Sometimes it’s hard to decide which surface is best suitable for your office? Understanding the positive and negative aspects of each texture and surface can help you to make the appropriate choices for your workspace. Here are some of the different options that are available in the market which can help you decide keeping your budget and needs in mind.
Laminate: There are two kinds of laminates in the market. Low Pressure and High Pressure. Low pressure laminate is sometimes also referred to “Melamine”. It is a thin single melamine paper bonded to a substrate board. High pressure laminate surface is composed of multiple layers of paper saturated with resin and finished with a printed surface. Over the years laminate has become popular and has been well received by the furniture buyers. Advanced quality and techniques have it made very hard for a common eye to distinguish between laminate and real wood veneer. Layers are pressed together under high heat and pressure creating a durable material which is scratch, water and heat resistant; the end result is an uncanny resemblance to solid wood. Laminates are highly durable, inexpensive and low maintenance. They are scratch, heat, chemical and moisture resistant. Some laminates have flame retardant properties and have good electrical isolation properties and antibacterial properties. Laminates have a good 15 year life span against wear and fading; hence making them very suitable for an office as they stand up to the daily demand of a busy office. Taking care of laminate surface is very easy just wipe it off with water and clean cloth and you are good to go. No need to wax or polish. An additional advantage of laminate surfaces or furniture is that they can be easily customized when it comes to special sizing of drawer and cabinet configuration and two tone coloring. Price is usually the most important factor when it comes to redoing or reconfiguring your office. Laminate furniture is less expensive than real wood hence less expensive to install. Sometimes you can self assemble the items which can be cost effective if you are on a tight budget.
Veneer Surfaces: If you like the look of “real wood” for your office then veneer surface is the way to go. Wood veneer furniture will add an image of class and stature to your office. Due to its particleboard substrate it is resistant against warping and moisture damage better than solid hardwood. Veneers benefits the environment; it can incorporate beautiful symmetric and consistent grain patterns as well as give you the opportunity to use rare wood such as rosewood as part of the design. Please keep in mind that over a period of time lighting can changes the color of wood. Natural veneer surface can be protected with polish containing natural ingredients using a soft lint free cloth. You should protect veneer surfaces from severe scratches by using accessories which have felt leather or cork padding. Try lifting objects rather than sliding when moving across the veneer surfaces.
Solid Wood: Solid wood is not “solid” as its name implies. It is constructed of narrow planks cut to be a desired width and laid side by side. 100% softwood and hardwood lumber. Such surfaces or furniture uses no veneers or particleboard fillers. The grain of the wood will be visible and the piece will likely feel heavier. It is not cost effective to carve an entire piece of furniture out of a single piece of wood. Solid wood furniture is extremely durable and can last a life time. It can be sanded, stained or refinished. It offers superior stability and reliability and is of higher quality.
In the end it’s a matter of your preference, budget and need. Who knows in the future we will have surfaces and furniture as durable as solid wood, environmental friendly and beautiful as wood veneer and affordable, and durable as laminate.
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