A Note from the Shop Floor
At Oakwood Veneer Company, we spend our days talking about wood grain, backing options, and the details that make a project come together. In 2026, we also have a reason to reflect on our own story: Oakwood is celebrating 40 years in the wood veneer business.
A January feature in Woodworking Network revisited the early days with the Rodgers family and followed Oakwood's growth from a small operation in Metro Detroit to a manufacturer serving woodworkers across the country. Here are some of the milestones behind that story and the approach to customer service that continues to guide us.
It Started with a Practical Idea in 1986
In 1986, founder Peter Rodgers was running a kitchen-refacing business. Buying flexible wood veneer in larger quantities made sense for those projects, and he began offering the extra material to other businesses in the area. What began as a smart purchasing decision soon revealed an opportunity to build something more.
Those early years were very much a family effort. Denise Rodgers recalls delivery trucks arriving at their home, long before Oakwood had a warehouse or a loading dock. Customer calls came in amid the usual bustle of family life. It was a modest beginning, but interest in the veneer continued to grow.
Growing from Clawson to Berkley to Troy
As demand increased, Oakwood moved into a 3,000-square-foot space in Clawson, Michigan, followed by a 14,000-square-foot building in Berkley. Each move created more room for inventory, equipment, and the growing range of veneer choices customers were asking for.
In 2007, the company moved to its approximately 44,000-square-foot facility in Troy, Michigan. The business had come a long way from its beginnings at the family home, but the goal remained familiar: make quality veneer available and help customers get what they need for their projects.
Becoming a Wood Veneer Manufacturer
Also in 2007, Peter invested in equipment that allowed Oakwood to manufacture flexible wood veneer sheets in-house. That decision gave the team more direct control over production quality and turnaround, while opening the door to a wider range of specifications and special orders.
Today, Oakwood offers more than 400 types of flexible wood veneer. From cabinet refacing and furniture building to architectural interiors, our team helps customers work through species, grain, sizing, and backing choices. Whether the job calls for one sheet or a much larger order, the aim is to provide dependable materials and knowledgeable support.
Four Decades of Family and Customer Service
The Rodgers family remains closely involved in Oakwood's operations. Peter continues to lead the company, Denise serves as financial manager, and their son Ted Rodgers is general manager. Ted and Denise joined the business in 2010, bringing another generation of family involvement to its day-to-day work.
That continuity matters to us. We want customers to feel comfortable calling with a technical question, discussing an unusual veneer requirement, or asking for guidance before they order. Ted has described the team's role as a customer's “off-site veneer department”—a practical way of thinking about the partnership we hope to build with every customer.
Looking Toward the Next Chapter
As Oakwood marked its 40th anniversary in January 2026, the company announced plans to add more than 10,000 square feet to its Troy facility for additional manufacturing and warehousing capacity. Those plans reflected the same focus on improving service and expanding capabilities that helped the company grow through its first four decades.
Peter summed up the milestone with a forward-looking thought: “Forty years is just the beginning.” We're grateful to the customers, craftspeople, and businesses who have been part of our story, and we're excited about the projects still to come.
Find the Right Veneer for Your Next Project
Looking for a particular grain, figure, or backing option? Explore our wood veneer sheets, or call our knowledgeable team at 248-720-0288. We're happy to talk through your project and help you find a veneer that fits.
You can also explore more of Oakwood's history, including our facility milestones and a virtual tour.
Original reporting: This company recap draws on Dakota Smith's January 19, 2026, article for Woodworking Network, “Oakwood Veneer Company celebrates 40 years.”