Stuart Devoil, Group Head of Marketing at James Latham, speaks to Architecture Today’s Technical Editor John Ramshaw about Shinnoki – a range of high-quality, pre-finished veneered panels that combine the benefits and convenience of synthetic decorative surfaces with the aesthetics and sustainability of real wood.
In association with
Real wood veneer in Raven Oak.
James Latham supplies one of the UK’s most comprehensive ranges of decorative panel products, from high-pressure laminates to through-coloured MDF and modified timbers. Among its premium product lines is Shinnoki, a collection of ready-to-use, prefinished real wood veneer panels manufactured by Decospan. Stuart Devoil, Group Head of Marketing at James Latham, in conversation with Architecture Today’s Technical Editor John Ramshaw, explores the key technical and performance aspects of these innovative, high-quality panels, and why they make a compelling alternative to both raw veneers and synthetic decorative surfaces like melamine and laminates.
What is Shinnoki, and how does it differ from traditional veneered panels and other decorative surfacing options?
Shinnoki is a range of ready-to-use, real wood veneer panels developed by Decospan and distributed in the UK by James Latham. Unlike traditional veneered panels, which often require finishing by the installer, Shinnoki panels are prefinished with a high-quality, ultra- matte lacquer, ensuring consistency, durability, and ease of application. The panels combine the warmth of natural wood with the convenience and performance of prefinished products, making them a great alternative to raw veneers and synthetic decorative surfaces, such as melamine and laminates.
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How is Shinnoki made?
The panels are manufactured using sustainably-sourced wood veneers that are carefully selected and composed into mix-matched patterns. This ensures a balanced and harmonious surface, with a natural, non-repetitive aesthetic across the panels. The veneer is pressed onto an MDF core or laminated to a paper that is impregnated with a phenolic resin. It is then brushed and stained with water-based colorants, before being protected with six layers of ultra-low emitting acrylate urethane UV-cured varnish (99.5 per cent solids). The varnish is applied sequentially by means of a rolling technique and intermediate curing; mat finish (2 ±1), semi-mat finish (7 ±3).
What are the main advantages of using Shinnoki over other natural or engineered wood surface products?
There are four principal benefits associated with Shinnoki. The first is the panels’ ability to combine aesthetics with protection. Decospan’s advanced varnishing technology delivers an exceptionally soft and pleasant touch, as well as a contemporary ultra-matte finish. In addition, deeper brushing techniques highlight the natural structure of the wood, while maintaining full surface protection.
Second is scratch resistance. The combination of improved varnish, optimised application processes, and advanced techniques, enhances durability and increases resistance to everyday wear and tear. Third is protection against spills. Soft roller application technology ensures that even deeply brushed wood textures are fully protected, reinforcing resistance to moisture and spills. Last but not least is ease of application. All Shinnoki panels come prefinished and ready to use – no lacquering, oiling or additional treatment is needed. The range provides a complete specification solution, including matching veneers, edge banding, correction pens and connecting components.
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What types of application is Shinnoki best suited to – and where is it commonly specified?
Shinnoki panels are best suited to interior applications and integrate easily into commercial, retail, hospitality and residential projects. Common uses include office cabinetry, kitchen fronts, wardrobes, fixed furniture, reception desks, hotel cabinets, and decorative wall panelling. While Shinnoki panels are technically suitable for horizontal use, we do not recommend them for horizontal applications in kitchens, bathrooms, or other humid environments.
How does Shinnoki compare to other Decospan panel products available from James Latham?
Shinnoki is Decospan’s prefinished, ready-to-use veneer panel, whereas Querkus and Nuxe, are both supplied unfinished. Querkus is Decospan’s customisable oak collection, with specifiers able to choose the veneer thickness, carrier type, dimension and surface treatment. Nuxe offers premium walnut veneers with attractive textures and a design-forward palette.
What species, finishes and sheet formats are available from James Latham, and how customisable is the collection?
We offer the full Shinnoki 4.0 range, comprising contemporary-classic tones in popular species like Oak, Infinite Oak, American Walnut, Smoked Eucalyptus, Sapele, and Triba. Standard panel dimensions are 2790 mm by 1204 mm by 19 mm thick, while our flexible veneer sheets come in 3050mm by 1220mm by 1mm thick. The range includes matching flex veneers, edge banding, and touch-up pens for a seamless finish.
Shinnoki comprises a broad range of species and finishes, for all design styles.
Real wood veneers tend to be finished by the joiner or installer. What are the benefits of prefinished Shinnoki panels over this approach?
Prefinished Shinnoki panels offer several key advantages over traditional real wood veneers that require finishing on site. Because they are ready to use straight from the manufacturer, they eliminate the need for additional finishing by a joiner or lacquering facility, making them highly time-efficient. This also makes them more cost-effective, as in-house lacquering often leads to higher overall expenses. The panels are finished using an industrial varnishing process, which ensures a consistent appearance and reliable durability across every sheet. By removing the need for on-site finishing, Shinnoki panels also reduce the risk of surface imperfections caused by varying installer skill levels. Finally, they offer a quick turnaround, making them an ideal choice for time-sensitive projects.
How does Shinnoki ensure visual consistency across panels and batches?
Decospan’s artisanal manufacturing process employs a unique mix-match technology, enabling its craftsmen to create harmonious surfaces out of choice cuts of veneer, without compromising on quality. The finishing process is fully controlled in house, and strict colour calibration ensures that each batch meets consistent aesthetic standards. This is crucial for large-scale projects, such as hotels or office interiors, where uniformity across multiple elements, including doors, cabinets, and wall cladding, is essential.
Prefinished real wood veneers provide all the benefits of synthetic alternatives.
What sustainability credentials does Shinnoki offer, and how does it support responsible material choices?
Shinnoki panels come with a strong set of sustainability credentials that support responsible material choices. The timber is FSC® certified, meaning it is sourced from responsibly managed forests. The MDF core is TSCA Title IV compliant, containing no added formaldehyde, and is also FSC certified. Shinnoki panels are designed for efficient veneer usage, helping to minimise waste. They are manufactured in Europe with a clear focus on responsible sourcing and production practices. In addition, Life Cycle Assessment (LCA) and Environmental Product Declaration (EPD) documentation is available, offering full transparency on the environmental impact of the materials – a key consideration in line with UK architectural and construction standards. These credentials make Shinnoki a valuable option for architects and designers looking to meet green building benchmarks, such as BREEAM and LEED.
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What guidance and technical support does James Latham provide for architects looking to specify Shinnoki?
James Latham has Veneer Champions in every depot, as well as a six-strong Specification Team, who work with architects and designers to ensure the most appropriate products are used on projects. We also have a ‘Specifying real Wood Veneers‘ CPD, should practices want a deeper dive into the subject. Finally, Shinnoki and all the other Decospan brands we stock are available to view as hi-resolution 3D-renders on our digital showroom [lathamdigitalshowroom.co.uk].
Contact Details
To find out more about Shinnoki, please email or visit the James Latham website.
