Veneer vs Laminate Difference and Guide Your Customers Rightly

Should your customer buy a laminate or a veneer material?

Is there much difference? 

Which one is better?

There used to be a time where laminate was considered to be far inferior to real wood. However, technology and construction methods have narrowed that gap in the eyes of many. 

Of course, life is about more than just looks and appearance. Durability and price also come into play when choosing furniture and that could dictate whether a veneer or laminate product is the right choice for you.

In this blog, we will explain what is the difference between laminate and veneer and outline the advantages of choosing each finish. Both wood veneer and laminate have unique benefits, and we want to help you make the right choice for your customer. 

Check out our latest article on which is the best kitchen material? Plywood vs HDHMR

Veneer vs Laminate

Customers are always on the lookout. As they are not very clear when it comes to selecting laminate vs veneer, and its advantages and disadvantages. 

Let’s start with basics and later get into details of Veneer and Laminates. 

Veneer and Laminate Definition: 

In India people often refer to laminate as Sunmica. Which is actually the name of a well-known Laminate company in the Indian market. 

Laminate Definition

Laminate is a composite artificial, synthetic machine-made sheet. They are crafted by pressing together thin layers of flat paper and plastic resins. The upper layer is printed with a decorative pattern or colour shades. It is like a picture of wood that is bonded onto less expensive wood composites, usually MDF or particleboard. 

Veneer Definition

A veneer is a super-thin piece of solid wood obtained from a tree log which is why it is also known as a wood veneer. Just like the way we sharpen a pencil and it’s skin gets peeled off, or imagine peeling a potato. But when it comes to veneer; The outer layer of veneer is made up of real solid wood. which you can see in fancy pieces of furniture where they have glued with expensive greenwood exotics to make it look like solid woodworking. 

Veneer comes in a wide variety of grains, species, grade, thickness, texture and tone and colours. There are almost endless opportunities. Veneer adds the perfect statement which people can add in their space. 

It is important to realize that both of these materials have their own merits and demerits. Customers must keep in mind the durability and cost associated with it and should know how to test the materials.

There are close to 6T’s when it comes to testing veneer. 

• Tree Species 
• Type and Grade
• Thickness
• Texture
• Tone
• Treatment (Before and after treatment of veneer)

2: Variety

Laminate: Available in a variety of colors, textures, grains, leather, and satin. Laminates can be categorized into textured, high gloss, soft and matte. 

Tip on Laminates: 0.8mm and 1mm thickness is a better option. Best Laminate Finishes: 

• Suede Finish
• Matte Finish
• Texture
• High Gloss

Veneer: Veneers are categorized into Natural, Special, Engineered and Rare wood species like teak, rosewood etc. 

Veneers can be classified into different variants like raw, ply backing veneer, the veneered MDF, veneered laminates, reconstituted veneer, or re-engineered veneer. Since it is a natural material, a veneer is available in a limited number of shades.

But it has different characters like spalted veneer, flash veneer, antic veneer, rustic veneer, burly or knotty veneer, crack veneer, pomele / crotch / figured veneer, etc.

3: Maintenance

Laminate: Laminates are easy to manage. It is resistant to minor scratches and abrasives and waterproof. Which eventually makes it possible to retain its look for a long period of duration. 

Veneer: In comparison to laminates, veneers require more care. Treat mother nature with care and polish veneer surfaces from time to time to maintain the look.

Veneer needs to be treated well especially during winter and summer seasons as the wood tends to expand and contract with the season. The before and after treatment of veneer is of utmost importance to maintain the classic quality. 

4: Aesthetics

Laminate: Laminates are available in a wide variety of patterns in a variety of colors and designs. 

How to select the best laminate colour for the kitchen?

Plain colours are the best for kitchen and even medium tone for laminates. 

• Dark and light color scheme
• Silver frost
• Pearl Tone
• Steel Frost

Laminates are of different types like Decorative Laminates, Industrial Laminates, Compact Laminates, Post formed Laminates, High-pressure and Low-pressure Laminates. 

Veneer: Consumers who are looking for a premium and elegant look. Veneer is the best option to choose from.

Unlike laminates, each veneer is distinctive adding a unique and rich feel to furniture. Faded, Weathered, Open Grain, Rough cut, Dyed and with different textures like: Distressed, Sandblast, HBDX, Oxidization, UV. 

“Wood is the creation of nature, Life of wood is similar to life of any living being. As we accept every human being in our society without any reservations, we have to accept wood as it is. Combination of nature’s creation wood along with human creation design is truly phenomenal.”

5: Durability

Laminate: Laminates are known for their durability and reliability. Since it looks like wood, and you stick it to a composite base, it is extremely durable and resists scratches and stains.

Veneer: It needs proper treatment to maintain its premium and elegant look. Use Branded Polish and Skilled artisans who can take the veneer product to the next level and give your customer the best purchase satisfaction and great product experience. 

It requires maintenance and care since they are prone to scratches. Choosing the best species of wood, high-grade veneer and durability is also dependent on its thickness factor. 

Tip – Margin of scarcity se kasie bache?

Socho agar veneer kam pada jiss grain and colour, pattern ka choose kiya hai. So it’s better to properly calculate the total area and always buy little extra. Because in case of lesser availability, it’s difficult to get the exact same veneer immediately. 

If you want to know the difference Modular Kitchen vs Carpenter Made Kitchen.

6: Cost

Laminate: The price of laminates depends on the quality and the brand and the polish which you are selecting. Usually, laminates are pocket-friendly and more affordable as compared to veneers. 

Best Laminate Brands In India

• Merino Laminate
• Century 
• Royal Touch
• Durian
• Greenlam

Veneer: High-quality veneers are much costlier than laminates. The value of veneer depends on the type of wood species and other factors like type and grade, thickness, texture, tone, and polish. 

7: Where To Use Them

Laminate: In terms of durability, laminates are the better choice for kitchen cabinets, wardrobes. Also, this material is the best choice for wardrobes and other frequently used furniture.

Veneer: For furniture that you intend to use as statement pieces or as focal points, veneers are preferable. They add aesthetic value and a distinctive look compared to other materials. Majorly it is used in residential furniture, Commercial projects (Office Space, Conference rooms, etc.)

Conclusion:

We hope this informative blog must have solved your search query, the next time you are deciding between laminates and veneers for any residential, commercial, or any other projects you will be clear on which one works the best for you and matches your tastes and preferences. Bookmark this blog on your device and also save it in your long-term memory.

Want to know about What is Edge Banding And How HOMAG Helps With The Perfect Finish?

Check it out sooner or later!

Send in your comments and suggestions in the below section.

Thank You!