How to Make Veneer Plywood

You can use veneer plywood for a variety of projects in your home from creating cabinets to even creating inexpensive paneling. This simple how-to guide will show everything you need to know to make your own veneer plywood. Let's get started.

Step 1 - Layout and Prepare Pieces

Place a sheet of plywood and a sheet of veneer on 2 pairs of sawhorses. Make sure the sawhorses are situated on level ground and that you have easy access to the surfaces of the wood. Also, prepare the pieces by sanding them thoroughly with 150 grit sandpaper.

Step 2 - Roll Glue onto Plywood

Take a paint roller and roll a coat of contact cement onto the sheet of plywood. Make sure to cover the entire surface of the plywood as smoothly and evenly as possible to avoid up too much glue in certain areas.

Step 3 - Roll Glue onto Veneer

Just as you did with the sheet of plywood, take the paint roller and contact cement and roll on the glue on top of the sheet of veneer. Once you have finished rolling on glue, allow both pieces of wood to sit for about 30 minutes. This will allow the contact cement to dry. You will know that the contact cement is dry because it will no longer be tacky or contain any moisture.

Step 4 - Place Dowel Rods

Take the 1/4 inch dowel rods and place them along the surface of the plywood. Place them at intervals of about 8 to 10 inches apart. Make sure that they overlap the edges of the plywood by at least an inch or so.

Step 5 - Roll Up the Veneer

Have someone assist you in rolling out the veneer. Roll the veneer into a cylinder with the bottom or glued side facing out. Then, unroll the veneer directly on top of the dowel rods that you placed on top of the plywood. Once you unroll the veneer, it should be aligned with the edges of the plywood.

Step 6 - Press Veneer onto Plywood

Take the drywall knife and begin pressing the veneer onto the plywood. Start in the middle of the sheet of veneer and work outward. Make sure to press out any air bubbles and work slowly. Don't worry if the dowels move outward a little as you work.

Step 7 - Remove Dowels as You Go

As you pass the veneer onto the plywood, the dowels will begin to slightly shift outward. When this occurs, simply remove the dowels one at a time. Continue pressing the veneer onto the plywood and removing the dowels until you reach the edges of the sheet.

Step 8 - Roll Surface with Rolling Pin

Take j-roller or rolling pin and roll over the entire surface of your new veneer plywood. This will help to create a better bond between the contact cement and the wood.

Step 9 - Add Weight to Surface and Clamp

Take a second 4 by 8 sheet of plywood and place it directly on top of the newly created veneer plywood. Then, secure the 2 pieces of plywood together with the clamps. Add anything of significant weight to the top of the 2 pieces of wood.