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The most popular surface finishes for various types of furniture and cabinets now include veneers and laminates. The primary distinction between the two is that while laminates are created by applying intense pressure to layers of flat paper and plastic resins, veneers are made up of thin layers of wood that are pressed on a plywood basis.
These components provide the furniture a finished appearance and are pasted on a sub-base of plywood, MDF, or particle board. Unsure whether to choose laminate or veneer? We assist you.
VENEERS
Since veneers are made from tree material, they have a natural appearance and resemble real wood. In contrast to laminates, no two sheets of veneer are identical.
Design
The veneer sheets have a rich, warm, and aesthetically pleasant appearance thanks to the natural grain patterns of the wood. Veneers can also be stained to have various colours and finishes, such as gloss and matte.
Polishing
The fact that veneers are prone to scratches and that the polishing eventually peels off is one drawback. The veneer surface can be polished and sanded to restore it to its original appearance, just like wood.
Maintenance
Due to their inability to withstand heat and lack of waterproofing, veneers require routine care. Because moisture can penetrate into the veneer and loosen the top layer, veneer coatings should be avoided in moist locations like bathrooms or kitchens. A melamine coating might make the veneer surface waterproof, so take note of this.
Eco-friendly
Veneers are sustainable since they are created from a renewable resource. However, laminates contain polymers and resins that eventually wind up in landfills.
Cost
Veneer sheets cost more than factory-produced laminate finishes because they are crafted from thin layers of actual wood.
LAMINATES
High pressure laminates, or HPL, are the most popular type of laminate, while low pressure laminates, or LPL, are less enduring. Each sheet has a decorative pattern or colourful sheet on top, which is covered in a plastic coating to give the laminate a shiny appearance.
High durability
Laminates are incredibly strong, watertight, and heat- and stain-resistant. Because of this, laminates are ideal for high-traffic areas like kitchens, bathroom cabinets, and kids’ rooms that experience a lot of wear and tear. Nevertheless, laminates are vulnerable to cracking and chipping, and once damaged, they cannot be fixed.
Maintenance
Because laminates can maintain their appearance for many years, they are simpler to maintain than veneer finishes. A laminate finish can be routinely cleaned and maintained by wiping the surface with a moist cloth or soapy water.
Designs
Laminates come in a huge variety of colours, patterns, and finishes. The fact that these improve the appearance and feel of organic materials like stone, wood, leather, natural silk, and others is one of their greatest advantages. There are also flame retardant and antimicrobial coatings on some of the newest laminate kinds.
Verdict
Choose a veneer finish if you value natural materials and the classic appearance and cosiness of real wood. Laminates work best in bright, contemporary rooms that are simple to maintain.
