Each veneer species is graded into specific product categories and grade qualities within these categories. There are universal standards for grades, but veneer is subjective, and you can experience the Böhlke Difference in our grades; the attention to detail, consistency and quality is unsurpassed in the veneer industry. Our graders average over 25+ years experience in the veneer business.

Standards for Grading Veneer:

• Each log is graded into a product category:
  • Furniture
  • Door
  • Panel
• Within each product category we would have several grades:
  • MB/Architectural
  • A
  • AB
  • B
  • C

• MB Architectural Grade:

  This quality veneer is the very top grade; good, uniform color and structure, minimal natural characteristics, very consistent. This grade is traditionally used in lobby areas, board-rooms, and on executive floors.

• A Grade:

  This veneer contains minimal natural characteristics, uniform structure. Good dimension. Consistent.

• B Grade:

  This veneer grade allows more traditional natural characteristics like gum, pin knots, figure, sugar, etc.

• C Grade/Sound Grade:

  This would be used for the backs of plywood, or interior parts of furniture or cabinets.

Most specific grades are customer/project driven.

Cuts:

Within each specific product category and grades, we do sort our veneers by cut type. Traditional veneer production, plain sliced, produces plain sliced with developing half heart and quarters. In some cases logs are sold complete, were you are getting the entire log. On certain species we do separate plain sliced from quarter cut per customer/project specifications.

Find out all about the different cuts in our Veneer Cuts section.

Figure Types:

Figure is the wavy textures across the face of the veneer; this gives the impression of an uneven surface although smooth. The effect is due to reflected light on the uneven arrangements of the fibers. Figure may be due to the wrinkling or bending, in wave formation, of the growth rings due to wind, uneven bark pressure, indention on the surface of the tree by vines, fungi, etc... The value of wood is increased greatly when it is figured.

• Fiddleback:

  Fiddleback is clearly visable and regular streaks running across the grain. The more regular the streaks, the more valuable the veneer. Logs for fiddleback veneers are typically quartersawn to produce nearly perpendicular patterns running from edge to edge. Fiddleback is most known to occur in Anigre, Sycamore, and Makore. Fiddleback gets its name because it's very often used for the backs of violins. It is sometimes called 'crossfire'.

• Pommele:

  Pommele is a small to medium sized blister figure, the more uniform and heavy the blister, the more valuable. It is usually found in very large trees of African species like Sapele (which is shown), Bubinga and Makore. Sometimes it is also referred as 'blistered'.

• Mottle:

  Mottled veneer is an irregular form of figure that runs across the entire surface of the veneer. It is typically identified by its wavy spiral-like grain that causes the veneer to have a wrinkled or blotchy figure. The mottled figure can be very random, which is often referred to as 'broken mottle' or checkerboard-like, known as 'block mottle'. Mahogany, Sapele and Bubinga are all woods that have a tendency to be mottled.

• Birdseye:

  The name itself describes it the best. There are many theories on what causes Birdseye. Some say it is from a worm infested tree, some say it's caused by birds and insects and others think it is from a disease. Whatever the reason, it was once considered defective wood, but now is considered highly valuable. Birdseye is typically rotary cut to produce nice uniform round eyes. Birdseye is usually found in Maple, but can be found in other species on rare occasions.

• Crotch:

  Crotch comes from the intersection of a main limb or branch and the trunk of the tree. The appearance of this figure can vary greatly. The more precise and distinct the curl or crotch, the better the quality is considered. Crotch is seldom found in large sizes. Mahogany and Walnut Crotch veneers are best known.

• Burls:

  Abnormal growth or wart-like phenomena. Irritation or injury forms an interwoven, contorted, or gnarly mass of dense wood fibers. They give the appearance of tight clusters of dormant buds each with dark pith caused by stunted growth that failed to develop into a branch. In most species the burls are large and decorative and highly valued in veneers.

• Quilted:

  Highly figure veneers that have the appearance of folds, or blister like patterns that is most commonly found in Maple