Matching Options

In veneering, matching refers to the arrangement, or “pattern,” of the grain on the substrate. Our experienced veneering craftsmen are able to match veneers according to any arrangement requested by the architect or designer. There are a number of possible veneer matching options, but here are some more common arrangements:

Book Matching, a popular arrangement choice in high-end architectural millwork, refers to successive pieces of veneer arranged side by side that, when done properly, creates a design in which each leaf of veneer will resemble a mirror image of the previous leaf, like the pages of a book. The result is a dramatic design effect that showcases the rich, unique wood grain and color. This matching practice is usually reserved for ornate designs, such as elegant furniture, casework and millwork. One of the most recognizable examples of bookmatching is evident in the backs of deluxe violins and guitars.

Slip Matching is a method of matching veneers whereby consecutive sheets of veneer are laid out side by side, in contrast to turning them over for book matching, and joined together with a repetition of the same grain appearance.

Reverse Slip Matching is a variation from slip matching in that every other piece of veneer in the face is reversed, end for end, with the adjoining sheet that “balances” the characteristics of the pieces of veneer in the face.

End Matching consists of opening two matching pieces of veneer endwise rather than edgewise (book match). This may be done to make a balanced face (e.g., for a top) or if long panels are required beyond the limits of the veneer length.

Plank Matching, or random matching, is a specification that indicates when veneers are put together randomly for the face of a piece of plywood, with no matching grain character in the same face.

Of course, veneers can be arranged in a vast number of patterns, including special (submitted sketch) match, diamond match, box match, checkerboard, herringbone, and a host of others.