The dilemma of choosing between two similar products is one of the most irksome situations one can be in. If you’re ruminating on the question of which material to use for your home renovation endeavor, then this article is for you. Here we’ll explore more about the two most popular materials for surface finishing and help you in making the right choice. 

Wood has been kept on a very high pedestal in Indian homes for ages because of the artistic finish it provides along with a promising sturdiness. We all expect our woodwork to last a lifetime and therefore it’s very important to do a little research before investing in a decorative material for your home interiors.

So this takes us back to our question, Laminates or Wood Veneer?

Let’s first have a look at the similarities and differences between the two so you can have an overview of what these two products have to offer to your home.

The only similarity between the two is that both are decorative products and are used to enhance the aura of the home by giving plain surfaces, a stylish makeover. 

Which has the better visual appeal?

The first difference between veneers and laminates is their outer appearance. Laminate is not real wood but is made of plastic composite, paper, and resin. It imitates the appearance of real wood and has a replicated pattern. While producing custom designs of laminates is very easy, it lacks the feel of natural wood. On the other hand, each veneer has a wood grain pattern that is different from other veneers and the top and bottom of the furniture do not match each other. It has a superior natural-wood-like appearance which can give a richer feel and look to inferior articles.

Apart from their visual appearance, there are many differences between laminates and veneers. Ultimately, knowing more about these differences is fundamental as to which one is right for you.

The second major difference is that of composition.

Decorative Wood Veneer is actually a thin sheet of real hardwood timber which is glued onto plywood surfaces for visual enhancement, whereas laminate, also known as sun mica in India is an artificial product made by pressing together man-made paper and plastic resin.

A veneer is an exquisite and limited material owing to its natural origins. It retains the beauty and quality of its parent material and gives the home a classy look. Each veneer is different in visual appearance from the other since they’re sourced from real wood. The only veneer is capable of providing such an authentic and high-end luxurious look to interiors due to its natural wood-based origin.

Laminate is an artificial product and is, therefore, more durable, scratch-stain resistant, and easy to maintain. It is finished with a clear protective coating making it waterproof and damage resistant in the long run. However, since they’re mass-produced, they lack the uniqueness of the design and feel of wood, which wood veneer offers. And if they get damaged once, they can’t be repaired and need to be replaced.

On the other hand, wood veneer is a natural product with an unmatchable elegance and the ability to age like natural wood. You can retain its original look by polishing it from time to time like any other wood article in the house. In case of any superficial damage, such as scratches, it can be sanded and refinished like original wood. This makes it more long-lasting since its original appearance can be revived after a single maintenance session.

Which is easier to clean and maintain?

Since laminates have a coating over them, they can be simply cleaned with a wipe cloth. On the other hand, veneers need to be polished time and again to maintain their gentle glow and shine. Wood veneers should not be used in high humidity areas such as bathrooms as they can get damaged by moisture. They’re best equipped for intensifying the beauty of your home décor and flaunting signature decorative pieces in high visibility areas such as living rooms and sitting areas.

Which is the sustainable option?

Laminates are not environmentally friendly and are even suspected to be toxic for homes and nature due to the materials used in their composition. Plastic and resins are synthetic materials and are very harsh on the environment. Moreover, laminates are not a renewable product, can’t be recycled or even reused once damaged.

Wood veneers on the other hand are renewable and natural, making them an eco-friendly and highly aesthetic alternative to laminates or any other decorative surfacing. Once the wood veneer is done for and can’t be repaired or maintained further, it can be recycled. Neither are they toxic for your homes are the environment, making them the more sustainable option in the long run.

Check out How Wood Veneer Enhances Interior Look?

Why Wood Veneer is the better option? 

Wood veneer is an original wood-based product, has the capacity to provide your home with statement pieces. Veneer will provide your home with the posh finish it rightly deserves and give it a distinctive look that is not to be found anywhere.

While the appearance of a mass-produced laminate cannot be altered according to personal taste, veneers can be stained into various hues, as the aesthetic design requires.

The natural yet distinctive grain patterns of wood, high-end finish, and luxurious appeal make veneers the ideal option for decorative surfacing.

Final Verdict 

Wood veneer is clearly the superior of the two options and while laminates have their uses, they can’t compete with this timber-based natural product. From being environmentally responsible to durable and sustainable in the long run, Veneer steals the show completely. 

If you are considering redoing your interiors or building a brand new home, then the veneer is one of the best materials to invest in. We at Duroply offer high-quality Veneers for your home and office. You can browse through our collection of Duro Nature’s Signature Collection and we guarantee you that you’ll find exactly what you’re looking for.