Veneer vs Laminate: Make the Right Choice

• Veneer is a very thin slice of wood which is obtained by peeling a tree log.

• Laminate is an artificial material made from decorative papers and plastic resins.

• Used at places which are less prone to wear and tear.
• Used where premium finish, touch and feel is important.
• Example: Conference rooms, Luxurious Home Interiors, Walls, etc.

• It is the best choice for areas which are prone to wear and tear.
• Used where durability, impact and scratch resistance is important.
• Example: Tabletops, Office Furniture, Cabinetries, Doors, etc.

• It is susceptible to damage in presence of water as water is known to damage the polish and eventually the wood surface.

• It can resist water up to a certain extent.

• Veneers have less resistant to abrasion and scratches as compared to laminates.

• The surface of laminate is hard and resistant to abrasion and scratching.

• It is resistant to warping and fragmentation.

• It is not resistant to warping and fragmentation.

• Veneer has high resistance to clipping as compared to laminates.

• It is a brittle material hence prone to clipping.

• Each sheet is unique and exclusive and gives everlasting value to furniture.

• It is available in numerous designs, patterns, colors and textures. The patterns are repetitive in nature.

• The surface can be customized by polishing or painting.

• The surface cannot be painted or polished.

• As the sheets are exclusive, once the sheet is damaged a similar replacement is never available.

• Similar looking sheets can be manufactured if needed.

• As it is a natural material, it is non-toxic.

• It is toxic as it is known to emit VOC’s.

• It can be recycled.

• Once damaged, laminates cannot be recycled.

• Veneers have less strength and durability than that of laminate.

• It has high strength and durability compared to other finishing materials.

Standard Thickness:

• 8 mm to 4 mm in a standard veneer

Standard Length and Width:

• 4 feet to 12 feet long (1220 mm to 3658 mm )
• 4 feet wide (1220 mm)

Standard Thickness:

• 6 mm to 1.8 mm thick plain sheets.
• 3mm to 18 mm thickness in self-supporting compact laminate sheets.

Standard Length and Width:

• 8 feet x 4 feet (2438 mm x 1219 mm)

• 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, veneer has to be smoothen using sandpaper.) Thus it requires more time for installation.

Also Read: Installation process of veneer

• 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.

• 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.

• No polishing is needed.
• It is very easy to maintain as the surface is resistant to physical damage.
• Wiping with a damp cloth or vacuuming is all it takes to clean the surface.

• If timely polishing and proper care is taken the material is known to last longer than laminates.

• 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 generally costlier than laminates.

• It is more economical than veneer.

• 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.
• The price approximately ranges from 70Rs /sq. ft. to 9000Rs/sq. ft.

• 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).
• The price approximately ranges from 600Rs/sheet to 6000Rs/sheet.

• The maintenance cost of the veneer is very high.

• Maintenance cost is negligible.

Veneers are classified on the basis of :

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

Laminates are classified on the basis of:

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