Wood Veneer or Laminate Hospitality Furniture ❗️
Wood Veneer or Laminate Hospitality Furniture : Everything You Need to Know
Hotel owners and designers prefer to employ wood veneer and laminate furniture, two of the most popular materials used in hospitality casegoods.
Both forms of furniture promote adaptability or attractiveness and are an affordable substitute for traditional wooden furniture.
Choosing between wood veneer and laminate for contemporary hospitality furniture frequently results in differences of taste and opinion. The size of your project, its long-term requirements, and the expectations of hotel guests should ultimately guide your decision.
What is laminate furniture?
Laminate case goods are manufactured using both natural and synthetic materials; they are often made of several layers of craft paper that have been wet with phenolic resin and compressed under intense pressure.
It is possible to make laminate furniture look like a finished piece of natural wood. Because of its durability and propensity to withstand heat and scratches, it’s an excellent long-term investment that requires less maintenance. Additionally, laminate items are easier to create, which typically results in more affordable laminate furniture prices.
Its synthetic qualities usually endure far longer than the conventional 8-year hotel refurbishment cycle, even if it is still susceptible to some wear and tear that is normal for all hotel furniture over time. Laminate casegoods are thought to be a far better investment due to their durability and longer lifespan.
High-pressure and low-pressure laminate are the two types utilized to make case products. The way the laminates are affixed to a substrate, rather than their manufacturing process, makes a difference.
Compared to low-pressure laminate (LPL), high-pressure laminate (HPL) is utilized more frequently. High-pressure laminate expands and shrinks in response to humidity, just like real wood. HPLs are the perfect option for applications needing endurance because of this characteristic as well as their great impact resistance.
The strength and durability of HPL are absent from low-pressure laminate, sometimes referred to as direct-pressure laminate and melamine board. As a result, it is designed for low-impact uses, frequently on vertical surfaces. Low-pressure laminate hotel casegoods are also less expensive than HPL-made ones.
What is wood veneer furniture?
Although wood veneer furniture likewise employs layering, it substitutes thin—in certain situations, even paper-thin—sheets of real wood for the artificial surfacing. This gives the finished product a high-end appearance while enabling businesses to employ sturdy substrates like medium-density fiberboard or particle board.
For example, a veneered dresser may have a frame made of poplar or rubberwood, but it may also have a layer of actual wood, such as a “knotty” veneer like burled oak, to create swirls and color differences that are visually striking.
The thin veneer cut highlights the fact that wood is inherently more prone to dings and scratches than common man-made materials.
Because of this, furniture with wood veneer finishes is typically better suited for high-end commercial settings with less foot traffic and handling (drawers being closed, doors being opened).
How to Distinguish Between Veneer and Laminate Casegoods
Wood veneer casegoods are covered with a coating of actual wood, even though both forms of furniture are created from man-made elements. And that’s where the big difference is.
Wood veneer furniture preserves the genuine look and feel of a hardwood casegood, in contrast to laminate furniture. At face value, a wood veneer piece still has the subtleties, texture, and tiny indentations of real wood even if it is built of synthetic materials.
Should I purchase furniture made of veneer or laminate?
Although aesthetics undoubtedly play a role in the design of hospitality furniture, if you want to get the most out of your investment, durability should be your top priority.
Consider the distinction between an on-site conference center and a guest room. Hotels are busy establishments with certain areas being used more than others.
You must thoroughly evaluate your company’s storage, wear and tear, and longevity requirements. Think about:
– What is the anticipated lifespan of this piece?
– How probable is it that I’ll alter the color scheme or décor before then?
– What is the total number of parts I need?
– Will the material I’ve selected fit my budget and volume?
– What sort of turnaround time am I looking for?
How Can Hotel Furniture with Wood Veneer and Laminate Be Cleaned?
You will still need to clean your wood veneer or laminate furniture regardless of how and where it is used, especially in the COVID-19 era. Here are some pointers to ensure that your cleaning efforts maintain the condition of your casegoods as they were on the day of delivery.
Cleaning Casegoods with Laminate
Dusting laminate furniture on a regular basis is the first step in cleaning it. This prevents particles from building up and prevents allergies in visitors.
Laminate cannot be cleaned with standard furniture polishes since it is not as porous as wood. Unbelievably, soap and water are the most effective way to clean laminate furniture. Wipe the surface with a warm, damp microfiber cloth to get rid of dust and debris. To absorb any remaining moisture, use a dry microfiber cloth afterward.
For stubborn stains, use a little amount of non-ammonia-based glass cleaner or a mild soap solution in warm water to scrub small areas.
To preserve laminate furniture and keep it in top condition:
To prevent fading, keep it away of direct sunlight.
Steer clear of all water exposure.
When handling hot or cold beverages, use caution because permanent rings may form and damage the furniture.
Wood veneer furniture cleaning
Many of the guidelines that apply to laminate furniture also apply to wood veneer furniture.
Dusting wood veneer furniture frequently and avoiding abrasive cleansers and polishes that produce wax buildup are the keys to keeping it clean, just like laminate furniture.
Condensation can cause significant damage to wood veneer furniture, which is sensitive to water. Additionally, it is vulnerable to blistering and finish damage from hot plates and mugs.
Use soap and water to clean with a microfiber cloth that will collect dust particles rather than merely moving them about for optimal cleaning results. To avoid water damage, make sure a veneer surface is completely dry.
Small scratches on veneer furniture can be easily fixed by applying oil polish and massaging the area with a gentle microfiber cloth until the scratch disappears.
Things Not to Do When Cleaning Wood Veneer and Laminate Furniture
The most crucial cleaning advice for laminate and veneer is to stay away from ammonia-based products. Ammonia is a strong chemical that can harm both kinds of furniture’s surfaces permanently.
How Should Hotel Furnishings Be Maintained? Consult Your Manufacturer
The casegood you select for your hotel has a significant impact on the experience of your guests.
A favorable first impression of your hotel can be created by the general look of your furnishings.
Both laminate and wood veneer allow you to make a good impression without going over budget.
Explore the World of Wood Veneer and Laminate Pieces in More Detail
Download our Hospitality Casegoods Veneer and Laminate Evaluation Guide.