Differences of opinion and preference are common when it comes to deciding between laminate and wood veneer for modern hospitality furniture. Ultimately, it's important to let your project's scale and long-term needs dictate the choice.

WOOD VENEER VS LAMINATE HOTEL FURNITURE: A MATTER OF GUEST PERSPECTIVE

It's true, you're more likely to find veneer furniture in a 4-star or greater hotel. With its rich

“homey" look and feel, it tends to be a more natural fit for upscale establishments. Patrons of these higher-end hotels also often demand this aesthetic and experience because they are paying premium for their stay. 

But will this always be the trend? Industry experts say the tangible differences between laminate and wood veneer have grown more subtle through the years. 

LAMINATE HOTEL FURNITURE

Laminate is a man-made product comprising synthetic and natural materials (usually many layers of kraft paper saturated with phenolic resin and pressed under extreme pressure). It's durable and tends to be heat- and scratch-resistant, making it a great long-term investment that's easier to care for. It's also easier to produce laminate products, so the price of laminate furniture is usually more economical. 

While its still subject to some wear experienced at every hotel and with every piece of furniture over time, its synthetic properties typically last much longer than the average 8-year hotel renovation cycle. 

With so many laminate options available, you can choose value engineering to be more cost effective and improve future upkeep to best serve and delight your guests. Keep in mind, the staff also must work around and with the furniture long after your hotel project is done. A durable product that's easy to maneuver, clean, and maintain is ideal.

WOOD VENEER HOTEL FURNITURE

Wood veneer is a thin layer of genuine hardwood (usually around .6mm). Typically, veneer is bonded, or glued with adhesive, to a less-expensive surface. Because it's a natural material, veneer has a richer and more varied look. 

More effort goes into constructing veneer pieces, so they are usually priced higher than laminate alternatives.

THE CHOICE: WOOD VENEER VS. LAMINATE FURNITURE

Though there have been great strides made in world of laminate, there is still a big demand for new furniture designs in veneer. Both are valuable options, given the size and scope of your hotel project. 

Laminate is a durable choice with ever-expanding styles and colors. Wood veneer is also a strong, upscale choice for the most genuine look and feel, short of solid hardwood.

No matter which surface materials you choose ,the most import keys is that you must keep the strong structure and good quality for commerical use.