The press plates (or heating platens) of veneer presses can be made of different materials.

• Steel: Has good solidity properties and is cost-effective, but is only barely used anymore because of its high density.
• Alu: Aluminum has a significantly lower density compared to steel. It is anodized and alloyed to compensate its bad solidity properties.
• Aluminum anodized: Increasing of the solidity by electric oxidation of the surface (see Eloxieren).
• Alloyed aluminum: By alloying with magnesium, silicon and other materials, a solidity similar to that of steel can be reached.

In addition, the pressing plates can be covered with a glue-resistant, exchangeable, special film - the Mylar-film (see Mylarfolie).