows for design flexibility and conservation of rare woods.
Using veneer helped preserve scarce cherry wood while achieving the desired look.
Plywood
Plywood is a material manufactured from thin layers or "plies" of wood veneer that are glued together with adjacent layers having their wood grain rotated up to 90 degrees to one another. It is an engineered wood from the family of manufactured boards which include medium-density fibreboard (MDF), oriented strand board (OSB) and particle board (chipboard).
Veneer
A thin surface layer, as of finely grained wood, glued to a base of inferior material.
Plywood
A structural material made of layers of wood glued together, usually with the grains of adjoining layers at right angles to each other.
Veneer
Any of the thin layers glued together to make plywood.
Plywood
(uncountable) Construction material supplied in sheets, and made of three or more layers of wood veneer glued together, laid up with alternating layers having their grain perpendicular to each other.
After the hurricane there was a severe regional shortage of plywood, especially exterior plywood.
Veneer
A decorative facing, as of brick.
Plywood
(countable) A specific grade or type of this construction material.
We stock exterior plywoods, interior plywoods, and furniture plywoods.
Veneer
A deceptive, superficial show; a façade
A veneer of friendliness.
Plywood
(transitive) To fit or block up with plywood.
Veneer
To overlay (a surface) with a thin layer of a fine or decorative material.
Plywood
A laminate made of thin layers of wood
Veneer
To glue together (layers of wood) to make plywood.
Veneer
To conceal, as something common or crude, with a deceptively attractive outward show.
Veneer
A thin decorative covering of fine material (usually wood) applied to coarser wood or other material.
Veneer
An attractive appearance that covers or disguises one's true nature or feelings.
Veneer
To apply veneer to.
To veneer a piece of furniture with mahogany
Veneer
To disguise with apparent goodness.
Veneer
To overlay or plate with a thin layer of wood or other material for outer finish or decoration; as, to veneer a piece of furniture with mahogany. Used also figuratively.
As a rogue in grainVeneered with sanctimonious theory.
Veneer
A thin leaf or layer of a more valuable or beautiful material for overlaying an inferior one, especially such a thin leaf of wood to be glued to a cheaper wood; hence, external show; gloss; false pretense.
Veneer
Coating consisting of a thin layer of superior wood glued to a base of inferior wood
Veneer
An ornamental coating to a building
Veneer
Cover with veneer;
Veneer the furniture to protect it
Common Curiosities
What is the main advantage of using veneer?
The main advantage of veneer is its aesthetic appeal, providing the look of solid wood at a lower cost.
Can plywood be used for decorative purposes?
Yes, plywood can be finished and used decoratively, especially in modern architecture and furniture.
How does the durability of veneer compare to plywood?
Veneer is less durable than plywood and is more susceptible to damage like scratches and dents.
What is plywood primarily used for?
Plywood is used for structural purposes in construction and furniture due to its strength and durability.
How is veneer applied to surfaces?
Veneer is typically glued onto less expensive materials like MDF or particle board to enhance aesthetics.
Is veneer cheaper than plywood?
Veneer itself is usually cheaper than plywood, but the cost can vary depending on the type of underlying material and the wood used for the veneer.
Is it easy to repair damaged veneer?
Repairing damaged veneer can be challenging due to its thinness and the need for precision in matching grains and finishes.
Is plywood environmentally friendly?
Plywood can be environmentally friendly if sourced from sustainably managed forests, though it does involve more intensive manufacturing processes.
What are the environmental considerations with veneer?
Veneer uses less wood and allows for the conservation of rare or expensive wood types, making it more sustainable in some contexts.
Can plywood be used outdoors?
Yes, specific types of plywood like marine plywood are treated to resist moisture and can be used outdoors.
What types of wood are used to make plywood?
Many types of wood, including pine, birch, and poplar, are used to make plywood, depending on the desired properties.
What is the typical thickness of veneer?
Veneer thickness typically ranges from 0.6 mm to 6 mm, depending on the application.
How does veneer contribute to furniture design?
Veneer allows designers to use expensive and exotic woods economically, enabling more creative and diverse furniture designs.
How is plywood made?
Plywood is made by gluing layers of wood veneers together at alternating angles to increase strength.
What plywood types are most resistant to water?
Marine plywood and exterior-grade plywood are treated to resist water and are best suited for outdoor use.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
