Wood Veneer or Laminate? Which Interior Finish to Choose

Laminates and wood veneers are among the most commonly used materials for surfacing cabinetry, furniture, walls, ceilings, and much more. Wood veneers can be defined as thin layers of wood precisely cut from a thicker log. Laminate sheets are multi-layered paper and plastic resins glued together. But which one do you choose? Both have advantages and disadvantages, but let’s discuss some features such as durability, aesthetics, affordability, and ease of maintenance.

Wood Veneer

Since wood veneer sheets are derived from actual timber, each one is different from the other. Embedded natural patterns offer a more high-end and organic look. Wood veneers can accentuate any pace. For example, caramel-toned veneer sheets can add elegance to a particular space. Same as solid wood, veneer sheets can be polished and colored to achieve the intended hue and grain that goes with a theme. Though workmanship determines the strength and overall appeal of wood veneer sheets, quality installations last for about a minimum of 15 years if installed and maintained properly. Another benefit wood veneers bring is they are a renewable resource and go a long way in replacing solid wood applications. Just one timber log can produce several veneered slices.

Laminate

With laminates, you get a machine-made product that is easy to produce, providing low production costs and wide availability. Since laminates are pre-printed, there are no natural variations in the sheet as with wood veneers. Due to the availability of both rough and glossy textures, laminates can nearly replicate all surface finishes, including stone, leather, wood, and marble, to name a few. Some manufacturers will produce personalized prints as well. Laminates are produced by compressing multiple layers under high pressure producing highly durable sheets. Laminates can fend off heat, moisture, stains, and scratches better than veneers, making them easier to maintain and ideal for damp and high traffic areas such as kitchen and tabletops. Most laminate manufacturers provide warranties, with ten years typically being the minimum. In most veneer installations, the seams and corners are sealed by the polishing process. On the other hand, Laminate edges remain sharp and open, and in conjunction with poor workmanship, can lead to clipping and breaking of laminate sheets. Luckily, a new sheet can replace the worn sheet.

Now that you better understand the differences between wood veneer and laminate sheets, you can better decide which product is right for your needs.

Whether you are looking for laminate or wood veneer sheets for your projects, look to Edgebanding Serivces Inc. ESI has been providing the finest wood veneer and laminate sheets, and more for over thirty years and makes the perfect partner for your project needs.