A handy quick reference chart to veneers:
FCM = flat cut mahogany MDO = medium density overlay PSRO = plain sliced red oak PSWO = plain sliced white oak PSC = plain sliced cherry PSSB = plain sliced select birch PSSM = plain sliced select maple PTH = prime-tempered hardboard RCRO = rotary cut red oak QRO = quartered red oak QWO = quartered white oak RNB = rotary natural birch RRO = rift red oak RWO = rift white oak
I would very much recommend that you review the awi section 1300 standard as seen here:
Download File
starting on the 10th page of that document for examples of how the method of cutting the log yields different results in the veneer.