A method to produce a panel unit, including providing a core having a first surface and a second surface opposite the first surface, applying a surface layer to the first surface of the core, the surface layer including a wood veneer layer and a first binder layer for adhering the wood veneer layer to the first surface of the core, applying a balancing layer to a second surface of the core, the balancing layer including an unimpregnated paper and a second binder layer for adhering the unimpregnated paper to the second surface of the core, applying pressure to the surface layer, the balancing layer, and the core to form a panel unit. The disclosure also relates to a panel.