The Dovetail Blog — Fine Furniture Making Techniques

Today, veneer is a staple in the world of fine furniture making. With advances in technology, the process of creating and applying veneer has become more precise and efficient. Whether it's the sleek, modern look you’re after or a classic, timeless piece, veneer makes it possible. © Williams & ClealComposition BBurr walnut and dyed rippled sycamore veneers.Inspired by ‘De Stijl’, based on the strict geometry of horizontals and verticals. © Robert InghamConsole Table, Sept 2011Legs and top rail made from American walnut. Top veneered with birdseye maple. Patinated copper decoration between front legs. Veneering allows for an individual’s style of...

I use veneers in most of my pieces, but I tend to limit it to areas where the wear and tear of the surface is limited or controlled. The benefits are great, but it requires careful consideration where and when it’s used, I wouldn’t use this technique unless the edges are protected well with solid lippings and thoroughly developed through the gluing and pressing process. It’s great to use for a less functional purpose - a decorative pattern or personalised motif through the art of marquetry or parquetry. The veneering process. Ideas and selection It first begins with an idea,...

Ever wondered what gives fine furniture that exquisite, flawless finish? Well, let’s dive into the world of veneer, a material that's been adding a touch of magic to furniture for centuries.  Just like the traditional technique of making Dovetail Joints, Veneering has been around for quite a while—think ancient Egypt! It's thought that its use came about because wood was scarce in desert climates, so veneer was invented to maximise the amount of output possible from a given piece of wood. In this way, the invention of veneer was actually around sustainability! By using veneer, we can make the most...

Inspiration from influential designers and other techniques. Overcoming ‘Creative Block’ can be challenging. Drawing inspiration from old masters of fine furniture making is always a great way to start to unblock creative flow and let ideas flow once again. Looking at how influential designers and makers used traditional techniques such as the Dovetail Joint is also an exciting way to develop your own way of working and begin to transform a commonplace skill into something new. Many iconic fine furniture pieces by revered designers and makers feature dovetail joints. Their designs stand the test of time and provide an endless...