Ready to use marquetry and intarsia inlays from wood veneer marketed in the UK

The intarsia is a woodworking technique that uses various shapes, sizes, and types of wood fitted together to create a mosaic-like picture with an illusion of depth. We crate intarsias through the selection of different types of wood, using their naturally different grain pattern and colour. But in particular cases it can also involve the use of stains and paint to create variations in the pattern.

The word "intarsia" comes from Arabic, translates to 'insert' or to 'put in'. This artwork has been around for thousands of years, the Egyptians have also actively used it for decoration. Italy’s role is outstanding in the making and spreading this form of decorating since the 15–16th century. They used the inlaid wood technique mostly to ornament the furniture of churches and castles with rich inlaid veneers.

The woodworking technique has spread throughout Europe and for the 18th century and nowadays we can find some richly decorated building in almost every town. Intarsia and marquetery provided great opportunity for decorating the surface of objects. The technique is sometimes referred to as intarsia painting, thus proving its artistic nature.

In the middle of the last century, with the appearance of mass production the number of skilled carpenters lessened, the veneering technology was falling by the wayside. This is why today an old-fashioned furniture with wood marquetry and inlaid wood intarsia are much more appreciated. On the other had today’s advanced industry of joinery provides us the technology to manufacture high quality wood inlays and intarsia at a favourable price.

Prefabricated inlay allows us to achieve unique decorations for a furniture or other joinery product. Only fantasy can set limits! The result exceeds every expectation and has the natural atmosphere of beauty and harmony.

If you are joiner or carpenter or you like DIY (Do It Yourself) projects, please, visit our gallery of prefabricated, ready to use intarsia and marquetery manufactured from carefully selected wood veneer.

To elaborate similar inlays for veneering in smaller workshops is a very difficult and time-consuming process which requires a good deal of experience. But it is no longer necessary since there are dozens of ready to use intarsia and marquetry strips available in our web shop to decorate your furnitures (table, kitchen front, cupboard, wardrobe), doors and windows. It is excellent for smaller wood objects like frames, jewellery boxes and musical instruments too.

The prefabricated inlay strips are sensitive and require gentle treatment. You can reduce their vulnerability by wetting. To cut and corner joining veneers a sharp tool is necessary, such as scalpel or sharpened paper scissors so the strips fit the place they are intended for. But most importantly the cutting of inlaid intarsia strips is preceded by an exact length measurement. Where it is necessary cut repeatedly. Be careful when joining the veneer strips, it is important that the motif is continuous and matching on the patterns.

All types of adhesive used in the wood industry can be applied for glue them on the surface. Ironing facilitates the faster drying of the adhesive but be careful not to overheat it.

The use of prefabricated inlay strips is relatively simple, yet time-consuming procedure. With some care and precision everyone can do veneering and the final outcome with its natural beauty will be the compensation for the time spent on the making of it.