When shopping for office furniture, you’ll encounter a variety of materials like real wood, laminate, and wood veneer. Each has its advantages depending on your office needs.
Traditionally, real wood is often considered the superior choice. However, is it always the best? The answer may be more complex.
If you’re considering laminate furniture for your office, Meet&Co will explore the difference and help you select the ideal wood material that suits your office layout and design.
Table of Contents
- What is Laminate?
- Types of Laminates
- Advantages and Disadvantages of Laminate Furniture
- What is ‘Real Wood’?
- What is Wood Veneer?
- Laminate Furniture Vs. Real Wood Vs. Wood Veneer: What’s the Difference?
- Which One Should I Buy, Laminate or Real Wood?
- How to Choose Laminate Furniture?
- Best Selling Laminate Furniture
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Conclusion
What is Laminate?
If you’re new to furniture, understanding laminate is essential. Laminate is famous for finishing wooden furniture, wall panels, and flooring.
Laminate is a composite material created by pressing thin layers of flat paper and resins together. The top layer is often printed with decorative patterns or colors to mimic various surfaces, such as wood or marble.
Office furniture shoppers should be aware of several main types of laminate: high-pressure laminate (HPL), melamine-faced chipboard (MFC), and medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
The construction of laminate allows for a wide range of designs and the ability to mimic different surfaces effectively. This makes laminate a versatile choice for creating various furniture and interior design styles.
Types of Laminates
High-Pressure Laminate (HPL)
High-pressure laminate (HPL) is a versatile surfacing material renowned for its durability and aesthetic appeal. It is created by compressing multiple layers of resin-infused kraft paper to intense heat and pressure. This process produces a rigid, dense sheet with exceptional strength, impact, and scratch resistance. HPL comes in diverse colors, patterns, and textures, making it ideal for various interior uses, including countertops, cabinetry, wall panels, and furniture surfaces. Its robust construction and ability to withstand wear and tear make HPL a better choice in commercial settings where longevity and design flexibility are essential.
- Pros: Durable, scratch-resistant, wide range of designs.
- Cons: It can be expensive and difficult to repair if damaged.
Melamine Faced Chipboard (MFC)
MFC, composed of wood chips from fast-growing forest trees such as Eucalyptus, acacia, and rubber, is manufactured into particleboard and fused with melamine resin-impregnated paper. The melamine layer enhances the surface’s water resistance, scratch resistance, and aesthetic appeal, offering a range of colors. While lightweight and easy to assemble, MFC is not seamless, has thickness limitations, and has lower water resistance. It is ideal for home and office furniture in dry environments, including wardrobes, nightstands, and desks.
- Pros: Cost-effective, easy to clean, available in various finishes.
- Cons: Less durable than HPL, susceptible to moisture damage.
Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF)
MDF is produced by converting hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers, blending them with additives such as wax and resin binder, and subsequently shaping them into panels using high temperature and pressure. Compared to MFC, MDF has a higher density and a smooth surface that is ideal for painting, gluing, and screwing. Two processes—wet-process and dry-process—produce different types of MDF. Ultra-light MDF is commonly used for indoor furniture such as filing cabinets, wardrobes, and beds. Green MDF, which is moisture-resistant, finds application in humid environments such as kitchen cabinets. Red MDF, being fire retardant, is often chosen for furniture in offices or apartments.
- Pros: Smooth surface, cost-effective, versatile for shaping.
- Cons: Susceptible to moisture damage, less durable than solid wood, limited load-bearing capacity.
Advantages and Disadvantages of Laminate Furniture
Advantages
Now, let’s take a look at the advantages of laminate furniture.
Durability
Laminate surfaces are generally durable and resistant to scratches, dents, and stains. This makes them particularly suitable for high-traffic areas or households with children and pets.
Easy Maintenance
Cleaning laminate furniture is typically straightforward. It usually requires a damp cloth and mild detergent to wipe off dust and dirt.
Lightweight
Laminate furniture tends to be lighter in weight than solid wood or metal furniture. This makes it easier to move around and rearrange as needed.
Environmental Benefits
Many laminate materials are made from recycled wood fibers or paper, which can contribute to environmental sustainability compared to harvesting new wood.
Stain, Scratch, and Heat Resistant
Feel free to place your candles on a laminate table, your keys on a laminate reception desk, and your cup on a laminate side table—there is no need to worry about scratches, scuff marks, burn marks, or ring stains.
Easy to Clean
Thanks to the resistance to damage, cleaning laminate furniture by scrubbing, wiping, or polishing is easy and worry-free. You don’t need to concern yourself with the type of cloth you use or whether it might scratch the laminate surfaces.
Fashionable
Choosing laminate over other wood options provides a broader array of decorative design choices. Laminate options can effortlessly keep pace with current trends and replicate any style you desire for your office furniture.
Affordable
Low-pressure laminates are remarkably affordable, and even high-pressure laminates can offer cost savings compared to other materials. Opting for laminate products could be ideal if you’re on a budget but still desire the aesthetic of wood furniture in your office space.
Strong Antimicrobial Properties
In response to the pandemic, businesses have embraced antimicrobial surfaces to prevent common touchpoints—such as elevator buttons and pin pads—from harboring germs. Opting for a laminate finish can help keep your desks, cabinets, and reception areas free of bacteria, thereby reducing the risk of germ transmission in your offices and potentially enhancing productivity.
Disadvantages
Although there are many advantages to laminate furniture, there are also drawbacks.
Cannot be Sanded or Stained
Laminate furniture cannot be stained or sanded. The finish you select during purchase will remain permanent. Therefore, choose your stain carefully when selecting laminate furniture.
Weaker than Real Wood
While laminate offers flame-retardant properties and resistance to scratches and stains, solid wood furniture is generally more robust. Therefore, your shelving units, cabinets, and desks made from laminate may have a lower weight capacity than natural wood alternatives.
Moisture Sensitivity
Laminate can be sensitive to moisture. If water seeps into the edges or joints of laminate furniture, it can cause swelling or warping of the material, leading to irreversible damage.
Appearance and Feel
Some people find that laminate furniture needs to have the natural look and feel of wood or other materials. The surface may occasionally appear synthetic or resembling plastic, which might not align with everyone’s aesthetic tastes.
Limited Repair Options
Unlike solid wood furniture, which can often be sanded down and refinished, laminate furniture typically cannot be refinished once it’s scratched or damaged. This limits the options for restoring its appearance.
Resale Value
Laminate furniture generally has a lower resale value than solid wood or high-quality veneer furniture. This is because it’s seen as less durable and less desirable over time.
Despite these drawbacks, laminate furniture continues to be popular because of its affordability, extensive range of designs, and ease of upkeep. For many consumers, the advantages outweigh these drawbacks, especially in cost and aesthetics.
What is ‘Real Wood’?
Solid wood, also known as “real wood,” encompasses natural wood such as oak, cedar, chestnut, or mahogany rather than plywood. This material is derived directly from trees and undergoes carving, assembly, polishing, and staining to ensure durability.
Furniture can be made entirely of solid wood or incorporate a combination of materials. For instance, a desk might feature a solid wood tabletop paired with metal legs. Mixed-material constructions often integrate solid wood as a critical component.
What is Wood Veneer?
Wood veneer is crafted by applying a thin layer of wood to plywood, using materials that are generally more economical than solid wood. This method results in a cost-effective alternative to solid wood. Manufacturers strategically layer thin sheets of wood at varying angles, intertwining and overlapping them to enhance overall strength.
Laminate Furniture Vs. Real Wood Vs. Wood Veneer: What’s the Difference?
The main differences between laminate furniture, real wood furniture, and wood veneer furniture lie in their composition, appearance, durability, and cost:
Which One Should I Buy, Laminate or Real Wood?
When selecting furniture materials, consider your requirements. A solid wood desk or wood laminate option will suffice if durability is crucial. However, if you’re budget-conscious and need stain-resistant furniture, high-pressure laminate (HPL) is an excellent choice. HPL is widely used for office furniture worldwide due to its durability and aesthetic appeal.
How to Choose Laminate Furniture?
Here are several things you need to consider before purchasing your laminate furniture:
- Interior Style: First, determine the overall style you want for your space—classic, modern, rustic, or eclectic. Choose a wood laminate design that aligns with this style and complements your existing decor.
- Function and Location: Consider the intended use and location of the laminate. For high-traffic areas, opt for durable and scratch-resistant designs. In moisture-prone spaces like kitchens and bathrooms, choose water-resistant laminates.
- Lighting: Keep in mind how lighting affects the appearance of the laminate. Natural and artificial light can make laminates look different. Test the design under various lighting conditions.
- Room Size: Adjust your choice based on room size. Lighter laminates can make small rooms appear more spacious, while darker ones create a cozy atmosphere in larger spaces.
Best Selling Laminate Furniture
Mindful Manager Office Executive Desk
Specifications
- Material: E1 level MFC panel, 2 mm PVC edge banding, 60*30 square steel legs, 40*40 square steel beam.
- Size: Customized.
- Color: Option by client.
- Warranty: 1-3-year warranty.
The Mindful collection presents an extensive selection of executive desks, tables, and storage components featuring designer laminate finishes. Highlighting cost-effectiveness and functionality, the Mindful Manager Office Executive Desk combines contemporary aesthetics with practical features to optimize the workspace environment for executives and professionals.
Customers can personalize their desks with various finishes, sizes, and configurations to suit their needs and aesthetic preferences. This customization ensures that each desk aligns perfectly with the user’s workspace requirements.
Beyond aesthetics, the desks are equipped with executive-level features such as built-in power outlets, USB ports, and discrete compartments for technology integration, catering to the demands of a modern executive’s workflow.
Meet&Co emphasizes sustainability in its manufacturing process, using eco-friendly materials and practices wherever possible. The Mindful Collection reflects this commitment to environmental stewardship.
What We Like:
This model has a multi-functional lifting wire box, combination lock control, and aluminum cable box, making it a safe and reliable choice.
WARNOCK Manager Table
Specifications
- Material: E1 level MFC panel, 2 mm PVC edge banding, 60*30 square steel legs, 40*40 square steel beam.
- Size: Customized.
- Color: Option by client.
- Warranty: 1-3-year warranty.
The WARNOCK collection by Meet&Co features a diverse range of office furnishings, including the Manager Table.
For instance, the WARNOCK Manager Table features a lockable file storage cabinet with open and closed storage capabilities. This desk is supported by a manufacturer’s warranty spanning 1 to 3 years, and it is manufactured in China using a combination of locally sourced and imported components.
When selecting your Manager Table, it’s essential to consider the dimensions and setup that best accommodate your office space and managerial requirements. We offer various customized sizes, ranging from compact to spacious, tailored to different workspace needs. Additionally, our assortment includes a selection of color finishes and design elements, ensuring you find an executive desk that harmonizes with your office’s aesthetic and personal style preferences.
What We Like:
V-shaped long aluminum handle, deputy cabinet drawer with a code lock, ventilation parts, with three sectional guide rails, size could be customized.
WITTES L Shape Executive Office Desk
Specifications
- Material: E1 level MDF veneer painting finished.
- Size: Customized.
- Color: Option by client.
- Warranty: 1-3-year warranty.
Opt for this L-shaped desk to create a stylish and functional workstation in your office. The L-shape provides ample surface area for spreading paperwork, using multiple monitors, or simultaneously accommodating other work-related tasks. The desk’s finish adds a modern touch to any office space. Its drawers are ideal for organizing supplies and paperwork.
WITTES High-End L Shape Executive Office Desk is tested to meet FSC/ISO quality standards for safety and performance.
What We Like:
Hidden wiring design, sound-absorbing panels, wood color desktop, elevating office desk.
MG Commercial Melamine Reception Desk
Specifications
- Material: MFC desktop.
- Size: 240*70*105cm.
- Color: Black, white, gray.
- Warranty: 3-year warranty.
The MG Commercial Melamine Reception Desk elevates the aesthetic of your office reception while fulfilling practical requirements such as durability, functionality, and easy maintenance. Depending on your specific requirements and space constraints, this reception desk should fit well within your office environment.
Meet&Co presents a best-selling line of laminate reception desks featuring a diverse selection of designer finishes. This professional guest-welcoming station includes a file pedestal for convenient storage within reach. The desk showcases a modern color palette and structure, making it versatile for various office interior designs. Crafted with quality desktop materials and a sturdy metal frame, it guarantees durability for over five years.
What We Like:
MFC melamine finish, all parts have a 3-year shelf life with non-human damage; assembly guidelines can be provided.
HEMAN Conference Desk
Specifications
- Material: E1 level MFC panel, 2 mm PVC edge banding, 80*30 square steel legs, steel beam.
- Size: Customized.
- Color: Option by client.
- Warranty: 1-3-year warranty.
Our conference desk combines clean lines, a simple design, and modern color-blocking on its tabletop, making it a versatile piece of office furniture perfect for productive meetings and discussions, whether formal or informal.
Customizable in size, it comfortably accommodates 6-12 people, facilitating team gatherings for meetings, discussions, and collaborative work. The spacious tabletop provides ample room for files, books, laptops, and other essentials.
Our office desk is made from high-quality board and a sturdy steel frame, guaranteeing durability. Ample legroom ensures everyone’s comfort. Sturdy, durable, and exceptionally functional, our conference table is designed to withstand the rigors of a busy office environment for many years.
What We Like:
Round corner design, rectangular tube iron frame, flexible wiring system.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does Laminate Always Look Cheap?
They offer a sophisticated appearance, mimicking wood or stone, but at a much lower cost. With proper maintenance and cleaning, Meet&Co laminate furniture will outlast standard, less expensive options from other sources.
Is Laminate Wood Good for Office Furniture?
Laminate is designed to endure heavy foot traffic and frequent use, making it ideal for environments like commercial and home offices, medical practices, schools, and other high-traffic areas. It generally requires less upkeep compared to genuine wood or wood veneer.
Conclusion
Meet&Co office furniture is renowned for its durable, lightweight, easy-to-clean, and low-maintenance quality. It’s clear why global shoppers prefer Meet&Co for modern pieces that blend practicality with elegance.
For those seeking the ideal balance of functionality and affordability, Meet&Co is an excellent choice. Our office furniture comes in diverse styles, materials, sizes, and special features, catering to different preferences and enhancing productivity while promoting physical well-being during extended work sessions.
