Wood veneer refers to thin slices of natural wood, typically less than 1/40” thick, that are pressed onto or laminated to thicker core materials such as plywood, particle board, or medium-density fiberboard to produce flat panels such as doors, tops, and panels for cabinets, parquet floors, and parts of furniture. Veneer can also be used in marquetry, and there are reconstituted or engineered wood veneers which are man-made but still natural wood cellulose fiber.

Veneer is obtained either by "peeling" the trunk of a tree or by slicing large rectangular blocks of wood known as flitches. The appearance of the grain and figure in wood comes from slicing through the growth rings of a tree and depends upon the angle at which the wood is sliced. There are three main types of veneer-making equipment used commercially: raw veneer, rotary-cut veneer, and sliced veneer.

Wood veneers have many advantages over traditional solid wood. Since just a thin slice of wood is used, veneers maximize the use of a single log, making them more environmentally-friendly and affordable. This also makes veneers less prone to warping and splitting. Veneers are a great choice for budget-conscious shoppers or those committed to making environmentally-conscious decisions. Many first-time homebuyers choose veneers to achieve a high-end look at a relatively low cost, and even seasoned homeowners choose veneers for many movable pieces like cabinets or drawers.