VENEER QUALITY GRANDING SYSTEM
veneer grading system that ensures that our customers get the quality of veneer that is required for their particular specifications. The general guidelines* for our grading system are as follows:
โAโ grade โ This is the lowest grade and would be used for requirements that allow for veneer โdefectsโ. This would be such things as limited pin knots, mineral streaks, gum/bark pockets, worm tracks, vine marks, cross bars, color variation or streaks. This would be the common stocking grade of the general cabinet industry. Sheets are not likely to match in this grade. In burls, this grade would have more โswirlโ open grain, with less than 25%-50% tight burl and โtileโ sizes are generally less than one foot in length and width. Figured veneers have mild figure and would have substantial breaks (25-50% with figure) and sometimes have a block mottle appearance.
โAAโ grade โ This grade is best for requirements that need an above-average quality. It would still have a few of the โdefectsโ that are in โAโโ grade. In burl, this would be 50-75% tight burl and a larger โtileโ size in the range of 8โ-12โ in length and width. Sheets are generally close in grain and color. Splices (joints or seams) are wider (less in number) than โAโ grade. Figured veneer is medium figure would have some mild breaks in figure (50-75% with figure).
โAAAโ grade โ This is a โcleanerโ grade of veneer with very few โdefectsโ. Sheets are generally in sequence and match in grain and color. In burls, this would be 75-100% tight burl and tiles sizes that are usually 12-16โ in length and width. The widest veneer flitches typically are used to allow for fewer splices. Figured veneer is stronger with little or no breaks in figure (75%-100% with figure).
Below grades typically only apply to AIRCRAFT INTERIOR customers:
โAAAAโ grade โ This is a grade that is mostly used in aircraft interiors as it is of a very high quality. It is the best veneer available in the open market place. In burls, this would be 75-100% tight burl with very little โopenโ grain and 16โ-24โ lengths and widths in โtileโ size. Sheets here would be in sequence. This would be the grade to use for jobs that need to have the best veneer, but have some budget constraints.
โAAAAAโ grade โ This is the best of the aircraft grade of veneer. This grade is as close to perfect as wood veneer can possibly be. The widest flitches are used here. In burls, this is almost 100% tight burl and no open grain and โtileโ sizes in the 24โ length and width range. Sheets here would also be in sequence. This grade is for jobs that require the best of the best, and are not budget-conscious.
*These are general guidelines only and will not apply to every veneer that we process. Wood veneer being a natural product is rarely going to be perfect. Actual processed veneer may vary from the flitch bundle that was used in the sampling process, but generally will be close.
