act_furniture
Buying furniture should be a nice and straightforward business but unfortunately many of us are rather confused about the finishes used, particularly on wood- based products. With solid wood, laminate and wood veneer being the main options on offer we give you some tips on the differences between them so you can make the right decision for your office or home.
Many products can be made of solid wood, especially those at the higher cost range. However if your product looks rustic, hasn't got perfect edges and corners, and looks like something a farmhouse or cottage would have, then it is almost certainly solid wood.
If the furniture has a naturally shiny finish, without being polished, then it is likely to be laminate.
One of the reasons laminate flooring is used in modern buildings for areas of high footfall is that it is extremely hard wearing. As a recent technological development you won't see laminate in older buildings, but you almost certainly will in newer ones.
A grained finish can be expected from both a veneered piece of furniture, but with laminate, the finish will resemble a print of a grained finish instead and this is detectable to the naked eye.
It can be very difficult to tell the difference between a veneered finish and solid wood but it is worth remembering that a veneer is used by most furniture craftsmen through choice as it allows them to craft beautiful pieces with more flexibility.
