Puupinnoille

Puupinnoille is a term used in Finnish woodworking to describe the practice of applying thin sheets of wood, known as veneers, onto a base material to create a finished surface that resembles solid wood. Veneered panels are commonly used in furniture, cabinetry, interior walls, and decorative objects. The technique enables the appearance of high-grade wood while using less material and improving dimensional stability.

Veneers are produced from various wood species and in different cuts, such as sliced or rotary-cut. The work typically involves preparing a suitable substrate (for example plywood or medium-density fibreboard), cutting and conditioning the veneer, applying an adhesive, and pressing the sheets onto the surface. After bonding, the panels are trimmed, sanded, and given a protective finish such as varnish or lacquer.

Advantages include lower material cost, reduced weight, greater dimensional stability, and the ability to use rare or difficult woods. Veneering also allows large surfaces to be finished with a continuous grain pattern. Disadvantages include the risk of veneer delamination or cracking if poorly bonded, edge matching challenges, and the need for skilled workmanship and precise finishing.

Historically, veneering has been used for centuries in European and Asian furniture and architectural woodwork. Modern production uses mechanical pressing and optimized adhesives to produce large, uniform panels. Sustainability considerations emphasize using responsibly sourced veneer woods, efficient utilization of timber, and low-emission adhesives.