Wood veneer — a thin layer of real wood bonded to a substrate such as MDF or plywood — is used extensively in furniture, kitchen cabinets and fitted wardrobes. When veneer is damaged, repair is often more practical than replacement.
Types of Veneer Damage
Chips — where a piece of veneer has broken away, exposing the substrate beneath. Filled with colour-matched compound.
Lifting veneer — where the veneer has come away from the substrate at edges or corners. Re-bonded with appropriate adhesive.
Scratches — surface scratches through the veneer. Filled with colour-matched wax or filler.
Water damage — veneer swells and bubbles when it absorbs water. Can sometimes be pressed back down and re-bonded if addressed quickly.
When Repair Is Better Than Replacement
For localised chip or scratch damage on otherwise sound veneer, repair is almost always more economical than re-veneering.
For lifting veneer at edges, re-bonding is straightforward and inexpensive.
When Replacement Is Better
If veneer has delaminated across a large area, or if the substrate has swollen significantly from water damage, re-veneering or replacement may be more practical.
Cost
Veneer chip or scratch repair: £75–£150. Re-bonding lifted veneer: £50–£100. Send photos for a fixed price.
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