Lot or Running Match: Lot or running matched panel faces consist of an odd or even number of veneers. All veneers are arranged in proper flitch sequence from the edge of the first panel. Any portion of a veneer left over is used as the first veneer on the next panel.

Balance Match: These panel faces consists of any number of pieces of veneer of equal width arranged in proper sequence from the flitch. Edge veneer may be slightly narrower due to trimming.

Center Match: Center matched panel faces consist of an even number of pieces of veneer of equal width with one veneer joint in the center of the panel. Edge veneers may be slightly narrower with trimming.

End Match: End-matched panel faces are balance- or center-matched and also vertically end-matched for continuity of vertical, as well as horizontal matching. This match is often used when panel requirements exceed flitch length.

Each piece of natural wood veneer is unique. Slices from the same log have entirely different visual characteristics resulting from the same type of cut. The two methods most commonly used are slicing and rotary cut.

How a particular log is sliced may depend upon any one, or a combination of determining factors including species, size, yield and physical characteristics, as well as intended use. Depending upon the wood species involved, the veneer may be cut to a thickness of 1/32“ or thinner.

After the log has been selected, and the cutting method determined, it is cut to lengths of nine to 17 feet and divided into halves or quarters. These sections are called “cants.” During the process of slicing and drying, each sheet of veneer (referred to as a leaf) is carefully stacked in the same order in which it was cut from the log. The total leafs cut from one cant are now called a flitch of veneer, measured in surface square-footage, regardless of thickness.

Each log and its resulting flitches are identified by a serial number. This procedure of accurate identification is necessary to assure consistent matching. Designers can select veneers by requesting flitch samples that are tagged for identification. These are usually pulled to represent the general characteristics and overall quality of the flitch.

One of the more important considerations when inspecting and selecting veneer is waste. Before being converted to panels and plywood, veneer must be clipped along the sides and ends. Other factors affecting waste may include shape, holes, knots, splits and undesirable growth characteristics. This wastage is an important factor in determining the usable square footage and cost of the necessary amount of veneer needed to complete a project. To absorb waste and provide a usable product to craftspeople, some veneers are further processed and manufactured into sheets with a flexible backing.

Rotary Cut A bold, sometimes wild, variegated figure. An undivided length of log is mounted in a manner that permits it to be turned on its long axis. While spinning, a razor-sharp knife, as long as or longer than the section of log, is slowly advanced toward the center of rotation. The veneer produced comes from the log as a continuous sheet. Much like paper being unwound from a roll. Rotary-cut veneer is primarily used in the manufacture of softwood plywood, and for applications where matching is unimportant. Hardwood veneer that may be rotary cut is usually limited to birch, maple, oak and ash.

Quarter Cut Straight grain or ribbon-striped appearance. The cant is mounted on the slicer in a position that will cause the growth rings to strike the knife at an approximate right angle. The edge of the annual rings creates the lineal figure of the veneer. Oak species will also include flakes. (see Rift Cut). Only wood species with distinctive annual rings are quarter sliced, producing a consistent appearance throughout the flitch. Some popular quarter species cuts include mahogany, oak, anigre and zebra wood.

Flat Cut & Plain Sliced Also know as plain slicing and plain sawn. A variegated figure typified by straight grain mixed with swirls and cathedrals. Flat-cut veneer is produced by advancing a half log, mounted on a large steel rack that moves up and down and towards a stationary knife through a series or vertical, parallel cuts. Although grains variations will change from tree to tree, the designer can anticipate that the pattern will be somewhat similar. Flat-sliced veneer is moderately priced and commonly available in most wood species.

Rift Cut A straight grain effect similar to true quarter cut veneer. Oak trees contain characteristic growth features called medullary rays—cells radiating outward from the center of the tree, like the spokes of a wheel. If oak is quarter sliced, flakes result from cutting parallel to these rays (often seen in older furniture made from oak). To minimize the occurrence of these flakes, the cant is cut at an angle of 15 degrees off the quartered position