The primary use of both veneers and laminates is to provide a decorative and finishing touch to the interior design.  Though being used for the same purpose these materials are poles apart in their properties, availability, life cycle, cost, etc. When we compare both the veneer vs laminate, they have their own pros and cons. Here we have tried to provide a brief comparison, properties, life cycle, etc.. of both veneer & laminate, which help you make the correct choice while choosing the finishes of your house furniture. You can purchase both these from the Best Interior Designers In Trivandrum

Veneers

Veneers are composed of thin layers of wood which is obtained by peeling a tree log. The outer layer is made up of natural solid wood. The smaller pieces are further reused so there’s minimum wastage involved. They’re primarily employed in luxury interior designing projects to demonstrate the rustic and natural essence of nature.

Example: Conference rooms, Luxurious Home Interiors, Walls, etc.

 Pros and Cons

• Veneers are susceptible to damage in presence of water as water is known to damage the polish and eventually the wood surface. 
• Veneers are less resistant to abrasion and scratches but also resistant to warping and fragmentation.
• Veneer has high resistance to clipping as compared to laminates.
• Each sheet is unique and exclusive and gives everlasting value to the furniture. So try to select the best and unique collection of veneer from the best interior designers in Trivandrum
• The surface can be customized by polishing or painting.
• As the sheets are exclusive, once the sheet is damaged a similar replacement is never available.
• As it is a natural material, it is non-toxic.
• It can be recycled.
• Veneers have less strength and durability than that laminate.
• Its installation requires special skills, instruments, and adhesives.
• It cannot be installed over any existing surface.
•  Post-processing is required before applying finish to the veneer surface. (Before applying the final polish, the veneer has to be smoothed using sandpaper.) Thus it requires more time for installation.
• The surface has to be re-polished periodically.
• It requires high maintenance as it is a natural wood product.
• Special care has to be taken while cleaning the surface to prevent damage.
• If timely polishing and proper care are taken the material is known to last longer than laminates.
• It is generally costlier than laminates.
• The price of veneer sheets is always calculated per square foot.
• Its price may vary depending on the type of wood species, type of cut, and thickness of the sheet.

Mainely veneers are classified on the basis of :

• Use
• Types of wood species
• Veneer cutting
• Backing
• Matches
• Grains of wood

Laminate sheet

On the other hand, laminates are composed of multiple layers of craft paper and plastic resins glued together to form a single and rigid sheet, using extreme pressure and heat. Here, the upper layer of the wood composite is printed with different colors or decorative patterns. Due to the availability of different types of laminates from the Best Interior Designers In Trivandrum, these laminates are used in corporate offices, commercial complexes, residential buildings, restaurants, hotels, etc… for decorative purposes.

Pros and Cons

• Laminate is an artificial material made from decorative papers and plastic resins.
• It is the best choice for areas that are prone to wear and tear.
• Used where durability, impact, and scratch resistance are important.
• Example: Tabletops, Office Furniture, Cabinetries, Doors, etc.
• It can resist water up to a certain extent.
• The surface of the laminate is hard and resistant to abrasion and scratching.
• It is not resistant to warping and fragmentation.
• It is a brittle material and hence prone to clipping.
• It is available in numerous designs, patterns, colors, and textures and these patterns are repetitive in nature.
• The surface of laminates cannot be painted or polished.
• Look-alike sheets can be manufactured if needed.
• It is toxic as it is known to emit VOCs.
• Once damaged, laminates cannot be recycled.
• It has high strength and durability compared to other finishing materials.
• Easy to install as no special skills and instruments are required.
• It can be installed over any existing surface.
• No post-processing is required as the laminate is a finished product.
• It lasts only till the top layer is not damaged. Once the top layer is worn out the entire surface has to be replaced.
• It is more economical than veneer.
• The price of a laminate is always calculated per sheet.
• Its price may vary depending on the properties as well as the thickness of the sheet (0.8, 1, 1.25mm).
• Maintenance cost is negligible.

Laminates are classified on the basis of:

• Pressure applied
• Thickness of laminates
• Use of laminates
• Surface finish
• Advanced properties

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