Why Proper Storage Matters
Appropriate handling and storage of veneer sheets before installing them are vital to ensure their proper use. To ensure the successful outcome of any installation made from veneer material, individuals need to understand how to store and handle even the highest quality veneers properly.
Wood (including veneer) is an organic material, meaning it will react in different ways based on temperature and relative humidity.
If veneer materials are not correctly stored before installation, you could create any or all of the following issues:
- Sheet whitening
- Noisy or rattling sounds are produced when the sheet moves
- Sheet curling
- Sheet cracking
- Sheet surface damage
- Uneven moisture absorption
Proper handling methods may assist in preventing any of the aforementioned conditions or greatly reduce their occurrence.
Best Practices for Veneer Sheet Storage
To maintain the most stable environment for your veneer sheets, please strictly adhere to the following guidelines.
- Veneer sheets should be stored flat whenever possible.
- Veneer sheets must be stored in a dry, climate-controlled interior environment.
- Veneer sheets must be protected from excessive moisture. Understanding how veneer is produced helps explain why controlled drying during manufacturing is so critical, and why moisture exposure during storage can undo that process.
- Veneer sheets should not be exposed to direct sunlight.
- Veneer sheets should be stored in clean areas.
By consistently adhering to the above guidelines, you will be less likely to create problems caused by improper care.
How to Handle Veneer Safely
Understanding proper methods for handling veneer materials may reduce the chances of damage when handling veneer.
Some basic recommendations for proper handling include:
- Lift sheets carefully.
- Do not excessively bend a sheet.
- If necessary, when handling sheets, a person should wear clean gloves to maintain surface integrity.
- Protect corners and edges of veneer sheets.
- Maintain clear work areas and avoid debris at all times.
If appropriate handling has taken place, the likelihood of scratches, dents, and other defects on the veneer will be minimal.
Preparing Veneer for Installation
If you take the time to prepare your veneers, you will be more efficient and have much smoother installations.
Recommendations for preparing veneers include but are not limited to:
- Allow the veneer to acclimatise to the conditions of its new installation area.
- Carefully inspect each veneer sheet before installation.
- Organise all veneer sheets according to their respective grain patterns – read the veneer sheet thickness guide to also understand how thickness choice impacts acclimatisation time, handling requirements, and installation outcomes.
- Ensure the substrate to which the veneer is installed is adequately prepared for installation.
Professionals who want the best choose from Royale Touche veneer collections, as well as many other all-natural surface collections, while following proper veneer storage procedures and preparation guidelines.
Conclusion
Understanding and following the appropriate procedures to ensure high-performing veneers during veneer pre-installation care will assure a successful installation process and provide opportunities for preserving the surfaces installed for many years of future use.