Wood Veneer Vs. Laminate Finishes

When shopping for office furniture, you may come across the terms “wood veneer” and “laminate finish” when looking at items like desks, shelves, end tables, chairs, or other items on which wood surfaces will be visible. Wood veneer and laminate finishes are two very different things, and the one that is appropriate for you depends on your preferences and the way that the furniture will be used. Here are some of the considerations to keep in mind when choosing between wood veneer and laminate finish furniture.

Wood Veneer Furniture

Wood veneer is a very thin layer of real wood that is applied to a base that is usually made of plywood, particle board, or fiberboard. Because wood veneer is a real veneer finish, it has the appearance of real wood and can be a very attractive finish. Unfortunately, veneer layers can be soft and susceptible to damage like dings, scratches, and chips. Wood veneer furniture tends to cost more than laminate furniture and require more upkeep but is usually considered a more attractive product.

Laminate Furniture

Wood laminate finishes are man-made products that have been printed with a design that is intended to make them look like real wood. They can be made from plastic, paper, or foil. Laminate furniture has the benefit of being more resistant to wear and tear than furniture that uses wood veneers but tends to be less visually attractive. The budget-friendly price of laminate furniture makes it a good choice for offices that are more concerned with function than appearance.

Which to Choose?

Whether you choose laminate or veneer furniture will depend on your specific needs and budget concerns. Both can be used effectively in a variety of office settings and may even be used together – for example, you may choose more expensive and attractive veneer furniture for your reception area while furnishing the operational parts of your office with less expensive, but still high quality, laminate furniture.

Call NPG today for more information.

If you are in the process of furnishing a new office or upgrading the look and feel of your existing office, you should contact National Project Group today. Our selection of new and pre-owned office furniture will fit any budget and space, and our project management services will take the stress out of an office move across town or across the country. To learn more about our products or services, call us today at 800-821-3522 or send us an email through our online contact form.