Most wood paneling today is veneer. The quality of the veneer is the most important thing to consider when purchasing paneling. Below is a list of six different types of veneer.
Pre-finished wood veneer with three different layers
Most expensive
Best for staining
Grained veneer
Good for staining
Non-grain wood veneer--embossed to give it an appearance of wood
Best for painting rather than staining
Vinyl-covered wood paneling
Wood patterns laminated onto plywood or particleboard
Difficult to repair if scratched
Easy to clean with soap and water
Printed-paper wood paneling
Printed paper is laminated to wood
Low-cost
Cover with a clear coating to protect the surface from scratches
Surface-printed wood paneling
Photographs a wood grain pattern onto a wood surface
Low cost
Easily scratched or damaged by the wrong cleaning products
Backing
Most wood paneling is backed with one of three materials:
Plywood
Particleboard
Hardboard
Most of the wood paneling is treated with a finish which reduces moisture absorption and warping. Hardboard, which is usually used for printed wood panels, is the least expensive kind of backing. Untreated plywood will not be impervious to water, and could ultimately warp and shift.
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