Schnittfurnier

Schnittfurnier (literally "sliced veneer") is a type of wood veneer produced by cutting thin sheets from a log with a sharp blade. Unlike rotary-cut veneer, which is peeled in a continuous spiral, sliced veneer is formed by a linear cutting action that reveals the wood’s natural growth patterns. Variations of the slicing method, such as plain slicing and quarter slicing, yield different surface figures: plain slicing often produces a cathedral or flame pattern, while quarter slicing gives a straighter, more uniform grain.

Schnittfurnier is typically sold in thicknesses ranging from about 0.5 to 3 millimetres and is glued onto stable substrates such as plywood, MDF or particleboard for use in furniture, cabinetry, doors, wall paneling and decorative joinery. It is also used for inlays and instrument making. Bookmatching—arranging consecutive veneer sheets to create a mirrored pattern—is a common aesthetic technique with sliced veneers.

Advantages of Schnittfurnier include efficient use of timber, a wide variety of decorative figures, and the ability to display valuable species as a thin facing. Challenges include sensitivity to moisture and dimensional movement, the need for careful substrate preparation and bonding, and potential waste or matching complexity when producing large panels. Environmental considerations encourage the use of certified sources or engineered alternatives to reduce pressure on rare species.