Tarmeko Spoon OÜ is a veneer producer specialised in production of rotary cut birch veneer. For us, the production starts with the birch logs. We are situated in Estonia where Silver birch (betula pendula) is the most common tree. We are FSC®-certified and always prefer log suppliers who support sustainable forestry.

When the logs arrive in our log yard, they are measured and sorted on a log sorting line.

Log sorting line

Logs to veneer

The logs are soaked in a pool before the veneer can be peeled from them.

Birch logs in soaking pool

After soaking the birch logs are debarked. Then they are sent to the lathe where birch veneer is peeled from them. The log is centred on a lathe and turned against a broad cutting knife set into the log. Our peeling line enables us to produce veneer up to the length of 1850 mm. This is also the grain length. The maximum veneer width can be 2500 mm.



After peeling the veneer is fed into the dryer. Kiln drying ensures stable humidity of the veneer.
Veneer dryer

We check the moisture contents of our veneer with a moisture analyser from Sartorius, that uses the oven-dry method. This method is said to be the only reliable method to determine the humidity. Handheld moisture meters are only trying to estimate the oven-dry moisture content.

veneer moisture analyser

After drying the veneer is sorted according to the customer requirements. Usually, we put A and B grade together on the same pallet and C grade on separate pallets.


The veneer is packed onto pallets and the packs are labelled. Then the veneer is ready for loading and transport.

veneer pack

Veneer improvement

The veneer can be cut to size or narrower strips can be put together with glue threads. The threads are put on one side of the veneer. They keep the narrower veneer pieces in place. Such composed veneer sheets can effectively be used as core layers in plywood or bed slats.

Another possibility is to splice the veneers using zigzag machines. Such machines also use glue threads for joining the veneers.

veneer splicing with zigzag glue threads

The veneer is produced on customer orders.