Real wood, wood veneer, and laminate are common materials used in everything from kitchen cabinets to living room furniture to office furniture. Even though these are 3 of the most widely used materials in furniture, many of us are still left scratching our heads wondering, “What’s the difference?”
Conventional wisdom says that solid wood, or real wood, is best. But is that always the best choice when shopping for furniture? We’ll define each of these materials and run through the benefits to help you determine which material is right for you. The answers might surprise you.
What Is Wood Veneer?
Wood veneer is a thin layer of real hardwood applied to a less expensive material like plywood or medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
What Is Laminate?
Laminate is an engineered material usually constructed of plastic and bonded to a composite base. Office furniture shoppers should know about 2 types of laminate. High-pressure laminate (HPL) is constructed of multiple layers bonded together under high pressure and heat, making the product incredibly durable. High-pressure laminate is favored by some of the biggest companies in the world because it’s been designed to resist stains, scratches, and heat.
Low-pressure laminate is more widely known as melamine. Melamine is constructed of a single layer bonded to the base material. Because melamine is less durable than high-pressure laminate, it performs better in lower-use areas.
Because of the way laminate is constructed, it can be designed to create different styles and mimic other surfaces like wood or marble.
What Is ‘Real Wood’?
Solid wood, often referred to as “real wood,” refers to natural wood or plywood rather than plywood. You may find furniture that has been constructed of solid wood or as a combination of materials. For example, it’s common to pair a solid wood desktop with metal desk legs. You might also find solid wood as an element within a mixed-material construction.
Understanding the Differences Between Laminate, Wood Veneer, and Solid Wood
Debating which option to go with for your new office furniture? Here are some distinguishing features of each material to make it easier for you to choose which is best for your needs.
The Benefits of Laminate
Laminate is engineered to stand up to high traffic and heavy use, making it a popular choice for commercial offices, home offices, doctor’s offices, schools, and anywhere else you expect your furniture to see a lot of “wear and tear.” It’s often easier to care for than real wood or wood veneer.
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Durable, manufactured surface
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Scratch, stain, and heat-resistant
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Easy to clean and maintain
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Modern, on-trend finishes
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Budget-friendly and easier to manufacture
The Drawback of Laminate
One downfall of laminate is that, since it's a manufactured surface, you will not get the natural variations and true wood grains that you see with real wood veneer; however, the color possibilities are endless.
The Benefits of Wood Veneer
Wood veneer gives you a solid wood look without the matching price point of solid wood furniture. Because the veneer is composed of natural wood, it has a richer and more varied look. Since more effort goes into crafting a veneer top, they are usually priced higher than laminate alternatives. Wood veneer is softer and more susceptible to scratches and dents when compared to laminate, so we recommend using desk pads and coasters to protect your surfaces.
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Real wood finish with natural variations
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Richer, stained finish options
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Requires coasters and desk pads
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Higher price point versus laminate
The Drawbacks of Wood Veneer
Wood veneer can be more delicate because it’s topped with a very thin layer of natural wood, making it susceptible to chipping and scratching.
The Benefits of Solid Wood
Solid wood gives you a natural wood finish that is beautiful and luxurious. In furniture production, solid wood has become a stand-in for “luxury.” Nothing sounds more opulent than a solid mahogany desk (however heavy it may be in real life). Solid wood gives you the beauty of the natural grain, and because it’s a natural material, it will break down faster than laminate wood or wood veneer, making it a sustainability favorite.
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Beautiful natural grain
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Luxurious
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Sustainable
The Drawbacks of Solid Wood
While not as fragile as wood veneer, solid wood can be prone to chipping, staining, and rings. Because of this, many shoppers will choose solid wood for their homes and laminate for their offices.
Maintaining Laminate, Wood Veneer, and Solid Wood
If you plan on using your desk or table for years, you'll want to know how to keep that beautiful finish looking its best even after daily use. Always consult the manufacturer of the product to ensure that you are using the proper cleaning method for your furniture. Make a habit of performing these regular maintenance tasks, and you'll thank yourself for it in the long run.
Pay special attention to wood veneer and solid wood finishes. They require a special cleaning process to ensure the wood is not damaged.
Laminate vs. Wood Veneer vs. Solid Wood: Which to Choose?
Choosing between laminate, veneer, and solid wood really comes down to durability and consistency versus natural beauty and variation. Consider which of these benefits is more important to you when making your decision.
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