Specification

Hardwood Plywood Grading Guide 2015 columbiaforestproducts.com 3
Once the veneer is cut, it can be laid up on a panel face in different sorts of “matching.” The appearance of the panel can be formal or casual,
simple or busy based on the matching choice. Matching selections may be more obvious in some species than in others depending on the
natural grain characteristic of that wood species.
Slip Matching
All components from a given log are
spliced together in their respective
order without turning over any compo-
nent, thereby producing a somewhat
staggered image across the face. This
allows for the panel face to be applied
with the tight side of the veneer fac-
ing outward in order to minimize the
potential for a barber pole effect occa-
sionally observed with book matched
veneer.
Book Matching
Every other leaf or component of
veneer from a given log is turned
over to produce a mirror image at
the splice joint, much like turning the
pages of a book, to produce a very
aesthetically appealing look across
the face.
Plank Matching
Components from various logs of
the same species are arranged in
a deliberate mismatched manner to
achieve a natural lumber effect as
offered in Columbia Forest Products’
Appalachian Traditions
®
product line.
This is often used to produce a rustic
effect.
Random Matching
Components are arranged in the
order they come from a given stack
of veneer that may have come from
a number of logs with no consider-
ation given to matching for color or
grain. This is process often used
to produce backs from remnant
material.
Rift Cutting
The quarter log is mounted on
a modied lathe to produce a
cut that crosses both the growth
rings and the rays at a slight
angle, resulting in a relatively
straight grain effect that minimiz-
es the bold ray ake appearance
found in quarter sliced wood.
Plain Sliced Red Oak
Slip Matched
Plain Sliced Red Oak
Book Matched
Plain Sliced Red Oak
Plank Matched
Plain Sliced Red Oak
Random Matched Back
Note: Both quarter sliced and rift cut veneer are more often than not
pulled from the straight grain portion of plain sliced veneer from the
region of the log closest to its center. The resulting veneer is called
quarter sliced if heavy ake is visible and rift cut when the ake is mini-
mal. Veneers thus developed are often called false rift or quarters, but
they are held to the same standard as “true” rift and quarters, reducing
cost while preserving aesthetic appeal.
VENEER CUTS AND MATCHING