How to Save Money on Great-Looking Mahogany Veneer

James rolling a sheet of Khaya Veneer in the Oakwood warehouse.

Sometimes you can really cut a great deal on wood veneer, without even trying. Take Honduran Mahogany Veneer, for example. This wood veneer has been very hard to get for almost ten years. At Oakwood, we still sell Honduran Mahogany, but it is still quite expensive. A good substitute would be Khaya (African Mahogany, pronounced “Kah-ya.”) We call this “value engineering” because Khaya Veneer, which is often less than half the price, is easy to get – and it looks great.

I suggest that people without an unlimited budget (yes, some of those still exist) consider Khaya, especially if they intend to stain the finished piece. Call it “value engineering” or just a great deal. Whenever you get this, it just feels good!

Wormy Chestnut Veneer is Back!

Peter Rodgers inspects a sheet of Wormy Chestnut.

(for a limited engagement)

This veneer has been hard – make that impossible – to find for the past ten years. That’s because Wormy Chestnut Veneer is created from Chestnut trees that have been inhabited by worms. Pest control solved a problem and created a new one: no more worms, but no more Wormy Chestnut. Some Wood Veneer manufacturers tried making this veneer by alternative means, such as making the veneer from reclaimed barn wood. This was not such a good idea, as any nail, screw or metal in the barn wood wrecked blades and pretty much created minor disasters.

The good news is that at Oakwood, we’ve come across a source of bona fide Wormy Chestnut, and we’ve bought it up to supply our customers with this now very rare veneer. At this time, we have about 150 sheets, all four-foot wide, in lengths of eight-, nine-, and ten feet. The worm marks are evenly distributed making for a wonderfully rustic look – but with no open defects. It’s beautiful!

Please remember that we have this for a limited time, and only because the supply of these trees is limited. If you even think you might have use for Wormy Chestnut Veneer some time in the future, this is the time to stock up. Call us at 800-426-6018.

Now We Know Where Baby Veneer Trees Come From

Okay, so this isn’t a true lesson on the biology of wood veneer. But take a look at the photos. What you see used to be a tree and is now . . . well you decide. Our neighbor had this piece of art created from a tree that would have otherwise been destined for the fireplace or chipper. Word on the street is that the design is supposed to be of “children frolicking in springtime.” Um, I can’t disagree with the springtime thing, but it’s the “children” part that is problematic. Whatever the case, it’s a stunning piece of art – and quite the talk of the neighborhood. Most people like it. According to one neighbor, the project cost several thousand dollars. And well worth it. At Oakwood Veneer, we like to see trees live beyond their original incarnation. And if this leads to even more trees, that makes us happier yet.