Sawn veneer

What is a sawn veneer

Sawn veneer is a thin sheet of wood that is obtained by sawing a tree trunk. In contrast to other methods of producing veneer, such as peeling or slicing, sawing produces a rougher surface and a more pronounced wood structure. This method of production preserves the natural beauty and characteristics of the wood, which makes it particularly attractive for high-quality applications.

Production of sawn veneer from oak wood | Photo © by Hugo Kämpf 

Manufacturing process

The production of sawn veneer involves several precise steps. Firstly, the tree trunk is debarked to remove the outer layer. The debarked log is then cut to the desired length to facilitate processing. Thin sheets of veneer are then cut from the trunk using special saws. These sawn sheets are then carefully dried to remove moisture and increase stability. After drying, the veneer sheets are sorted and cut to specific dimensions to meet the requirements of different applications.

The properties of sawn veneers

Sawn veneers are characterised by several special properties:

• Surface: The surface is rough-sawn, which emphasises the natural wood structure and gives it a rustic appearance.
• Feel: They offer a unique feel that is reminiscent of solid wood and gives the finished product a high-quality appearance.
• Thickness: Sawn veneers are generally thicker than other veneer types such as sliced veneers, which gives them additional robustness.
• Appearance: They have a genuine solid wood character, which is particularly useful in demanding applications.

Advantages of sawn veneers

Sawn veneers offer several advantages that make them a favoured choice in many areas:

• Resource conservation: compared to solid wood planks, the production of sawn veneers enables a higher yield of the valuable wood, resulting in a more efficient use of the resource.
• Ecological sustainability: The production of sawn veneer is ecologically sustainable, as it optimises the use of wood as a raw material and thus protects the environment.
• Versatility: Thanks to their robust properties and aesthetic qualities, sawn veneers can be used in a wide range of applications. 

Areas of application

Sawn veneers are used in many areas:

• Furniture industry: They are often used in the manufacture of doors, table tops, cabinet fronts and other furniture components, where their natural look and feel are appreciated.
• Interior design: In interior design, they are used for wall and ceiling panelling to give rooms a warm and high-quality atmosphere.
• Musical instrument construction: Sawn veneers are also popular in the construction of musical instruments such as guitars and pianos, as they emphasise the acoustic properties of the wood.
• Packaging industry: Saw-cut veneers are even used in the packaging industry, for example in the manufacture of crates and boxes.

Sawn veneer explained in simple terms

Imagine you have a large tree trunk. Instead of cutting it into thick planks, it is sliced very thinly, like bread. These thin slices of wood are saw veneer. They are carefully cut from the trunk and then dried. This produces flat, flexible sheets of wood that can be used for furniture or walls.