When it comes to choosing the right materials for your furniture or home interiors one of the most common questions that is often asked is should you go for wooden laminates or Veneer? Both laminates and Veneer are used to give furniture a beautiful finish but they are quite different in how they look, feel, cost and perform. If you are confused between the two don’t worry you are not alone.
What is a wooden laminate?
A wooden laminate is a man made material it is created by pressing together layers of paper and plastic resins. The top layer has a printed design that looks like real wood. You can think of laminate as a wood look wallpaper for furniture , it is available in many colors, patterns and textures and it can also mimic the look of expensive wood types like walnut or oak.
What is Veneer?
Veneer on the other end is made from real wood. It’s a very thin slice that is less than one M cut from natural timber. The slice is glued on top of base like plywood or MDF to give the surface a natural wooden finish. Since it’s real wood node 2 Veneer sheets are exactly alike. That means each piece of Veneer furniture has a unique grain pattern just like nature indeed.
Main differences between wooden laminates and Veneer
Laminate is artificial made of paper and plastic resins while veneer is completely natural made from thin slices of real wood laminate has a uniform design identical patterns while Veneer has a unique wood grain rich and elegant finish. Laminate is completely durable, scratch and moisture resistant. It is softer as compared to laminate and needs there and Polish. Laminate is very easy to clean just wipe with a damp cloth. Veneer needs regular polishing to maintain the shine. Laminate is more affordable and Veneer at the same time is more expensive because of the use of real wood.
Where should you use laminates?
Laminates are perfect for kitchens because they handle moisture and stains well and you can also use it in a kid’s room because they are tough and don’t scratch easily. In offices also you can use a clean modern easy to clean finish. If you are looking for good looks at an affordable price then laminate is your best bet.
Where should you use Veneer?
Veneer is perfect for living rooms as it offers a warm and a rich look. It also is perfect for luxury furniture like dining tables, cabinets and decorative panels. In bedrooms also you can use Veneer when you want natural beauty and elegance.
What do interior designers say?
Many interior designers use a mix of both laminate and veneer to balance style and budget. For example you can use laminates on cabinet interiors or in wet areas like the kitchen. You can use Veneer on visible surfaces like wardrobe shutters, table tops or wall panels. This way you can get the durability and design without breaking the bank.
How to make the right choice?
If you’re too tight on budget then go for laminate. If you want to spend a little more or get a rich feel then choose Veneer. If you are looking for something low on maintenance Veneer is not right for you if you want natural wood then Veneer gives that authentic wood feel if not a big deal then laminate still good look.
So above all you need to know that both laminates and Veneer have their own charm. Laminates are completely modern, easy and practical but Veneer are elegant, warm and timeless. There is no one-size-fits-all answer. The perfect match will depend on your needs, your space and your style. If you are still unsure, don’t hesitate to mix and match.
