Shinnoki: When to Use Ivory Oak vs Infinite Ivory Oak
A LOOK AT TWO WHITE OAK FAVORITES
When designers request white oak, they typically mean something specific. They want clean grain, soft neutral tones, and a finish that works anywhere. With Ivory Oak and Infinite Ivory Oak, Shinnoki offers two beautiful, easy-to-specify options for modern interiors.
So, what’s the difference between Ivory Oak and Infinite Ivory Oak? And more importantly, how do you know which one to use? Let’s break it down.
WHAT MAKES INFINITE IVORY OAK DIFFERENT?
Infinite Ivory Oak is a new addition to the Shinnoki line, and it’s also the first and only Shinnoki finish made using reconstituted wood veneer. That means it’s created from fast-growing FSC-certified species, such as poplar, which is carefully dyed and reconstructed to resemble oak, without the natural variation of real oak.
This consistency is the defining feature of Infinite Ivory Oak. Each panel looks just like the next, and the finish remains stable and uniform across all production batches. For projects where continuity is critical (think long corridors, large banks of millwork, or multi-unit housing), Infinite Ivory Oak offers a reliable solution.
“Ivory Oak gives you the character of real wood—Infinite Ivory Oak gives you total control.”
WHAT STAYS THE SAME
The Same Shinnoki Quality
Both Ivory Oak and Infinite Ivory Oak are part of the Shinnoki collection by Decospan. They’re made with a Mixmatch veneer sequence, combining rift and character grain patterns for a balanced, organic look.
The Perfect Prefinished Wood Panel
Both finishes use FSC-certified MDF cores and arrive fully prefinished in a durable, matte topcoat. They come in a standard ¾” panel with matching edgebanding in either ABS or wood. We recommend ABS for drawers and cabinets because it’s more durable and color-through, which results in cleaner, eased edges.
Matching Laminate
Both panels are offered in a corresponding Shinnoki Laminate format, made with the same veneer on a phenolic backer. This very thin panel lets you wrap curves or doors with the same finish and tone.
“Infinite Ivory Oak has all of the things you want in a white oak and none of what you don’t.”
WHERE TO USE EACH FINISH
The choice between Ivory Oak and Infinite Ivory Oak often comes down to one word: variation.
If you want the natural warmth and subtle range that comes from real European white oak, Ivory Oak is the answer. Each panel brings soft shifts in grain and tone. It’s never distracting, but just enough to bring texture and life to a space.
On the other hand, Infinite Ivory Oak is made for precision. The color is even. The grain is minimal. The look is always consistent. It’s perfect for built-ins, hospitality millwork, or institutional work where uniformity matters.
OTHER BENEFITS OF SHINNOKI
The Softest Wood on the Market
Optimized, state-of-the-art techniques deliver a soft-touch and deeper brushed wood experience, making Shinnoki the softest wood on the market. Our new, super mat finish amplifies the beauty and warmth of solid wood, while deep brushing enhances the authentic texture of each grain.
Scratch Resistant
Our panels are as sturdy as they are stylish. Our best-in-class finish is the result of a six-layer varnishing process that provides our ultimate protection against micro scratches without compromising on touch, color, and look.
Protection Against Spills
Extensive research and development has led to enhanced protection against liquids, making Shinnoki panels a go-to option for horizontal use. Our advanced finishing technology penetrates the pores of every Shinnoki panel, ensuring protection against drips and spills. Horizontal use is not recommended for kitchen and bathroom surfaces.
SUSTAINABLE FROM START TO FINISH
Both Ivory Oak and Infinite Ivory Oak are made with sustainability in mind. The MDF cores and veneers are all FSC-certified. The panels are manufactured at Decospan’s facility in Belgium, which uses renewable energy and low-emission processes.
Even better, all Shinnoki panels now carry a third-party verified Environmental Product Declaration (EPD), so your specs support LEED, WELL, and other green building certifications.
Read more about Decospan’s sustainable standards.
BEHIND THE SHINNOKI BRAND: DECOSPAN
Decospan, based in Menen, Belgium, is the largest veneered panel manufacturer in Europe. With over 80 million square feet of wood veneer in stock, they offer unmatched control and consistency over the raw materials and finishing process.
The Shinnoki line is one of their most successful innovations—an architect-ready panel that is beautiful, easy to install, and available in a curated palette of finishes.
LEARN MORE
🪵 The New Shinnoki Finishes
🪵 Shinnoki Mixmatch: Not Like Other Veneer Sequences
🪵 Shinnoki Makes Millwork Easy
