The most common matching techniques are book match, slip match, checkerboard, diamond match, reverse diamond match, and four-way center and butt match. Exquisite veneer surfaces are made from inlay, intarsia and marquetry processes. These surfaces cost more than plain-veneered surfaces. Like solid wood, sem wood is used for exposed furniture parts. Joints in sem wood are computer-cut and glued together, leaving a glue line thickness of .001 of an inch or less.
Joints are virtually invisible to the human eye.
This technique lets manufacturers use smaller trees that previously were not desirable in furniture production. Paper Paper and cardboard are other wood products with possibilities for furnishings, especially in low-cost furniture. Pieces at that time were small accessory type items. Some solid wood carving has been replaced by cast plastic. Although almost indistinguishable from wood, the finish sometimes will wear away, revealing the tan plastic base underneath.