When creating your dream home, a lot of decoration aspects have to be considered. One such pivotal question is choosing the right surface finish for your interiors.
Choosing the perfect interior finish is a key step in your interior design process as your interior finish adds personality along with an aesthetic look to your furniture.
Wood veneers, laminates, and acrylics have emerged as the most popular decorative materials for furniture, surface cabinets, ceilings, closets, and even walls. While all on their own have unique appeals that bring that additional layer of zing you’re looking for, they differ in terms of pricing, durability, maintenance, and aesthetics.
So if you’re wondering which finish to apply on your furniture with, we’re here to give you the pros and cons of each, so you can pick the winner for your home.
Veneer vs Laminate vs Acrylic: Which One’s the Ultimate Winner?
Veneer Finish
Veneers can accentuate any and all spaces. Veneers are simply very fine slices of real wood, cut from timber logs which are then pressed on a plywood base. They bring about a warm, natural, and organic look that is loved by many.
Since veneers come from actual wood, no one sheet is the same as the other. Veneers bring about a touch of class to interiors since their look is derived from nature and come with a unique finish.
Pros of Veneer
Eco-friendly - Veneers are quickly replacing solid wood applications due to their cost-effectiveness; one log of timber can produce multiple veneer sheets. Even the pricey veneer sheets can be backed by budget-friendly plywood to achieve the same results!
Durable - Veneers have high durability, lasting up to 15 years if well-maintained.
High-quality aesthetic appeal - Since veneers are a representation of nature, they bring about a high-end luxury finish to furniture that instantly spruces up the look of your space!
Cons of Veneer
Prone to stains & scratches - Unless polished regularly, veneer’s can lose their shine and durability, making them susceptible to stains and scratches.
Spoils by moisture & temperature - Veneer sheets can bubble up if moisture seeps in or if the top layer is exposed to heat, making them unsuited for bathrooms and kitchens.
High Maintenance - Veneers require polishing from time to time to maintain their sheen and colour.
Note: Veneer surfaces can be made waterproof with a melamine coating.
Laminate Finish
Laminates are multi-layered artificial sheets made by glueing together plastic resins and flat paper. The topmost layer is decorated in gleeful colours or aesthetic patterns with a plastic coating that adds a glossy sheen to it. Laminates are ideal for contemporary and unconventional aesthetic interiors.
Pros of Laminate
Affordable - Since they’re machine-made, the cost to produce them is low and they’re easily available.
Available in endless colours and designs - Laminates can replicate any look - be it wooden, marble, or even leather. They can also be customised, making them a versatile finish that comes with endless options as compared to acrylics.
Easy to Maintain - Laminates are highly durable, as two or more layers are bonded together under pressure. This makes them almost invincible to heat, moisture, and less susceptible to stains and scratches. They’re ideal for high traffic and damp areas like the kitchen and bathrooms.
Note - Laminates come with a minimum 10-year guarantee.
Cons of Laminate
Can be toxic - Since they consist of plastic resin, they can emit harmful gases which shouldn’t be inhaled.
Can be harmful to the environment - Since they consist of plastic resin, they are non-sustainable and end up in landfills.
Prone to wear and tear around the edges - Since laminates have sharp edges and are not polished (unlike veneers), their corners are not sealed - making the sharp edges prone to tear. Once damaged, they can’t be repaired.
Acrylic Finish
Acrylic is a glossy and reflective finish that gives a smooth look to your furniture. They’re highly trending and are mostly used for kitchen cabinets as they add a luxe modern appeal to the kitchen. Available in multiple colours and patterns, they add a layer of fun-loving personality.
Pros of Acrylics
High aesthetic appeal - Since they have the perfect sheen, it makes them ideal to spruce up the look of your space. They’re even more reflective than laminates.
Durable - They don’t tarnish and retain their shine as well as colour for long periods since they’re resistant to UV light. They’re also resistant to moisture.
Easy to Clean - A sponge and a bucket of soapy water are all you require to clean your acrylic finished furniture.
Cons of Acrylics
Expensive - Due to their high durability, easy maintenance, and high aesthetic appeal, they come at a premium price.
Require Regular Cleaning - Due to their glossy finish, scratch marks and fingerprints are much more visible on acrylics, making it imperative to consistently clean them.
Final Verdict of Veneer vs Laminate vs Acrylic
As established, all three finishes come with their own sets of pros and cons. So in the battle of veneer vs laminate vs acrylic, how do you choose which finish to opt for in your homes?
It’s simple, if you’re looking for a simplified and natural look that’s more on the elegant side, veneers are the way to go. But if you prefer a modern, colourful look that’s high on aesthetics, laminates and acrylics are the way to go. Your final decision can also be made based on the cost and maintenance factor of the three finishes.
We can also see an amalgamation of all three in modern homes. Acrylic finishes can be used for your kitchen and bathroom cabinets, while laminate finishes can be used in other areas of your home as they come with endless colours and designs. Veneers can be used in your living room and bedroom cabinets as they add a rustic look with a touch of luxury.
If you can’t decide what finish can be used in your home, why not pass the duties onto us? Book a design consultation with us today.