Why Certainly Wood | Certainly Wood Veneer

Project by Elephant Custom Furniture, Brooklyn New York

A Legacy of Craft. A Promise of Perfection.

Crafting Excellence in Veneer

At Certainly Wood, our journey began over 40 years ago with a clear mission: to elevate the standard of natural wood veneer. Founded in 1983, we set out to offer more than just commodity grade material – we sought to deliver inspiration. Based on the demand for higher standards from designers, builders, and artisans, we’ve created a collection that empowers our customers to do their finest work.

Today, that commitment continues with new leadership, a passionate team, and a promise that’s never changed: Your project deserves veneer that inspires, and a partner you can trust to guide the way.

What Sets Us Apart

Unparalleled Quality & Exclusivity

We don’t just stock veneer—we curate it. Every flitch we carry is hand-selected from premium and AA-grade production for color, figure, and visual appeal. The result? A collection with unmatched distinction.

Expertise & Versatility

With over 40 years of veneer experience, we speak your language — whether you’re designing interiors, building furniture and cabinets, or outfitting yachts.

No Minimum Order

Whether you need a single leaf for a custom furniture piece or several flitches for a large installation, we welcome orders of any size.

Fast Shipping

Get materials in hand quickly. With millions of square feet in stock and most orders shipped within 24–48 hours.

Exotic Variety

Choose from 100 + wood species – including rare burls, figured grains, domestic and exotic species – to find the perfect match for your design vision.

Confidence & Clarity

From flexible order sizes to transparent service and our 20-day guarantee, we ensure every decision is the right one.

A Quiet Start. A Remarkable Journey.

Certainly Wood’s story began in 1983, not in a warehouse, but in a living room with borrowed space, long-shot support, and a love of beautiful wood. Founder Jim Dumas started the company with his wife Roz, a few tools, and the trust of suppliers who extended generous lines of credit to help him get started. That same year, a veneer importer placed over 350,000 square feet of exotic veneers on consignment with Jim—an act of confidence that helped launch Certainly Wood’s future.

Before that, Jim had spent years building relationships in the veneer world, selling smaller quantities to college woodworking programs and proving the mail-order model had national potential. Veneer crates were once passed through basement windows, shipped in repurposed department store boxes, and stored in garages, rafters, and even under beds.

In 1985, the company moved into a former basket factory. Thirteen years later, in 1998, it outgrew even that, moving into a purpose-built veneer distribution center that remains home to Certainly Wood today. Just two miles from where it all began, this space continues to house one of the most exclusive veneer inventories in the world.

Certainly Wood was built not just on hard work, but on grace. Grace from those who took risks, who offered trust, who partnered in the journey. That thread continues today.

“Over the course of nearly 36 years, I’ve had the privilege to watch this company grow from a garage-based operation to a globally recognized name. As owner and President, my promise is simple: to carry forward the high standards, unmatched selection, and personalized service that define Certainly Wood—and to continue earning your trust every step of the way.”