As a homeowner, it is easy to get pummeled by the vast amount of options provided within the home industry. When it comes to homecare, home remodeling and furniture buying, the options are seemingly endless. How do you know which type of material, texture or style is best for you and your home? Often times, there is a lot of confusion between three of the leading materials on the market – laminate, wood and wood veneer. All three are great products for different purposes – but differentiating between them and deciding which one is best, can be difficult.
Laminate
Laminate is a great material to use for flooring or furniture that is often exposed to the tiny hands of children. It is typically produced using four different – often times synthetic – materials that are pieced together for strength and durability. Laminate comes in a wide range of shapes, sizes, colors and textures – catering to an array of taste preferences. It can be easily duplicated to resemble that of natural stone or hardwood; but doesn’t offer the same long-term dependability and sustainability that those two other materials do. It is easy to clean – making it a natural option for use in a child’s room or in any area of the home that is exposed to a lot of wear and tear.
Hardwood
Hardwood is solid wood – and great to use for flooring in virtually any room of the home. Unlike laminate, hardwood is traditionally a bit more expensive, but lasts twice as long. It is a great option for homeowners looking to add some character, charm and longevity to a room. Hardwood can be blasted, sanded, painted or polished for a number of different looks, colors and textures. It is a great material for strong, durable and, often times, rustic furniture or flooring that is sure to withstand the test of time.
Wood Veneer
This is where many homeowners get confused. Wood veneer is not laminate and it is not hardwood – so what is it? Wood veneer is an extremely thin layer of wood that is typically glued onto a stronger, thicker material for enhanced durability. The material used to add thickness and durability is traditionally a lot cheaper – making wood veneer, overall, a less expensive option that solid wood. Although it costs less, furniture makers and flooring specialists are still able to manufacture attractive products and dependable pieces that suit a wide range of tastes and preferences. For any homeowner looking to learn more about wood veneer, wood veneer suppliers are a great source of information about various products constructed from wood veneer and how they can be best incorporated into your home.
