The Ultimate Guide to Choosing the Right Timber Veneer for Your Space

Step 1: Understand Your Design Goals

Before choosing a timber veneer, consider the overall style and purpose of your space. Are you aiming for a minimalist, Scandinavian-inspired look? Or do you want something bold and dramatic to make a statement?

• For Modern Homes: Light-toned veneers like American Oak Crown are perfect for creating a bright and airy feel.
• For Retro-Inspired Interiors: Blackwood, often called the “modern teak,” works beautifully with mid-century design trends that are making a big comeback in 2025.
• For Commercial Spaces: Rich, dark veneers like walnut or sapele add sophistication to offices, retail stores, or hospitality venues.

Step 2: Consider the Space’s Functionality

Different spaces have different demands, and your choice of veneer should reflect that.

• High-Traffic Areas: For spaces like commercial lobbies or busy family kitchens, choose durable veneers with a protective finish to withstand wear and tear.
• Moisture-Prone Areas: In kitchens or bathrooms, opt for veneers bonded to water-resistant substrates. Pre-finished options, such as our Evo Veneer range, are a great choice as they come with a protective coating that eliminates the need for additional sealing.
• Feature Walls and Decorative Elements: For purely aesthetic purposes, you can prioritise veneers with bold patterns or unique grains, such as crown cut oak or book-matched walnut.

Step 3: Select the Right Colour and Grain

Australia’s design trends for 2025 are leaning heavily into natural tones and textures. Here’s how to choose the right colour and grain for your project:

• Light and Neutral Tones: Perfect for coastal homes or spaces where you want to enhance natural light. Veneers like Tasmanian oak or American Oak Crown are popular choices.
• Rich and Dark Tones: Ideal for creating a sense of luxury and drama. Think walnut or blackwood for a warm, inviting feel.
• Unique Patterns: If you’re looking to make a statement, veneers with eye-catching grain patterns, such as quarter-cut or book-matched designs, can add depth and character to your space.

Step 4: Weigh the Benefits of Natural vs. Engineered Veneer

Timber veneer comes in two main types: natural and engineered. Understanding the differences can help you decide which is best for your project.

• Natural Veneer: Made directly from logs, natural veneer showcases the unique grain and colour variations of the tree it came from. This makes it perfect for projects where you want to highlight the beauty of natural timber. However, variations in colour and grain can sometimes make it challenging to achieve a uniform look across large areas.
• Engineered Veneer: Our Evo Veneer range is a prime example of engineered veneer done right. Designed in collaboration with Japanese artisans, Evo Veneer replicates the look of natural timber but with consistent colour and grain, making it ideal for large-scale projects or areas where uniformity is important. It also comes pre-finished, saving time and effort on sanding and polishing.

Step 5: Think About Sustainability

Sustainability is a growing priority in Australian design and construction, and timber veneer is an excellent choice for eco-conscious projects. At Bord, we support sustainable practices through our Specify Sustainable initiative, helping architects and designers navigate the complexities of sourcing environmentally friendly materials.

Here’s how timber veneer supports sustainability:

• Efficient Use of Resources: Veneer uses significantly less wood than solid timber, making it a more resource-efficient option.
• Certified Sustainable: Our veneers are certified by leading organisations, including PEFC, FSC, and Responsible Wood, ensuring they are sourced responsibly.
• Chain of Custody: We provide full chain-of-custody documentation for most of our products, giving you confidence in their origin and environmental impact.

Step 6: Test Samples Before Committing

Before making your final decision, order samples of the veneers you’re considering. Viewing them in your space allows you to see how they interact with lighting, other materials, and your overall colour scheme. For example, a warm-toned blackwood veneer might look stunning in natural light but could feel too heavy in a dimly lit room.

Step 7: Work with Experts

Choosing the right timber veneer can feel overwhelming, especially with so many options available. This is where working with a trusted supplier like Bord makes all the difference. Our team of experts can guide you through the process, from selecting the perfect veneer to ensuring it’s backed by the right sustainability certifications.

Whether you’re designing a modern coastal retreat, a mid-century-inspired home, or a cutting-edge commercial space, timber veneer is a versatile and sustainable choice that can bring your vision to life. By considering factors like design goals, functionality, colour, grain, and sustainability, you’ll be well-equipped to choose the perfect veneer for your space.

At Bord, we’re here to help you every step of the way, offering a wide range of natural and engineered veneers, including our innovative Evo Veneer range. Ready to start your project? Contact us today to learn more about our products and how we can help you create a space that’s stylish, sustainable, and uniquely yours.