If you are interested in making your office or home more eco-friendly, consider utilizing reclaimed wood paneling veneers. Not only does this kind of wood paneling use less wood to create furniture and fixtures in comparison to solid wood, but it is as strong and attractive as virgin wood.
Some items cannot be made without 4x8 veneer architectural panels, which do not contract or expand with changes in temperature and humidity. These panels made from recycled wood are not only sustainable but have other positive qualities as well. Here is a list of some of the benefits:
Quick installation. 4x8 veneer architectural panels are quick to install, as they are large and can be hung on cleats, which makes them removable if need be.
Solid surface. Reclaimed wood paneling is very efficient, as the recycled wood used to create it only needs to be cut to 1/40 of an inch. Therefore, the amount of materials used for wood paneling is reduced compared to using solid wood, which needs to be cut at least 1 1/8 inches. With 4x8 veneer architectural panels, the amount of wasted recycled wood is also very limited.
Stability. Veneer panels are quite durable and can handle more than a piece of solid wood. While solid wood can warp over time, this wood paneling has a much longer life span. For casework pieces such as doors, framework, wardrobes and cabinetry, 4x8 veneer architectural panels are perfect as they won't go off balance or become unstable due to warping over time.
Types of Reclaimed Wood Used for 4x8 Veneer Panels
Recycled wood from old-growth redwood trees, Douglas fir and Oregon black walnut trees that had previously been used for wine tanks, warehouses and urban architecture can be reclaimed and transformed into 4x8 veneer architectural panels. Though wood paneling is mainly created overseas, environmentally friendly veneers made out of recycled wood are collected in the U.S., which gives them a smaller carbon footprint.
For reclaimed wood panels that are even more sustainable, look for ones with cores made from FSC recycled medium density fiberboard (MDF).
Veneer Panels vs. Solid Wood
Solid wood is, as the name suggests, a piece of wood extracted from soft- or hardwood timber. Veneer panels, such as 4x8 veneer architectural panels, are essentially created from thin layers of wood that are fastened to a reclaimed or FSC sheet of plywood or particleboard. It is very difficult to tell the difference between these two, as reclaimed wood paneling is created from solid wood. The benefits of veneers made from recycled wood include being sustainable, cheaper, lighter in weight and more versatile overall in comparison to solid wood. The downside to using veneer wood paneling is that you cannot sand it down to renew its look as you can with solid wood. Veneers that are poor-quality can bubble or peel, as poor-quality wood can split.
When you are on the hunt for 4x8 veneer architectural panels or other items made from recycled wood, make sure you look for materials that are of top quality and craftsmanship. That way you can ensure you will have good-looking panels that are also beneficial to the environment.
By: Michael W. Clark
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Find out more information about FSC certified reclaimed wood paneling benefits at the website for Viridian Wood Products, ViridianWood.com. Viridian provides FSC certified reclaimed wood products, including 4x8 veneer architectural panels.