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What Is Marine Grade Wood Veneer

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What Is Marine Grade Wood Veneer

And How Is It Different From Other Wood Veneer Products?

If you’re interested in renovating your boat, you may be looking into marine grade wood veneer. Wood veneer is a traditional and gorgeous alternative for interior decoration of boats, yachts, and other watercraft.

With a natural, soft, and rustic appearance, the best wood veneer for boats can take your vessel to the next level. But if you’re browsing veneer for your boat, you may be wondering if you need marine grade wood veneer – and how these products differ from standard, non-marine veneer products.

In this article, we’ll discuss the basics about marine grade wood veneer and its composition, as well as some of the key differences between marine veneer and traditional veneers meant for use in homes, automobiles, and other non-marine environments.

The Anatomy Of Marine Grade Wood Veneer 

Most marine grade wood veneer is made from rare and expensive woods, such as mahogany, ash, teak, or redwood. These woods are chosen for their dense structure, gorgeous color, and exquisite grain.

Marine grade wood veneers usually consist of at least 2-3 layers of hardwood that are glued and “sandwiched” together. Careful attention is paid to this process, as any air gaps or inconsistencies may result in increased vulnerability to moisture and temperature changes – which can result in rot.

The backing material of a marine grade wood veneer depends on its intended application. Veneer used for building furniture or cabinets may have plywood backing. This backing must be varnished and finished to ensure it is water resistant.

Veneer that will be applied to walls or curved surfaces is usually backed with a flexible, epoxy-based resin.

The Differences Between Traditional Veneer And Marine Grade Wood Veneer

Marine grade wood veneer differs from non-marine veneer in a few important ways.

  • Dramatically improved moisture and temperature resistance – Marine-grade veneers use dense hardwood and specialized surface treatments in order to resist moisture changes and temperature fluctuations. This helps eliminate problems such as shrinkage, rot, and damage from moisture. Most traditional wood veneer is not treated to resist these changes.
  • Resistant to UV rays and sun damage – Sun damage and UV bleaching are common problems on marine vessels which spend a lot of time in tropical areas, and in unshaded docks. Because of this, most marine-grade veneer is coated with specialized compounds that boost UV resistance, ensuring a longer-lasting color.
  • More powerful adhesives – Marine grade veneers are intended to use exterior-grade glue and epoxy, in order to provide a more secure hold, and eliminate issues like peeling and veneer failure. In contrast, most traditional interior veneers are intended to use interior-grade glues, which may fail in the extreme conditions experienced in a watercraft.

As you can see, marine grade wood veneer has a few key differences that make it a much better choice for your vessel. It may be more expensive – but the increased cost is worth the investment.

Chi Yacht Services – Experts In Marine Carpentry In Fort Lauderdale!

If you need marine grade wood veneer for your boat in Fort Lauderdale, look no further than Chi Yacht Services. With decades of combined experience and a detail-oriented approach to yacht refinishing, we are an ideal choice. Contact us now and learn more about our past work, and future availability!

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