A method of manufacturing includes cutting a first natural or non-composite veneer sheet to a first length, cutting a second natural or non-composite veneer sheet to the first length, coating an inner surface of the first natural or non-composite veneer sheet with an adhering means, coating an inner surface of the second natural or non-composite veneer sheet with an adhering means, coating a plurality of veneer strands with an adhering means, placing the plurality of veneer strands on the inner surface of the first natural or non-composite veneer sheet, placing the second natural or non-composite veneer sheet on top of the plurality of veneer strands to create a mat, compressing the mat in an unheated pre-press, and compressing the mat in a hot press at an elevated temperature to create a panel.