8. What is plywood veneer and do you use it in your furniture?

We do use plywood for some applications in our furniture. Plywood has been used as a building material for more than 100 years. The sheets are made of thinly sliced layers of wood with alternating grain direction, making plywood extremely stable.

Solid woods absorb and lose moisture, depending on the ambient temperature and humidity, causing the wood to shrink or swell. This movement of the wood must be taken into account in the construction of furniture; failure to do so will result in warping or cracking.

In those parts of the furniture where it is difficult to allow for wood movement, plywood is a good alternative. Because it shrinks and swells almost imperceptibly in response to changes in humidity, it is the perfect material for encased portions of the furniture such as side panels. We also use it for backs of some pieces as well as drawer bottoms.

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