When selecting your office furniture, you will often encounter the choice between melamine and veneer surfaces. Misconceptions about these two materials are common, while both melamine and veneer are popular in office furniture, they have distinct characteristics and benefits.
Understanding the Basics
Melamine and veneer both involve applying a thin layer to a core panel, such as MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard), particle board, or LDF (Low Density Fibreboard). The key difference lies in the composition of that thin layer.
(Melamine and Veneer Composition)
What Is Melamine?
Melamine is a synthetic resin-based, organic compound (like paper) combined with formaldehyde. It is a thermosetting plastic material that is applied on to a core panel such as particleboard, LDF or MDF.
Melamine is arguably the most sustainable option for cabinets and worktops as it is highly durable, resistant to scratch and has numerous possibilities of hues and patterns.
How To Identify Melamine?
Patterns are printed, ensuring consistency and perfect matching. Melamine wraps around the underside of worktops.
Advantages Of Melamine
Variety: Comes in a wide range of imitation prints and colours.
Durability: Resistant to fire, heat, and years of commercial use.
Maintenance: Easy to clean and doesn’t discolour from heat or age.
Versatility: Suitable for various applications.
Stability: Offers a highly stable and hard surface.
(Krost Melamine Universal Lockers, Krost Showroom Spencer St Melbourne)
What Is Veneer?
Timber veneers are made from cutting a fine leaf/slice of timber (tree/log) and applying it to core panels such as MDF, particle board or LDF. Many assume that all veneers are wood veneers, but veneers could also be made from melamine.
Each piece of veneer is unique, reflecting the natural variations in colour and grain that come from the tree it was cut from. Over time, lighter veneers will darken, and darker veneers will lighten, adding to their character.
How To Identify Veneer?
Patterns in veneer are natural, not printed, and may include imperfections like knots, which are part of its charm.
Advantages Of Veneer:
Authenticity: Provides the genuine feel of wood.
Variety: Can be made from hundreds of different wood types.
Sustainability: More affordable and sustainable than solid timber.
Design Flexibility: Offers more design possibilities than solid wood.
(Veneer Cutting Method)
Choosing Between Melamine and Veneer
Your choice between melamine and veneer will depend on your desired aesthetic, budget, and the intended use of the furniture. Veneer delivers an authentic wood feel but is more expensive and delicate. In contrast, melamine is highly durable, cost-effective, and easy to maintain.
We have moved away from manufacturing in veneer over the last few years for environmental, economic, practical, functional reasons. Additionally, the range of laminates has expanded into a range of textured finishes which are similar to veneer but far exceed the performance of it.
(Melamine Boards, Krost Business Furniture Factory, Smithfield NSW)
Whether you opt for the durability and versatility of melamine or the natural beauty of veneer, understanding the differences between these materials will help you make the best choice for your office environment.
For more information and to see our finishes in person, visit one of our world-class showrooms in Sydney or Melbourne, to speak to our experienced sales professionals who can help you address any of your design needs or concerns further.
Get in touch with us today to discuss your next project:
Website: www.krost.com.au
Email: sales@krost.com.au
NSW: 02 9557 3055
VIC: 03 9682 8280
Visit one of our world-class showrooms:
Sydney Showroom: 33 Ricketty St, Mascot NSW 2020
Melbourne Showroom: 617 Spencer St, West Melbourne VIC 3003