Birch veneer for outdoor use in S/BB or S/S grade, which means high-quality veneer; as a rule, at least one side is free from knots (although this cannot be guaranteed). Adhesive suitable for outdoor use has been applied between the veneer layers. Outdoor adhesive is water-resistant, but it smokes more than indoor adhesive. You may therefore notice more smoke stains and burn marks.
Facts
Technical designation: Cross-grained birch veneer for outdoor use (WBP-glued)
Density: 0.7 g/cm³
Tolerance: +/- 10 %
Good to know
Birch cross-grain veneer is widely used for many purposes, such as interior design, construction, architectural models, jewellery, signs and works of art.
The material consists of many layers of birch veneer and is both strong and has an almost flawless surface. This type is bonded with outdoor adhesive, which means it smokes more and develops darker edges than birch cross-grain veneer bonded with indoor adhesive. Read more about it here.
Birch cross-grain veneer has two attractive sides free from knots and fillings. The exception, however, is the 3 mm thickness, where one side may have knots and similar defects that have been filled and repaired.
Due to its many layers and high glue content, birch cross-grain veneer is not suitable for many details in thicknesses exceeding 4 mm. As a rule of thumb, the thickness of the material should lie between the cutting lines.
Line and surface engraving
Birch cross-grain veneer can be engraved both with lines and on the surface. The material takes on a darker shade where it is engraved. The deeper the engraving, the darker the colour. The colour of the engraving, just like the colour of the wood, may vary from sheet to sheet.
With deep line and surface engraving, discolouration may occur around the engraved area, particularly with surface engraving. However, this can be easily removed by light sanding. Surface engraving is not possible on sizes larger than A1.
Avoid burn marks
The glue in the wood produces a lot of soot, and the reverse side in particular can become very sooty or burnt. A protective film on the top of the sheet can be selected as an option when ordering, which helps to avoid the worst soot and burn marks from the laser. For items that need to look presentable, we always recommend a protective film on both the front and back, or interior-grade birch (with film). However, a protective film is not possible with surface engraving.
Wood grain
If you have any specific requirements regarding the wood grain and your design, please let us know by drawing an arrow in your file to indicate how we should orient the board. Please also state in the comments field when placing your order that you have specific requirements in this regard.
Only available for A-sizes.
Laser cutting
Top – Along the cutting line, the wood will take on a slight dark discolouration. The thicker the material, the more pronounced the discolouration will be. This can be removed by light sanding. When placing your order, you can choose to add a protective film, which prevents the worst marks from the cutting process.
Edges – The edges will turn black and may leave marks. Excess ash can be wiped away with a slightly damp cloth, but the edges will remain black afterwards. Sanding can remove the black edges completely.
The thicker the material, the more ash there will be on the edge. With very thick sheets, over 15 mm, parts of the innermost layers may burn away.
Underside – Along the cutting line, there will be soot deposits and marks from the surface on which the material was cut. If the underside is visible in the finished product, it usually needs to be sanded or painted. For A-sizes, you can also choose double-sided adhesive edging tape, which makes it possible to hang the pieces on, for example, a wall without using nails or screws.
Finishing
Birch cross-grain veneer can be used untreated, but can be painted, oiled or varnished to seal and protect the surface.
