Abstract: A two-ply or even-ply veneer laminate panel created by the steps of: pre-flexing a substrate veneer ply sufficiently to substantially break the grains of the substrate ply, and bonding the substrate ply to a face veneer ply. Preferably, the substrate ply is pre-flexed in a direction parallel to the direction that the grains of the substrate ply run. And preferably, the grains of the face ply are oriented in a substantially perpendicular direction to the grains of the substrate ply.