This project was built and designed by Jon Peters of Longview Woodworking.
It focuses on veneering a simple cabinet using figured eucalyptus, showing how approachable the process can be for anyone interested in upgrading their woodworking skills.
Veneering offers a way to create high-end looks on plywood cabinets without the cost or movement issues of solid wood.
Jon walks through each step in a clear, beginner-friendly way that emphasizes planning, safety, and precision.
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Why Veneer Instead of Solid Wood?
Wood veneer allows for dramatic visual effects—like continuous grain, bookmatching, or rare species—without requiring full boards of expensive lumber.
Veneer also applies cleanly over plywood, offering better stability while reducing material costs.
In this project, Jon uses figured eucalyptus, a wood known for its striking grain pattern. Paired with white oak edge banding, the result is a sleek cabinet with rich contrast and subtle detail.
Breaking Down the Process
Veneering can be broken into six key steps: prepping the substrate, cutting veneer, applying adhesive, positioning and pressing the veneer, trimming and sanding, and applying a finish. Each stage is manageable with basic tools and careful attention.
Jon’s workflow makes it easy to follow along and avoid common beginner mistakes.
His studio cabinet build is a great example of how veneer can elevate basic shop furniture into something more polished and lasting.
Preparing the Cabinet for Veneer
Start by ensuring that the substrate—the plywood cabinet—is flat, clean, and defect-free. Fill any nail or screw holes and sand the surface smooth using fine grit paper.
Jon adds solid edge banding to the plywood box first. This hides the exposed plywood edges and provides a more finished look when the veneer is added later.
If a perfect wood match isn’t available, a complementary species can work just as well.
Handling and Flattening Veneer Sheets
Veneer often arrives curled or slightly warped, especially in large sheets. Jon uses soft weights or bean bags to flatten sheets gently without causing surface damage.
Before cutting, he lays out and labels each piece. This prevents grain mismatch or confusion later, especially on multi-panel projects like drawer fronts or doors.
Keeping everything in order also helps when working on bookmatched layouts.
Safe and Accurate Veneer Cutting
To cut veneer, Jon uses a utility knife along a straightedge. Multiple light passes produce a cleaner result than one heavy stroke and help avoid tear-out.
When making angled or cross cuts, a square and clamps keep the guide in place. Jon cuts each piece slightly oversized, leaving just enough overhang to trim back after gluing.
This method ensures full coverage and avoids the frustration of short edges.
Choosing Adhesives and Staying Safe
Jon uses a solvent-based contact cement in this build. The key with contact cement is that both surfaces—the veneer and the substrate—must be coated and allowed to dry until tacky.
Apply two coats on each surface for a strong bond. Good ventilation is essential, and a respirator is recommended during application.
Covering the roller and tray between coats helps prevent drying and makes reuse easier.
Veneer Placement and Pressure
To align veneer without it sticking immediately, Jon places temporary shims (such as pencils) on the cabinet surface. These spacers allow the veneer to be centered before being pressed into place.
Once aligned, he removes the shims and applies pressure using a plywood block with rounded edges.
This DIY tool acts like a veneer roller and spreads even force across the surface to ensure full contact without damaging the veneer.
Small Panels and Drawer Fronts
For smaller pieces like drawer fronts, the same shim method helps achieve precise placement. Smaller panels may be more finicky, but using light pressure from one side to the other keeps the veneer from shifting.
After bonding, all edges are trimmed with a sharp blade. Final sanding is done lightly using fine abrasives only—aggressive sanding risks cutting through the veneer face.
Choosing and Applying a Finish
Once trimmed and cleaned up, the cabinet receives a clear finish to highlight the grain. The first coat of finish dramatically enhances the figure in the eucalyptus, bringing out its rich color and detail.
Jon uses a low-sheen finish to keep the focus on the wood itself. Minimal hardware keeps the design clean, and his choice of modern pulls complements the contemporary feel of the project.
Tips and Troubleshooting
Jon offers several smart tips throughout the video:
- Label all veneer parts before cutting to keep grain direction consistent
- Use soft weights to flatten curled sheets before application
- Swap blades frequently to avoid tearing delicate edges
- Apply even, consistent pressure when rolling to avoid bubbles or voids
- Test finishes on scrap veneer to check for color shifts or gloss differences
Veneering as a Studio Upgrade
This veneered cabinet was built to serve as a storage unit for Jon’s painting studio.
Its clean design, paired with dramatic grain, shows how veneering can take everyday furniture to the next level.
The same process can be used for desks, drawer fronts, speaker boxes, or any project where surface appearance matters. Veneer is more forgiving than it looks, and with care, the results are professional and durable.
Watch the full video and subscribe to Jon’s channel: