Why it’s time the UK embraced veneer as the hallmark of fine furniture — and left “solid oak snobbery” in the past.
It has been well over a year since Cófra made its debut at January Furniture Show in 2024 and the biggest challenge at that time was convincing the UK furniture trade that supply from Ukraine was possible.
With regular shipments now in place and deliveries by road taking just 5–6 days from loading at the factory, logistics are proven not only to be reliable but efficient. Now, with that groundwork done, the next chapter for this European oak supplier is tackling a challenge in mindset within the industry: the belief that veneer is inferior to solid oak.
Cófra observed first-hand, the general public’s interest in solid wood through market research when they showcased their products at Grand Designs Live in April 2024. There, at the self-build, home renovation exhibition, members of the public, architects and interior designers alike were all captivated by the stunning design of Cófra’s pieces. Construction of the product was a common question during conversations with prospective buyers, with a clear perception amongst some attendees that oak veneer was inferior. Christina Byrne, director from Cófra, explains: “People are so excited by our products because the designs are so strikingly different, but what consumers don’t realise is that they are different because they are made from veneer. The craftsmanship and design capabilities of our manufacturing partners in using veneer is exceptional.
“The misconception around veneers was probably reinforced by the well-known marketing campaign: ‘No veneer in ‘ere’, which dominated our tv screens almost a decade ago but if you look further back in history, you will find a different story entirely. Veneers have been used in the UK since the 17th century, maximising on the wood used from a single log and providing a much more sustainable method of furniture production. Following through to the 18th century, veneers resulted in some of the finest furniture ever produced. From intricate decorative bandings to masterful marquetry, veneer was the hallmark of the best cabinetmakers, not a shortcut or a price-cutting tactic.”
Moving on to today, the advantages of veneer are further still. Christina continues: “Solid wood is beautiful, but it comes with limitations: it moves, warps, and splits as it adjusts to changing humidity and temperature. Veneer, bonded to an inert substrate like MDF, is far more adaptable to modern living conditions – from underfloor heating to air conditioning – without drying out or distorting. Using veneers is not only more sustainable but it allows for the highest-grade timber selection and creates a beautiful uninterrupted finish.”
Igor Chipak, export director from Cófra’s partnering supplier, added: “Veneer allows us to achieve a uniform texture and colour across the entire surface. In solid wood, natural patterns can sometime be too contrasting or have knots and cracks which are not always desirable.”
As 18th century artisans taught us, high-quality oak veneer is also an extraordinary tool in a designer’s kit. It allows for precision techniques like book-matching, herringbone, sunbursts and reeded surfaces — effects impossible to achieve consistently in solid planks without being wasteful or compromising stability.
This August, Cófra demonstrated again the eye-catching brilliance of European craftsmanship with the new and improved Só collection and the Ego table, now featuring a striking chamfered edge in veneer. “This subtle yet powerful detail reflects how our artisans continually push the boundaries of what veneer can achieve, proving it can be as much about artistry as it is about practicality,” Igor said. “We create furniture people will be able to proudly pass on to the next generation. Using veneer, we juggle colours, shapes, textures and shadows like great artists. It is more labour intensive and requires more expensive, high-tech equipment than working with solid wood, but the final results are worth it.”
Solid oak will always have its place, but it’s time for the UK trade to provide more education around veneers and instil more confidence among consumers that veneer is not a compromise. “It’s a mark of design intelligence, sustainability, and true craftsmanship,” concludes Christina. “At Cófra, we’re ready to lead that conversation.”
Contact Christina at Christina@cofrafurniture.com to find out more.
