04 May Wood Veneer or Laminate Hospitality Furniture – Which Should You Buy?
Wood veneers and laminates are commonly used in furniture for the hospitality industry. What’s the difference? Wood veneer furniture is made by taking a very thin slice of wood from a tree log and gluing it on to different types of engineered woods, such as plywood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), melamine or particleboard. Like real wood, it can be stained or varnished to create a truly unique look. Veneer offers the authentic look of solid natural wood, but it costs much less.
Laminate, on the other hand, is made from multi-layered sheets of paper and plastic resins that have been glued together into one layer. Its surface is printed to make it look like real wood. Like veneer, laminate is also glued on to engineered woods, such as plywood, medium density fiberboard (MDF), melamine or particleboard.
How do you know what is best for you?
Durability – If durability is your primary concern, a wood veneer surface is softer than laminate. Once its polish layer wears off over time, wood veneer furniture becomes susceptible to abrasions and scratches. Its surface may also may bubble or warp if moisture seeps into the core material, or if the top layer is exposed to heat. To maintain its appearance, wood veneer requires periodic maintenance and cleaning with wood oils and protectant seals.
Natural wood beauty and variation – There is nothing like the natural look of wood. Because it is made from actual trees, every piece of wood veneer furniture is truly unique. Since laminate is pre-printed with a wood pattern, you will not see the natural variations you get in wood veneers.
Price – Laminate is easier to produce than wood veneer, so the price of laminate hospitality furniture is usually more economical than veneer.
Environmental friendliness – Wood veneer, because it comes from real trees, is a renewable resource. One log of timber can produce a number of veneered wood slices. Laminate, on the other hand, is a made from non-renewable resources, such as plastic.
Lang Furniture is here to help
If you are in the process of purchasing hospitality furniture and are wondering if wood veneer or laminate is best for you, Lang Furniture is here to help. We use a combination of materials in our furniture, including wood veneer and laminate glued to various underlying surfaces, to create exactly what a specific hotelier may need. Please give us a call at: (888) 865-2955, and we can help you find exactly the right furniture for your property.
Lang Furniture manufactures quality bedroom furniture for the hospitality industry, home and senior living. Made in the United States in the heart of Wisconsin
