How durable is oak veneer cladding compared to solid oak?

Oak veneer cladding is built differently to solid oak - it uses an MDF core with real oak veneer bonded to both sides instead of a thin strip of solid oak. 

Real oak veneer is excellent at resisting cupping and warping, and when lacquered, its finish is solid. However, it can’t be sanded and refinished as much as solid oak can, so if you like to redecorate often, this is something to consider.

Can oak veneer stair cladding be used on all types of staircases?

Oak veneer cladding works really well on most standard timber staircases where the structure is sound. It’s designed to cover existing treads, risers or stringers to update the flight without a full renovation. 

As it isn’t a structural fix, we recommend checking the condition of your stairs before ordering and repairing any broken or loose fittings first.

How does oak veneer cladding compare to other types of wood cladding?

Oak veneer cladding costs less than solid oak cladding, although it can’t be refinished as much. As it has a real oak surface, the grain and colour of the natural timber are genuine, unlike laminate or vinyl wood-effect cladding.

This offers a more authentic feel, although it can fade under continued light exposure as real wood does.

What are the long-term maintenance requirements for oak veneer cladding?

To keep them clean, we recommend wiping oak stair veneer cladding with a slightly damp cloth and mild soap - stay away from abrasive cleaners or from soaking the surface. Also, be sure to keep the cladding out of direct sunlight as the UV rays can alter the oak’s colour.

Unfinished cladding can be lacquered or oiled before use to keep it protected for longer, or you can buy oak veneer cladding that already has a lacquered finish applied in-house to make your life easier.