Wood veneers in the simplest of terms are thin slices of natural wood generally less than 1/40” thick. These veneers are typically pressed onto or laminated to thicker core materials such as plywood, particle board and MDF to create structural panels to be used in place of thicker hardwood lumber.

In woodworking, veneer refers to thin slices of wood and sometimes bark that typically are glued onto core panels (typically, wood, particle board or medium-density fiberboard) to produce flat panels such as doors, tops and panels for cabinets, parquet floors and parts of furniture. They are also used in marquetry.