Madrone Veneer - The Beautiful Pearwood Look-alike

Just as everyone in the world supposedly has a look-alike somewhere, many wood species share this same quality. A prime example of this is Madrone Veneer and Pearwood Veneer. Both are moderately popular species. But in many cases, you could take pieces of Madrone and Pearwood to a wood expert, ask them which species is which, and get the wrong answer.

So what do Madrone and Pearwood Veneer look like? The answer is pink-tan light shaded wood with a nice grain pattern that depends on the cut. Here are the various types of Madrone Veneer and the characteristics of each:

1. Flat Cut Madrone Veneer: This cut is usually the most pink of all the Madrone choices. Flat Cut has a curved cathedral style grain and occassionally some variation in shade from pink to very light pink.

2. Quartered Madrone Veneer: Quartered Madrone Veneer usually has a bit darker and a bit more tan/brown appearance than Flat Cut. The grain lines run straight across the sheet although they can be a touch wavy in places.

3. Madrone Burl Veneer: One of the most stately looking veneers available, Madrone Burl has tight clusters and a pinkish grain. It looks fantastic on some of the world's most exquisite furniture and is featured in upscale buildings.