Frequently Asked Questions
- How do I place an order?
- What are your accepted forms of payment?
- What is your return policy?
- What is your warranty policy?
- What are your typical lead times?
- What shipping options are available?
- Can you estimate shipping costs?
- How do I acquire company literature?
- How do I acquire species samples?
- How can I acquire a sample that is from the same log of veneer from which my order will be processed?
- What are different cuts of veneer available?
- What are the different veneer matches available?
- What is sequencing?
- Can a species be matched?
- What is flitch matching?
- What are the different grades of veneer?
- What are the differences between the variety of flexible backers offered by FormWood Industries?
- What is the difference between PSA 468 and PSA 9505?
- What options are available in Architectural Plywood lay-ups?
- Do you offer a bendable panel?
- Do you offer products that can be used to finish the edges of my panels?
- What are FormWood's recommendations for applying veneer to a substrate?
- Can veneer sheets be applied directly to dry wall or gypsum?
- Can PSA be applied to metal?
- If I use a hot press when applying veneer to a substrate, at what temperature would I reactive your glue lines?
- What can I do if I observe bubbles in a sheet that I have secured with contact cement?
- What are the sanding specifications for your products?
- Are flexible veneer sheets oversized?
- Can I purchase partial sheets of veneer?
- What are the differences between the most common types of figure?
- What are the different types of characteristics that naturally occur in wood?
- What is Barber Poling?
- What is Reconstituted (Composite) veneer?
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Please contact our customer service department at 1-800-732-5966.
What are your accepted forms of payment?[ back to top ]
We accept Visa, MasterCard and American Express for first time orders. If you wish to open an account with FormWood Industries, please contact our customer service department at 1-800-732-5966 to receive a credit application.
What is your return policy?[ back to top ]
All returns must be pre-authorized by FormWood Industries. To receive a Return Materials Authorization (RMA), please contact our customer service department at 1-800-732-5966. All returns are subject to a 30% restocking fee. All material must be returned in good condition. Partial or no credit will apply to any material that is not in sellable form. All items on the RMA must be returned within thirty days from the date issued or credit will not be issued.
What is your warranty policy?[ back to top ]
Seller warrants merchandise to be free from defects in material and workmanship. Customer assumes all responsibility and liability for use and results of materials purchased under this agreement. Seller makes no other warranty, expressed or implied, except as stated herein. Seller's liability under this warranty is limited to the purchase price of material and/or merchandise proved defective.
No credit or claim for material returned to Seller will be allowed until such return has had prior written approval. Terms for return of merchandise will be stated when written approval is sent. Seller will not accept any claims for adjustment under its warranty or any requests for return of material after thirty days following shipment of such material.
What are your typical lead times?[ back to top ]
In stock items ship on the day the item is ordered or the next day depending upon the time the order is placed. Items that must be built from faces generally take 5 to 7 business days. Items that must be run from flitch generally take 10 to 15 business days. Items that require that a flitch be purchased could take longer. Please contact our customer service department at 1-800-732-5966 to check stock and availability.
What shipping options are available?[ back to top ]
We typically ship via UPS for ground shipments. Third Day Air, Second Day Air, Next day Air, Next Day Air Early A.M. and Saturday delivery are available in many locations through Fed Ex and UPS. We utilize a number of LTL truck lines for large veneer and panel orders. We also utilize dedicated truck carriers.
Can you estimate shipping costs?[ back to top ]
Yes. You may use our Shipping Estimator or contact our customer service department at 1-800-732-5966.
How do I acquire company literature?[ back to top ]
Please select Request for Literature or contact our customer service department at 1-800-732-5966.
How do I acquire species samples?[ back to top ]
We offer up to five 8"x10" species samples to you at no charge. These samples represent the species and cut of veneer; however, they are not necessarily from the same flitch as material you may receive upon ordering. We also offer sample catalogs available for purchase. The cost is $40.00 plus shipping for a catalog containing 40 to 45 species. The lead time is typically five working days
How can I acquire a sample that is from the same log of veneer from which my order will be processed?[ back to top ]
Flitch sampling is the process by which we can sample a leaf or leaves from a live flitch. A $50.00 charge will be assessed that is refundable if either the order is placed or the flitch sample is returned undamaged within 30 days.
What are the different cuts of veneer available[ back to top ]
Flat Cut/Plain Sliced: The half log, or flitch, is
mounted with the heart side flat against the flitch table of the slicer
and the slicing is done parallel to a line through the center of the
log. Cathedral and straight grain patterns result.
Quarter Sawn: The quarter log is mounted on the flitch
table so that the growth rings of the log strike the knife at
approximately right angles, producing a series of stripes. These
stripes vary in width from species to species. A natural distribution
of ray flake is a characteristic of this cut in red and white oak.
Rift Sawn: The cut slices slightly across the
medullary rays, accentuating the vertical grain and minimizing the
flake. Rift grain is restricted to red and white oak.
Rotary Whole Piece Face: The log is mounted centrally
in the lathe and turned against a razor sharp blade, like unwinding a
roll of paper. Since this cut follows the log's annual growth rings, a
bold variegated grain marking is produced. Rotary cut veneer is
exceptionally wide.- Rotary-Spliced: This rotary cut allows for splice lines within the sheet of veneer.
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Matching between individual pieces of veneer:
Book Match: The most commonly used match in the
industry. Every other piece of veneer is turned over so adjacent pieces
are opened like two adjacent pages in a book. The veneer joints match
and create a mirrored image pattern at the joint line, yielding a
maximum continuity of grain. Book matching is used with flat cut,
quarter, rift or rotary cut veneer.
Slip Match: Adjoining pieces of veneer are placed in
sequence without turning over every other piece. The grain figure
repeats, but joints will not show mirrored effect. Slip matching is
often used in quarter cut and rift cut veneer to minimize the barber
pole effect.
Reverse-Slip Match: In reverse slip matching the
veneer leaves are slipped out from under each other and every other
veneer leaf is flipped end to end. This balances the character of the
veneer in the panel face.
Running Match: Each panel face is assembled from as
many veneer leaves as necessary so that the widths and number of
matching veneer leaves are not requirements. This can produce a match
which appears less even or random and asymmetrical.- Balanced Match: The width of each veneer leaf in a
panel face is the same. Panels may contain an even or odd number of
leaves and distribution may change from panel to panel within a
sequenced set. This reduces veneer yield.
Center Balanced Match: An even number of equal width
veneer leaves make up a panel face. Thus, there is a veneer joint in
the center of the panel. This match further reduces veneer yield.- Plank Match: Components are book matched and flipped end to end to avoid a line of knots across the face of the veneer. This match is typically used in rustic woods to ensure characteristic marks are evenly distributed throughout the sheet.
End Match: This type of matching is often used to
extend the apparent length of available veneer for high wall panels and
long conference tables. A sketch or drawing is required for quoting, as
there are several different ways to achieve this result.
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Sequencing refers to a set of veneer sheets that have been produced in order from the same log. The number of sheets per sequence can be limited by species, cut, grain-orientation and yield. Please contact our customer service department at 1-800-732-5966 for specie specific information on sequencing.
Can a species be matched?[ back to top ]
No, there are limitations in certain woods due to the nature of the species. Grain changes through the flitch limits the availability of sequence matched sheets in the following cuts and species:
- Rotary Cut woods, such as Maple, Birch and Cherry
- Rustic woods, such as Alder
- Burls
- Birdseye Maple
- Lacewood
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Flitch matching refers to a set of veneer sheets that have been produced from the same log. In some cases this results in a similarity in color. This option is often more affordable than sequence matching. If color and grain consistency are necessary, please request sequence matching. Please contact our customer service department at 1-800-732-5966 for species specific information on flitch matching.
What are the different grades of veneer?[ back to top ]
- AA: Architectural grade that generally has special requirements for balancing, sequencing, component width, etc.
- A: Premium grade that is most often used.
- B: Select grade that allows for more natural characteristics such as pin knots, mineral, gum, flares, etc.
- Paint Grade: This grade contains a variety of characteristics that would be best used as a painted surface.
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FormWood® Paper-Backed Veneer:
FormWood® paper-backed veneer provide stability and flexibility while
helping to minimize splitting, grain-raise and glue seepage. Sheets are
available with 10 mil, 20 mil and 30 mil paper backing. Sizes include:
4'x8', 4'x10', 4'x12', 8'x4', 10'x4', 12'x4', 5'x8', 5'x10', 5'x12',
8'x5' and 10'x5'. The thickness of a 10 mil paper-backed veneer is .020
inches (+/- .005") with a bending radius of 1 inch, depending on the
specie.
NBL® Wood-on-Wood Laminate:
NBL® laminates provide the custom woodworker with superior flexibility
and performance when compared to other wood-backed products. NBL's®
patented 3-ply construction produces an extremely pliable,
moisture-resistant sheet without the black edge associated with
phenolic and foil backers. Minor substrate imperfections are "absorbed"
and hidden by NBL's® thermo-set joined face and parallel grain,
all-wood-backer. Sizes include: 4'x8', 4'x10', 4'x12', 8'x4', 10'x4',
12'x4', 5'x8', 5'x10'and 5'x12'. The thickness of NBL® is .040 inches
(+/- .005") with a bending radius of 2-4 inches, depending on the
specie.
FormWood® 2-Ply Crossband Wood-on-Wood Laminate:
FormWood 2-Ply veneer has a perpendicular face-to-back construction
utilizing a thin acrylic membrane to provide protection against
bubbling, glue seepage and telegraphing. The crossband construction
allows FormWood 2-Ply veneer to bend on moderate curves in the
horizontal or vertical direction. Sizes include: 4'x8', 4'x10', 8'x4',
10'x4', 8'x5' and 10'x5'. The thickness of 2-Ply veneer is .040 inches
(+/- .005") with an average bending radius of 5 inches, depending on
the specie.
DuraBack™:
DuraBack™ is a unique product designed and engineered as an alternative
to traditional laminate backed veneer. This product is very popular in
markets where solvent-based adhesive restrictions require woodworkers
to use water-based glues. The DuraBack™ sheet's beige backer blends
nicely in most applications to maintain the natural beauty of the wood
veneer. DuraBack™ offers the stability of laminate, while providing
superior flexibility. Also, DuraBack™ accepts pre-finishing prior to
lamination and is easily post-formable around curves. Sizes include:
4'x8', 4'x10', 4'x12', 5'x8', 5'x10' and 5'x12'. The thickness of
DuraBack™ is .038-.048 inches (+/- .005") with an average bending
radius of 4-6 inches, depending on the specie.
FormWood® Pressure-Sensitive Adhesive (PSA) Veneer:
Utilizing the best quality 3M™ Brand PSA adhesives, our peel &
stick veneer provides a permanent bond to any smooth substrate that is
dry and free of dust and contaminants. PSA-backed veneer is the perfect
choice for cabinet refacing, home craftsmen and professional
woodworkers. Sizes include: 2'x8', 2'x10', 2'x12', 4'x8', 4'x10',
4'x12', 8'x4' and 10'x4'. The thickness of PSA on a 10 mil paper-backed
veneer is .02 inches (+/- .005") with a bending radius of approximately
1 inch, depending on the specie.
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PSA 468 and PSA 9505 are both quality 3M™ products designed to be used in the wood industry; however, 468 is the premium product. Both products have the same thickness of adhesive (5.0 mil), but 9505 has a thicker liner (4.0 mil vs. 3.8 mil). In a stainless steel peel test, after a 72 hour dwell time, 9505 required 98 oz/in while 468 required 106 oz/in. 468 is a #200 Hi-Performance" acrylic while 9505 is considered a #220 industrial acrylic.
What options are available in Architectural Plywood lay-ups?[ back to top ]
Architectural panels can be manufactured precisely to customer specifications at FormWood's state of the art plywood facility. Panels for wall systems, conference tables or custom millwork pieces can be produced with consideration for balancing, sequencing and grade requirements. Cores include: MDF, PBC and VC in 1/8", 3/16", 1/4", 1/2", 11/16", 3/4", 15/16", 1" and 1-1/2". Sizes include: 4'x8', 4'x10', 4'x12', 8'x4', 10'x4', 5'x8', 5'x10' and 5'x12'. These items are all based on availability and may be subject to minimums. Please contact our customer service department at 1-800-732-5966 for information on core availability.
Do you offer a bendable panel?[ back to top ]
Yes. Form-Ply is a pre-veneered, high quality bendable sheet material.
This grooved MDF product can be wrapped around a framed structure,
shaped to a form or become free standing by applying a backer sheet.
The standard size is 4'x8'. 8'x4' sheets are available upon special
request. 1/4" (6mm) and 3/8" (9mm) thick panels are available for
versatility of application. When shaped and bonded to a second sheet,
the resulting ½" or ¾" structure can be formed to unique shapes with
great stability. Panels will turn a curved radius of approximately 9-12
inches.
of my panels?
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Edgebanding rolls are stocked in common species from Alder to Walnut
and in various widths from 5/8" to 1". This real wood, fleece-backed
edging is offered as automatic, pre-glued or automatic pre-finished.
For all your exotic edge needs, edge strips can be cut to match veneer
or plywood.
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Please see our Application Guidelines for complete details.
- Allow veneer sheets and substrate to acclimate to the same environment for five days. Extreme temperature/humidity fluctuations will affect both the veneer and substrate, causing expansion or shrinkage.
- Sand the substrate surface with 80 grit sandpaper and be sure veneer and substrate are free of paint, grease, dirt, dust, oil or any other foreign matter.
- Apply adhesive uniformly to both the substrate and veneer. 100% glue coverage is recommended. Follow the glue manufacturer's recommendation on open time before bonding the veneer to the substrate. Water-based adhesives should only be used with DuraBack™. Otherwise, use a solvent-based product.
- Sufficient pressure should be applied over the entire area. Platten presses and bag presses work very well. If these options are not available use a fiber knife or veneer scraper and start in the center of the veneer sheet working out. A standard "J" roller is not recommended due to the low pressure exerted with them.
- The adhesive should dry a minimum of 48 hours before finishing. Follow the recommendations of the finish manufacturer.
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No. You must first apply the veneer to a substrate such as Veneer Core, Particle Board or MDF.
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A number of factors can affect the adhesion of PSA to metal, such as the type of metal, coatings on the metal, the surface energy of the metal and the application process. Please contact our customer service department at 1-800-732-5966 for assistance in considering PSA for your specific metal application.
If I use a hot press when applying veneer to a substrate, at what temperature would I reactive your glue lines?[ back to top ]
The glue used to splice the veneer leaves together is urea thermoset glue that cannot be reactivated. The glue line used between the veneer and backer sheet will not be reactivated up to 280°F.
What can I do if I observe bubbles in a sheet that I have secured with contact cement?[ back to top ]
This is often caused by inadequate glue coverage or pressure. First, apply heat to the veneer and use pressure to try to get the material to lay flat. If that does not work, use a straight edge to cut a small hole directly over the bubble. Inject glue into the bubble and apply pressure.
What are the sanding specifications for your products?[ back to top ]
All standard size sheets are machine surface sanded with a two-pass process of 100 and 150 grit. Other sanding options are available upon request, which may result in an up charge. Our sanding processes are not to be considered a finish sanding. The customer should sand the material prior to finishing.
Are flexible veneer sheets oversized?[ back to top ]
We make every attempt to oversize sheets by 1/4" on both the length and the width; however, we only guarantee the standard size of the veneer sheet. If a sheet must be oversized, please specify at the time of quoting and ordering.
Can I purchase partial sheets of veneer?[ back to top ]
Exotic species generally require that you purchase the full sheet of veneer. Often, domestic species can be cut into half sheets (i.e. 2'x8').
What are the differences between the most common types of figure?[ back to top ]
Birdseye: Refers to the small to large "eyes" of figure found throughout select sheets of Maple.
Burls: Burls feature swirling grain around clusters of
dormant buds, rings or eyes. Available in White Ash, Olive Ash,
Carpathian Elm, Maple, Mappa, Myrtle and Walnut.
Crotch: Cut from the juncture of a tree's main
branches and trunk, crotch figures are often subcategorized as flame,
plume, rooster tail, feather or burning bush. Available in Mahogany.
Curly: Contortions in grain direction that reflect
light differently create an appearance of undulating waves known as
curly grain. Most commonly available in Maple.
Fiddleback: Narrow bands of figure that run
uninterrupted from edge to edge across the width of the veneer leaf.
When book matched, a chevron pattern is formed. Most commonly available
in Anegre, Maple, Makore and English Sycamore.
Flake: Varies in size from "dash marks" to "stretch
marks." Created when the pithrays are cut across at an angle when
slicing. Very common in Quartered Red and White Oak.
Pebble: "Snowflake" or "button" look that occurs when large medullary rays are quartersawn. Very common in Quartered Lacewood.
Pommele: A dense pattern of small rings enveloping one
another. Often described as looking like "suede" or "fur." Most
commonly available as Sapele.
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Bark Pocket: A small area of bark around which normal wood had grown.- Flares: Markings across the grain of the face. In book matched material, the markings seem to extend across the width of the face.
Gum: Black spots or patches that can occur in Black
Cherry veneer. They are not arranged in a regular pattern but can be
positioned quite differently from one veneer leaf to the next.
Mineral: Dark patches or pockets in wood.- Open Knot: Opening produced when a portion of the wood substance of a knot has dropped out.
Pin Knot: Small knots found throughout the veneer sheet.
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When veneer is sliced, a distortion of the grain occurs. The knife
blade, as it hits the wood, creates a "loose" side where the cells have
been opened up by the blade and a "tight" side. Because the "tight" and
"loose" faces alternate in adjacent pieces of veneer in book matching,
they may accept stain differently. This may result in a noticeable
color variation called barber poling. Slip matching is often used in
quarter cut and rift cut veneer to minimize the barber pole effect.
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Reconstituted veneer is real wood that has been rotary cut, dried, stacked and dyed. Dyed glues are then injected between each leaf. The veneer is pressed into large rectangular blocks. These blocks are then sliced to create a very consistent sheet veneer that mimics a variety of exotic and domestic species.
* Images reprinted with permission from the 8th Edition Quality Standards Illustrated, Architectural Woodwork Institute, Potomac Falls, Virginia
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