How to Apply Wood Veneer

Co-authored by Mitchell Couch

Last Updated: May 25, 2025 Approved

Applying wood veneer was once rumored to be a difficult task, reserved mainly for seasoned professionals. These days, since tools and supplies are readily available and many of the methods are so simple, even a novice woodworker can easily master the process. There are as many techniques for application as there are varieties of veneer, but contact cement is commonly regarded as the most practical method. It is also among the most enduring applications. Here are some guidelines to get you started as your learn how to apply wood veneer.

Steps

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^{[1]
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Mitchell Couch
DIY Expert

Expert Interview} This way, you can cut just the excess veneer with a razor knife and avoid damaging the finished product by using a table saw.
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Select the most appealing section of the veneer pattern, which will be visible in the finished piece, keeping in mind that any excess will be trimmed.^{[2]
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- One effective way to isolate your preferred section is to make a cardboard template. This will need to be cut to the identical size of the substrate panel by laying the substrate over the cardboard, marking the edges and then cutting the cardboard.
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Place your template over the desired section of veneer and cut out that portion, leaving approximately one-half inch, or 1.27 centimeters (0.5 in), of excess on each side.
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Center the selected pattern section over the substrate panel and apply the contact cement, following the manufacturer's instructions, to both the veneer and the substrate. Allow it to set.^{[3]
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Mitchell Couch
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- Be sure to mix the adhesive thoroughly before applying it. This will maximize its effectiveness.
Since contact cement is so slip-resistant, they must be perfectly aligned on the first try.^{[5]
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Using maximum pressure, roll the veneer smooth by starting in the center and working out toward the edges using a veneer roller.^{[6]
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Turn your piece upside down and use a razor knife to trim the excess veneer, using the edges of the substrate as your guide.^{[8]
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- Run your hand over the area to be sure that the area is entirely smooth. If you do encounter any bubbles, repeat the two previous steps.
- You can ensure a cleaner cut by scoring the surface first to determine the cut

Community Q&A

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Question

What other tool can I use if I don't have a razor knife?

Community Answer

A special guillotine for veneer. But those are hard to find. A razor knife is best for home use.

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How do I bend veneer?

Community Answer

Put it in boiling water for about 20 minutes. That will allow you to bend it more. Bend the veneer to the position you want and allow it to dry like that. (Wait until it's very dry before gluing it.)

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I am putting veneer over veneer. How do I begin prepping?

Ashton Gilmore

Community Answer

As long as the underlying veneer has no coating and is adhered securely to the base piece, I would simply sand the underlying veneer to rough it up.

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Tips

One way to ensure the proper positioning is to cut a piece of waxed paper to the size of the veneer, leaving some excess on one side and placing it between the substrate and the veneer. This allows you to position both pieces to your satisfaction before sliding the waxed paper out to initiate adherence.

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If, after smoothing and re-rolling the veneer, you are still encountering bubbles, you can release any remaining trapped air by making small, subtle slits in the veneer. Make sure to go in the direction of the grain.

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Warnings

Contact cement is a great application method because the cement is absolutely permanent. The drawback of this is that you need to be perfectly accurate when aligning the veneer and substrate.

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