Grading GuidelinesTechnical
Veneer Matching
It is possible to achieve certain visual effects by the manner in which the leaves are arranged. As noted, rotary cut veneers are difficult to match, therefore most matching is done with sliced veneers. The matching of adjacent veneer leaves must be specified. Special arrangements of leaves such as “diamond” and “box” matching are available. The more common types are:
Book Matching
The most commonly used match in the industry. Every other
piece of veneer is turned over so adjacent pieces (leaves) are
“opened” like the pages of a book.
Visual Effect - Veneer joints match, creating a symmetrical pattern. Yields maximum continuity of grain. When sequenced panels are specified, prominent characteristics will ascend or descend across the match as the leaves progress from panel to panel.
NOTE: May be used with plain, quarter, or rift sliced veneers. Because the “tight” and “loose” faces alternate in adjacent leaves, they reflect light and accept stain differently, and this may yield a noticeable color variation in some species or flitches.
Slip Matching
Often used with quarter sliced and rift sliced veneers. Adjoining
leaves are placed (slipped out) in sequence without turning,
resulting in all the same face sides being exposed.
Visual Effect - Grain figure repeats but joints do not show grain match. NOTE: The lack of grain match at the joints can be desirable. The relatively straight grain patterns of quartered and rift veneers generally produce pleasing results and a uniformity of color because all faces have the same light refraction.
Random Matching
Veneer leaves are placed next to each other in a random order
and orientation, producing a “board-by-board” effect in many
species.
Visual Effect - Casual or rustic appearance, as though individual boards from a random pile were applied to the product. Conscious effort is made to mismatch grain at joints.
NOTE: Degrees of contrast and variation may change from
panel to panel. This match is more difficult to obtain than
Book or Slip Match, and must be clearly specified and detailed.