In the Complete Guide to Buying Veneer Panels, Part 1, we learned about the various types of veneer available. After choosing your preferred panel type, what are some buying tips? Baker will teach you how to select high-quality veneer panels.
Buying Tips: Step-by-Step Inspection of Panels
1. Appearance Inspection
Surface Flatness: No bumps or blemishes, with a natural, consistent texture (no repetitive, dull feeling).
Thickness: 5mm or greater is preferred (for better durability).
2. Environmental Testing
Odor: No pungent chemical odor (low-quality panels may contain excessive formaldehyde).
Certification: Check for E0/E1/ENF ratings or the F four-star rating.
3. Moisture Resistance
Wet Cloth Test: Wipe the panel surface; ideally, no water stains remain.
Back Treatment: Check for moisture-resistant paint or aluminum foil.
4. Gluing Quality
Prying Test: Use a blade to pry along the glue line. If the wood is intact but the glue line is damaged, the glue is poor. 5. Brand and After-Sales Service
Brand Selection: Choose panels from reputable brands with a high quality guarantee, or those that offer environmental standards guarantees.
The contract should specify: finish brand and environmental rating (to avoid mismatching).
Environmental Standards: How to Avoid Formaldehyde Traps?
1. China E-Grade Standard (GB 18580-2017)
E0: Formaldehyde emission ≤ 0.050mg/m³ (the highest environmental rating).
E1: ≤ 0.124mg/m³ (basic requirement for interior decoration).
ENF: ≤ 0.025mg/m³ (new national standard for 2021, the strictest globally).
2. International Certifications
Japanese "F-Star" rating system: F★, F★★, F★★★, and F★★★★. F★★★★ is the highest rating, with an average formaldehyde emission of ≤ 0.3mg/L, and is internationally recognized as one of the healthiest environmental standards.
EU ECE standards: ≤0.1mg/m³ (close to domestic E1), as well as EN 13501-1 (fire performance) and EN 717-1 (formaldehyde emissions).
3. Tips for Avoiding Scams
Ask the seller to provide a test report (e.g., issued by an independent third-party laboratory or certification body).
Be wary of "low-cost package" finishes (often with low-end dual-finish finishes, with upgrades to PET/paint requiring a significant price increase).
Click here to view related articles: A Complete Guide to Choosing Veneer Panels Part 3
