Rustic Veneer: Aromatic Cedar, Wormy Chestnut, Knotty Alder, and Knotty Larch Veneer

For a down-home folksy feel, many people are turning to rustic veneer. Rustics often have knots, wormy rivets, a pronounced two-tone grain pattern, or other distinctive characteristics that almost make it seem like the owner chopped the tree down themselves and handcrafted the building or furniture piece.

Rustic veneer is often seen in farmhouses or Cracker Barrel-style restaurants, but it is becoming more common to see it used for projects that aren’t trying to evoke an old country feel. Rustics are a great way to add some character to projects without spending a ton of money (they are on the less expensive side of veneer choices).

Oakwood carries over a dozen rustic veneers, and we will turn this blog into a three-part series in order to feature each species. Here is the first set:

Aromatic Cedar Veneer – This looks similar to knotty pine but with significantly more knots and a dark red shade which is in contrast to pine’s pale hue. Aromatic Cedar Veneer also has a potent and distinctive aroma that many people enjoy (although others disagree). It is used for cedar closets and storage chests.

Wormy Chestnut Veneer – The grain pattern looks similar to Southern Yellow Pine Veneer because it is tan and yellow two-tone with irregular ovals. However Wormy Chestnut has small brown speckled markings throughout the entire wood. It tends to be a bit pricier than most of the rustic woods, however Oakwood has a spectacular-looking stock of it – the best looking Wormy Chestnut in the industry.

Knotty Alder Veneer – This is also similar to Knotty Pine except that it is a darker tan and the knots are much more subdued looking, to the point that you might not realize there are knots unless you are looking for them.

Knotty Larch Veneer – Once again, this is similar to Knotty Pine Veneer, except that the grain is a darker tan and the knots are noticeable but a lighter brown. You can also see the straight grain lines clearer in Knotty Larch Veneer than in Knotty Pine where the grain is too pale to see the lines.