The art of marquetry

Marquetry uses various types of wood veneer to create pictures or patterns. This is suitable for furniture – or even a picture to be hung on a wall. The timbers’ different colours and textures deliver detailed and beautiful pictures. Repeated geometric patterns also create a simple but luxurious custom-look on otherwise mundane furniture items.

Marquetry differs from ‘inlay’ in complexity and extent. Marquetry typically covers an entire surface, whereas a veneer inlay is usually a smaller, cut-out area created to accept the inserted segments of material.

For example, a channel may be cut along the edge of a table for an inlay of a contrasting coloured wood. Inlays may also use other materials, such as paua shell, while marquetry always involves wood veneer.

A quick Google search reveals some stunning marquetry