Bourbon Oak
Nougat Oak
Please note that your monitor will affect colour accuracy
WHAT IS EVENOAK?
EvenOak is a range of sliced, European Oak timber veneer that has been colour enhanced and assembled into curated sheets with an attractive, natural, largely homogenous appearance, making it easy to use and suitable for a wide range of joinery applications. Made with the highest quality timber and organic colouring agents, EvenOak retains the natural grain of the oak with all its beauty, texture, warmth and uniqueness whilst offering a range of colours inspired by the colours of aged oak.
As a natural timber product, no two EvenOak sheets are the same, but are largely even in colour and pattern and free from the splits, knots, holes and discolouration found in conventional timber veneers. EvenOak offers a complete program including panels, veneers and edge banding.
WHAT ARE THE ADVANTAGES?
- Consistent colours and quality thanks to the curated mix-match technique and processing
- Complete range of panels, veneers and edge banding
- Australian made panels for Australian made joinery
- Standard sheet sizes for better yield
- Suits modern furniture manufacturing processes; saving time, materials and labour
- Free from the splits, knots, holes and discolouration found in conventional veneers
- Even in colour and controlled in pattern eliminating the need for progressive numbering to sequence match panels
WHAT SIZES DOES IT COME IN?
Length: 3050mm with some shorter lengths available
Width: 1220mm
Veneer thickness: ≅0.6mm.
Edging
Matching veneer edging in 0.5mm thickness in 22 and 38mm width x 50m length rolls.
HOW IS IT MADE?
Slicing
The logs selected are sliced into thin leaves of veneer and trimmed into the sizes required for the manufacturing process.
Colouring
Wood sheets are impregnated by immersion in steel tanks at controlled temperatures with the addition of soluble colours made of an organic structure without chrome or other heavy metals. The natural grain of the wood is retained, but the colour is enhanced.
Drying
During the colouring process, moisture reaches 100%. Drying the coloured veneer sheets in hot air dryers eliminates the excess moisture. After coming out of the drying tunnel, the veneer sheets undergo a further quality selection.
Composition
Utilising our proprietary mix-match technique veneer leaves are selected for appearance and assembled into standard sized sheets in a way that guarantees a continuous look without significant visual interruptions.
WHAT ELSE DO I NEED TO KNOW?
Lead time & quantities
EvenOak is held in stock at our Australian warehouses. There is a lead time of 3 weeks for pressing of the veneer onto the specified substrate. Please contact us when your project requires large quantities of veneer so that we can work with you to ensure stock availability.
Substrates
EvenOak can be pressed onto a wide range of substrates including MR MDF, particleboard, plywood and paper-backing (for application to curved surfaces). Please specify the substrate and the dimensions in your documentation.
Panel stability
To prevent veneered panels from warping or bowing, they are backed with a timber veneer of similar thickness and strength as the face veneer (aka balancing veneer). For surfaces that will not be seen any colour veneer may be used, this is known as Good One Side (g1s) with BAMO (back at manufacturer’s option). If the surface is sometimes seen, for example the back of a cupboard door it is better to opt for Good One Side (g1s) with a colour matched downgrade back. If both surfaces will be visible the face veneer should be used both sides, good two sides (g2s).
Pattern
The veneers that are selected for EvenOak are sliced using 2 methods: Quarter cutting and Crown cutting.
Quarter cut veneers are sliced perpendicularly to the growth rings of tree giving a striped pattern to the veneer. Crown cut veneers are sliced across the log – that is, on plane of the secant to the cylinder of the log, across the growth rings – and because of the tapering shape of the tree trunk, this produces an inverted V-shaped ‘crown’ pattern.
The curated Planked pattern used in EvenOak is achieved by a proprietary process of mixing and matching mainly quarter-cut and some crown cut veneer. The mix-matching of the veneer leaves results in homogenous sheets that provide a pleasing, natural and relatively consistent appearance, versatile enough to be used on the smallest cabinet or the largest indoor panelling project.
From time to time we are also able to offer Crown pattern. The Crown pattern is achieved by book-matching crown cut veneers; please contact us for availability.
Remember to indicate the direction of the grain on your drawings and if using Crown pattern veneer how you would like the crowns to appear on the finished joinery item.
Colour consistency
EvenOak is produced in runs of approximately 500 sheets. Within these runs the colour variation is minimal, however, as with fabric, carpets, etc., different runs can vary in colour by up to 10% due to natural variations in the timbers, their absorption of the colouring solutions and different colouring batches. Different coating systems can also change the finished colour of the veneer. In large or lengthy building projects it is important to manage the integration of a new run into the fit-out to avoid noticeable variations, e.g. do not use veneer from 2 different runs, nor different coating systems, in the same section of wall panelling. For the best possible consistency within a project, all veneer should be ordered at one time and the same coating should be used across the entire project.
Reaction to light
All timbers change colour over time when subjected to direct and indirect light, both natural and artificial. In addition, air quality, heat and humidity will accelerate the ageing process and finished colour may also be affected by such things as staining, polish, excessive heat in panel production and reaction to glues and other chemicals. This is due to the intrinsic nature of lignin (which comprises about 30% of wood) undergoing natural oxidisation. Additionally, the colouring agents and the finish may fade or change colour.
To minimise this change we recommend the use of a toner in the finishing system as well as sufficient amounts of UV inhibitor in each coat of polish at a percentage recommended by your qualified polisher. However, we stress that no timber products or finishes will withstand prolonged exposure to light without exhibiting some change over time, therefore, we do not recommend the use of EvenOak in areas subject to high light exposure.
Finishing
Veneered surfaces require finishing to protect them from marking and the effects of humidity and light. There are many finishes available from Oils and Waxes through to Polyurethane, Acrylic, and Polyester. The finish you use will generally be determined by the appearance and/or hardness required. Your cabinet maker or polish supplier should be consulted on the product most suitable for your application. Below are some important points to discuss with your polisher.
Isolator Layer
We recommend the application of an isolator layer to separate the salts and tannins in the timber from any chemical reactions with the polish.
Choking
Oak is an open pored timber and can be finished to achieve either an open pore or closed pore (smooth) look. An open pore look brings out the natural tactility of the wood and is the preferred choice for Oak but if your client requires a closed pore look the finish should be described as ‘fully choked’.
Gloss Level
As a general guide: matt can be described as 0 = 10% gloss level, low sheen 10 = 25%, satin 25 = 50%, semi-gloss 50 = 80% and high gloss 80 = 100%. (Source: Master Painters Institute).
Yellowing
Some finishes are more yellow than others and may also become more yellow with age. To minimise this, we recommend the use of non-yellowing finishes. To date, the clearest finish available is acrylic.
UV Protection
It is recommended that EvenOak be finished with a polish that includes suitable quantities of UV inhibitors or absorbers in each coat of polish.
Appearance
It is important to note that the colour of the timber will be changed by the application of a finish. The best way to determine the potential colour change on a piece of raw veneer is to moisten the surface with a damp cloth.
Control sample
Finally, it is important for you to arrange for a polished sample of the veneer specified, indicative of the final finish, to be provided by the cabinet maker responsible for the project.
Our Commitment
Wood is one of our few renewable resources and those of us in the forest products industry have a responsibility to ensure protection and wise utilisation of the forests so that they will be available for future generations. Elton Group is committed to supplying wood veneers in accordance with advanced environmental standards for forests, water and raw material utilisation.
Office operations reduce paper use, we reuse or recycle all packaging and we maintain 800 acres of natural Australian forest in the Otway Ranges, Victoria for the protection of flora and fauna.
European Oak
EvenOak comes from European Oak trees (Quercus Robur and Quercus Sessile) grown in the EU in sustainably harvested and managed forests or wood-lots. Sustainable harvest means that the amount of timber that grows back each year is greater than, or equal to, the amount harvested. Such forests are managed in accordance with strict laws and regulations to protect biodiversity, endangered species, water quality and other environmental values. Furthermore, sustainably managed native forests are a natural ecosystem and consequently have high biodiversity. Sustainable wood veneers have many environmental benefits: wood products involve low embodied energy, trees store carbon by absorbing carbon dioxide which is then “locked up” for the life of the tree and in the wooden products made from that tree, forests produce oxygen and promote biodiversity, wood is a renewable resource – trees keep growing, veneer is one of the most environmentally efficient and economical ways to use beautiful timbers because one cubic metre of veneer can cover more than 1,000 m2 of panel surface.
Colouring Agents
Toning solutions are water–based aniline, similar to those used in textiles with no toxic components such as organic thinners, lead, cadmium, chromium, mercury or polybrominated biphenylsor chlorines. They meet the strict German law of Aromatic Amine, Faberstoffeverboliste, DTD July 27, 1994.
Formaldehyde Emissions
Natural wood veneer in its raw state has no added formaldehyde and emissions from natural wood are well below Super E0 (0.03 ppm). EvenOak veneers do not have any added formaldehyde and emissions are less than 0.1mg/m2.hr (= E0). Additionally, wood veneer is exempt from the formaldehyde emissions section of the Greenstar tools
VOCs
Raw veneer have negligible VOCs (volatile organic compounds). EvenOak veneers are coloured with water-based dyes and do not have any added solvents or VOC’s. Any contribution to VOC’s and formaldehyde in veneered panels is not generally due to the veneer, but due to the substrate, glues and coating. If the finished veneer panels are required to be E0 and low VOC, please specify all substrates, glues and coatings to be E0 and Low VOC.
Certifications
Elton Group is FSC® certified (Forest Stewardship Council®) FSC Licence Code FSC-C020940. The FSC label indicates that the wood used in the production of veneer wood originates from sustainably managed forests according to strict environmental, social and economic standards and other controlled sources. Whenever FSC® veneers are required, please contact Elton Group to check current availability.
For the specifier and end user
In general, timber veneered surfaces should be kept clean and dry, out of bright light, in a controlled environment).
Dusting
Use a soft dry cloth or feather duster.
Polishing
Use a high quality furniture polish and a soft dry cloth. It is recommended the polish used not contain any silicone as this may cause re-coating or refurbishment problems at a later date. Do not use harsh cleaners, chemicals, bleach, ammonia or solvents that affect the surface finish. Abrasive cleaners will of scratch the surface and reduce the visual clarity.
Extreme Temperature Changes
The expansion or contraction of timber due to extreme temperature changes may cause damage to the surface coating. Care should be taken in air conditioned or heated environments or next to windows to keep temperature changes within reasonable limits. Use heat resistant place mats under hot items to avoid heat damage.
Spillages
Spillages should be cleaned with a damp cloth as soon as possible as moisture may cause damage to the coating. High humidity, steam and excessive water in contact with the coating may cause the coating to crack and if it gets under the coating causes staining of the veneer surface. If spilled, chemical substances and alcohol should be removed immediately from all veneered surfaces.
Dirty or Greasy Marks
After first wiping with a dry cloth, wipe with a cloth lightly dampened with a mixture of water and a high quality furniture polish. Persistent dirty or greasy marks may be removed with a mild, nonabrasive proprietary cleaner appropriate for the type of surface finish. The appropriateness of the cleaner should be sought from the surface coating or cleaner manufacturer. The effect of the cleaner on the surface should be tested on a hidden or a less conspicuous section of the finished veneer surface.
Bright light and UV
Direct sunlight, very bright indirect light and excessive heat should be avoided on all internal veneered surfaces because fading, bleaching or colour changes to the surface coating and the veneer may occur. Use curtains, blinds and UV filter-membranes on windows to reduce the intensity of the light. Excessive hot sunshine may dry the veneer surface more quickly than the veneer substrate thereby causing small surface checks parallel to the grain to appear and possibly damage the surface coating.
EvenOak is supplied in the raw form and we do not have control over the finishes/clear coats used in fabrication. Please contact your fabricator or coatings supplier for specific care instructions or warranties for the finished product.
For the manufacturer
Veneer and veneered panels should not be exposed to bright light, excessive heat, high-humidity, chemicals, water and other liquids. Avoid even temporary contact with water and other liquids and avoid any moisture on the product surface. Store flat at least 200mm from the floor and keep covered with plastic sheeting and/or a cover sheet. It is preferable for veneered boards to be coated immediately after sanding, because raw wood exposed to air may oxidise and discolour. To protect from the effects of light and dry air or wind, always keep the raw veneer and uncoated veneered panels completely covered with a panel of flat plywood, MDF, etc. Keep the humidity range of the storage area between 40% and 70% (RH). When transporting veneer, care must be taken to keep it dry, protected from air/wind and clean from road dirt and dust. As in all wood working operations, it is essential that adequate protection is taken against the contact and the breathing of wood dust when processing, and that normal workplace hygiene practices are followed.
HOW DO I SPECIFY EVENOAK?
We have prepared a short form specification to help you specify EvenOak timber veneer. Please highlight and copy and paste the relevant details into your specification sheet. You can add other clauses as appropriate. Digital sample images may be simply copied from the thumbnails on our website and pasted into your finishes schedule.
Timber Veneer
EvenOak insert veneer name
Contact
Elton Group 1-5 Brough St Springvale 3171 Victoria Australia
T +61 3 8555 2235 F +61 3 8555 3009
enquire@eltongroup.com
Grain Direction
As indicated on the drawings
Substrate
MDF/particleboard/plywood/other* and thickness mm
Backing
Veneered board to be backed with a balancing veneer back face grade/downgrade/BAMO* (back at manufacturer’s option)
Edges
0.5mm matching veneer edging/other*
Finishing
Veneer is to be finished using isolator, sealer and top coating products engineered for wood finishing insert finish information supplied by the polish manufacturer. Finish must include UV inhibitors in each coat. All materials must be used in strict accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. Unfinished veneer must be protected from UV and water exposure.
Gloss Level
Insert gloss level % open pore/fully choked.
*delete as applicable.
HOW DO I OBTAIN SAMPLES?
To help with your selection of EvenOak we supply 100mm x 100mm polished colour-board samples. The polish used is a high-quality acrylic in a 5% gloss level, unchoked. The polish specification can be found in the Downloads section.
To order samples click on the Order Sample tab on the desired product and add to sample cart. At the end of your session proceed to sample cart, at the top right hand of your screen, fill in your details and complete your sample order. Samples are sent by Australia Post regular mail service. Sample requests received before 2pm will be processed the same day.
If you require raw veneer samples: A4 size to replenish your Eveneer binder or A6 size to replenish your Elton Group binder, please call us on 1300 133 481 or email enquire@eltongroup.com
Please note, polished samples supplied by Elton Group are not warranted as representative of the finished article. If your client is happy with the veneer selection, it is important for you to arrange a polished sample of the veneer specified, indicative of the finished product, be provided by the cabinet maker responsible for the project. It is recommended that you also run fabrication tests to determine the potential for colour change in your specific application.