Veneer thickness and moisture content
A log or 'flitch' can be cut to produce whatever thickness of veneer is required. However, in reality, the American industry has two main production thicknesses, as detailed in the Hardwood Plywood & Veneer Association's 'Voluntary Standard for Sliced Decorative Wood Face Veneer - Industry Standard DFV-1 1995'. The thickness for most species in the domestic market is 0.65mm, and 0.55mm for export with the exception of cherry and walnut which is 0.50mm. Any requirement that is more specific than the details in the Standard requires special arrangements between buyer and seller. Special cuts are available; for example, 1.2mm thick rotary veneer is produced in some species for the American market for the production of engineered hardwood flooring.
Freshly sliced or peeled veneers are passed through continuous press dryers on moving belts, the speed of which is varied according to the species and thickness of the veneer. The moisture content standard for export veneer is 12-16%. This allows for the natural drying of veneer that occurs during shipment. Most veneer users allow the veneer to remain in their facilities for a few days before manufacturing. This delay allows for the wood's natural conditioning in that specific environment as equilibrium moisture conditions in the USA and export markets such as Europe tend to vary.