Home And Office Decor: Ways To Use 4x8 Veneer Panels

Medium density fiberboard (MDF) makes up the heart of recycled 4x8 veneer architectural panels, although you wouldn't know it from looking at them - the exterior is comprised of a thin layer of natural wood. This allows consumers to enjoy the lower price of MDF as well as the warm beauty of natural wood. Here are a few other advantages of 4x8 veneer architectural panels:

Versatile. Recycled wood can be applied to fire rated cores or MDF. Or, for curved walls, 4x8 architectural panels can feature wood-on-wood veneers.

Less wood required. In most building applications, solid wood must be cut to a thickness of 1 1/8 inches. However, the outer layer of wood on veneer panels can be as little as 1/40 of an inch thick. Therefore, recycled wood that couldn't otherwise be used can be featured in veneer panels.

Locally made. Some producers are now building 4x8 veneer panels in the U.S., which supports local economies and decreases our reliance on foreign manufacturers.

Earth-friendly - assuming you select a manufacturer that utilizes recycled lumber and follows LEED standards. To ensure you're buying truly "green" 4x8 veneer architectural panels, look for Forest Stewardship Council-approved MDF that is free of Volatile Organic Compounds (VOCs). VOCs have been found to release potentially toxic off-gasses over time.

Strong. 4x8 architectural panels are durable enough for weight-bearing applications, such as cabinetry.

For most builders, the crucial trait of 4x8 veneer architectural panels is that they retain their shape despite shifts in temperature and humidity. Therefore, veneer panels may be utilized in casework, framing, cabinetry and other projects that cannot withstand expansion and contraction with temperature changes.

Ways to Incorporate 4x8 Veneer Panels in Your Office or Home

Doors. 4x8 veneer architectural panels are an excellent material for doors, as they are strong enough to survive rough use.

Casework. Built-in storage is a popular feature for both offices and homes. Because they won't expand or shrink with climate shifts, recycled lumber 4X8 veneer architectural panels are an excellent choice for casework projects.

Framing. Solid wood expands and contracts with temperature, as mentioned above. This often causes problems around doors and windows. In cold weather, wooden frames contract, opening tiny cracks where cold air can penetrate an office or home. In contrast, hot summertime temperatures cause frames to expand, which puts extra pressure on nearby windows and walls. Both situations can be ameliorated with 4X8 veneer architectural panels. If placed around windows and doors, veneer panels will not change size with the surrounding climate, meaning you'll enjoy enhanced energy efficiency, lower heating bills and less money spent on framing repairs over time.

Cabinetry. Not all recycled wood products work well in kitchens, where moisture and temperature changes are commonplace. As in casework and framing, many builders select 4x8 veneer architectural panels for kitchen cabinets in order to avoid swelling and shrinking wood. One tip: For kitchen applications, choose high-quality panels that have been assembled with strong, long-lasting glue. Otherwise, kitchen moisture could cause the veneer layer to peel off cabinet fronts.

Wall paneling. Solid wood panels may be mounted in the bedroom, living room or office, but choosing 4x8 architectural panels instead will save you time and money. Installation is a snap - just hang the large sheets of veneer from a cleat system.