Roll Call: Go Wild With Wood Veneer Wallcovering
Find out what makes this real wood veneer special, and get the skinny on how to use it on your walls
Karen Egly-Thompson
January 19, 2017
Houzz Contributor
Few materials exude visual warmth like natural wood. But if a rustic reclaimed-wood feature wall doesn’t quite jibe with your contemporary or modern style, consider a wallcovering made from real wood veneer. From simple wood grain to intricate inlaid geometric patterns, there are lots of striking decor options. Here’s what to know.
What It Is
Wood veneer wallpaper is made of microthin slices of wood attached to a paper backing. Unlike architectural wood paneling that is built in, wood veneer is installed like other wallcoverings. While there are simple grain patterns available, the vast majority of wood veneer wallcoverings are hand-inlaid in pieces to create eye-catching patterns, like the geometric example seen in this Chicago dining room.
Wood veneer wallpaper is made of microthin slices of wood attached to a paper backing. Unlike architectural wood paneling that is built in, wood veneer is installed like other wallcoverings. While there are simple grain patterns available, the vast majority of wood veneer wallcoverings are hand-inlaid in pieces to create eye-catching patterns, like the geometric example seen in this Chicago dining room.
Why It’s Special
Adds unique depth, texture and warmth. Natural wood veneer is earthy and calming, and the grain characteristics make each installation unique.
“Wood veneer wallcovering on a wall immediately adds a depth and texture difficult to achieve with any other wall treatment,” designer Andra Birkerts says. In her bedroom seen here, the wood grain in each inlaid piece of the Phillip Jeffries wallcovering catches the light differently, depending on its orientation, to create a luminous dance of pattern and texture across the wall.
Adds unique depth, texture and warmth. Natural wood veneer is earthy and calming, and the grain characteristics make each installation unique.
“Wood veneer wallcovering on a wall immediately adds a depth and texture difficult to achieve with any other wall treatment,” designer Andra Birkerts says. In her bedroom seen here, the wood grain in each inlaid piece of the Phillip Jeffries wallcovering catches the light differently, depending on its orientation, to create a luminous dance of pattern and texture across the wall.
Imagine this home office with a white painted ceiling instead of the richly stained wood veneer wallcovering. Chances are it wouldn’t be nearly as memorable. With the inherent natural qualities of wood, Birkerts says, “you immediately change the feeling in a space when you use it.”
Bridges traditional and modern. Designer Tom Riker of jamesthomas Interiors says he chose a wood veneer wallcovering in a chevron pattern for this small media room to add a sense of intimacy similar to the feeling of wood walls in an old-world library. However, while adding an elegant coziness, it doesn’t divert from the look of the Chicago condo’s overall contemporary design.
Here, Maya Romanoff’s chevron design from the company’s Ajiro collection, the same wood veneer wallcovering used in the previous media room, effortlessly blends into the traditional French-style master bedroom.
The chameleon of the wallcovering world, wood veneer is a great choice if you’re not sure what your style is, want design flexibility or think your style might change in the future.
The chameleon of the wallcovering world, wood veneer is a great choice if you’re not sure what your style is, want design flexibility or think your style might change in the future.
It’s bendable. Don’t think just because veneer wallcovering is made of wood that it must be installed on a flat, single-plane surface. It’s likely more flexible than you might imagine. Here, it makes a sweeping statement on a curved niche wall.
In fact, wood veneer wallcovering is so pliable that it will bend around a sharp 90-degree outside corner, as shown in this hallway. While it makes for an eye-catching finish on a single feature wall, it’s also a full-room wall-surface option.
Where to Install It
Living rooms, studies, dining rooms and bedrooms are ideal locations for wood veneer wallcovering. And you don’t have to limit it to walls — it’s a great ceiling finish too. However, avoid installation in rooms with high humidity. Powder rooms, like the one here, are fine, but it’s a good idea to bypass full bathrooms.
Wood veneer wallcovering can also fade and discolor with exposure to sunlight, so avoid installing it in rooms with direct, bright or even a lot of reflected light. Or install light-blocking window treatments or glass with a UV rating for protection.
Living rooms, studies, dining rooms and bedrooms are ideal locations for wood veneer wallcovering. And you don’t have to limit it to walls — it’s a great ceiling finish too. However, avoid installation in rooms with high humidity. Powder rooms, like the one here, are fine, but it’s a good idea to bypass full bathrooms.
Wood veneer wallcovering can also fade and discolor with exposure to sunlight, so avoid installing it in rooms with direct, bright or even a lot of reflected light. Or install light-blocking window treatments or glass with a UV rating for protection.
Sealing the Deal
Most wood veneer wallcovering is not manufactured with a protective coating on it. Laura Romanoff, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Maya Romanoff, says for extra durability in high-traffic spaces, it’s a good idea to apply a coat of polyurethane.
A thin coat helps guard against moisture penetration and can be done in the field after the wallcovering adhesive has dried (after 48 hours). Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Or, for an upcharge, Maya Romanoff can add polyurethane at the factory before shipping.
Most wood veneer wallcovering is not manufactured with a protective coating on it. Laura Romanoff, senior vice president of sales and marketing at Maya Romanoff, says for extra durability in high-traffic spaces, it’s a good idea to apply a coat of polyurethane.
A thin coat helps guard against moisture penetration and can be done in the field after the wallcovering adhesive has dried (after 48 hours). Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Or, for an upcharge, Maya Romanoff can add polyurethane at the factory before shipping.
While most wood veneer wallcoverings are available in a number of standard stain options, if you want a custom color, Laura Romanoff says it’s best to have it applied in the factory versus staining it yourself after installation. Otherwise, oil residue from fingers and brushes with other substances may affect the quality of the stain absorption.
Material Cost
Most wood veneer wallcovering is sold to the trade and isn’t readily available via retail channels. Romanoff says the company’s wood veneer wallcovering retail prices start at about $10 per square foot ($90 per square yard).
Considering that architectural wood veneer paneling material can range from $20 to $30 per square foot, a veneer wallcovering can be considerably more cost-effective. Wood veneer wallcoverings, Riker says, “are unique and provide a wow factor without breaking the bank.”
Many wood veneer wallcoverings carry a class-A ASTM E84 rating, which is the highest value in terms of flame spread and smoke development, should there be a fire.
The wallcovering specifications will include this information. Some manufacturers also indicate that installation with a low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) adhesive is permitted, so be sure to check that if air quality is a concern.
More Role Call:
Shopping for Wallpaper? First Know the Lingo
Choose Vinyl Wallcovering for Durability and Style
Why Trendy but Tricky Grasscloth Wallpaper Is Worth It
Material Cost
Most wood veneer wallcovering is sold to the trade and isn’t readily available via retail channels. Romanoff says the company’s wood veneer wallcovering retail prices start at about $10 per square foot ($90 per square yard).
Considering that architectural wood veneer paneling material can range from $20 to $30 per square foot, a veneer wallcovering can be considerably more cost-effective. Wood veneer wallcoverings, Riker says, “are unique and provide a wow factor without breaking the bank.”
Many wood veneer wallcoverings carry a class-A ASTM E84 rating, which is the highest value in terms of flame spread and smoke development, should there be a fire.
The wallcovering specifications will include this information. Some manufacturers also indicate that installation with a low-VOC (volatile organic compounds) adhesive is permitted, so be sure to check that if air quality is a concern.
More Role Call:
Shopping for Wallpaper? First Know the Lingo
Choose Vinyl Wallcovering for Durability and Style
Why Trendy but Tricky Grasscloth Wallpaper Is Worth It
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They all say 1970's to me.
These all look great! Would like to know if it feels like wood or more wallpaper though, and how hard it would be to remove.
We are considering doing this in several rooms