Timber, Veneer or Laminate: What's Best for Your Kitchen Joinery?
There's no reason to torture yourself over which material to use for your kitchen joinery – all three options can play a part
Solid timber joinery is hard to beat in terms of beauty and longevity, but it’s not the only option. In the 1970s, industrial furniture makers refined the technique of slicing wood to about three millimetres in depth – an approach dating back to Egyptian times – and glueing it onto core panels such as particle board. This made a vast array of timber species available to the masses, and is today known as timber veneer. Its drawback is that it can never be sanded, refinished or significantly touched up if damaged like solid timber can.
The man-made laminates first used in the early 1900s also evolved during the 1970s. In response to the durability of timber veneers, industrialists developed a heat-resistant, wipe-clean plastic laminate held together with a melamine resin. A photographic layer of real timber was then applied under a clear protective layer to simulate a timber look. So today, we are blessed with a variety of solid, veneer and laminate timber looks to use in our homes. The trick is selecting the right material for the job at hand. Let’s look at all the options in more detail.
The man-made laminates first used in the early 1900s also evolved during the 1970s. In response to the durability of timber veneers, industrialists developed a heat-resistant, wipe-clean plastic laminate held together with a melamine resin. A photographic layer of real timber was then applied under a clear protective layer to simulate a timber look. So today, we are blessed with a variety of solid, veneer and laminate timber looks to use in our homes. The trick is selecting the right material for the job at hand. Let’s look at all the options in more detail.
How to use solid timber in a curve
Using solid timber to create curved shapes in joinery is almost impossible because timber is not designed to bend. One solution is to apply the timber in a vertical segmented pattern with narrow strips of hardwood, allowing the timber to gently wrap around the island bench. An added bonus is that along with a solid finish you also achieve a textured surface due to the segmentation.
Using solid timber to create curved shapes in joinery is almost impossible because timber is not designed to bend. One solution is to apply the timber in a vertical segmented pattern with narrow strips of hardwood, allowing the timber to gently wrap around the island bench. An added bonus is that along with a solid finish you also achieve a textured surface due to the segmentation.
Solid timber can be shaped from either a single block of wood or a combination of solid blocks glued together – the result can be a spectacular talking piece such as the curved timber support for this kitchen island bench. Neither veneer nor laminate could achieve such sculptural effects.
How to make solid timber work as a benchtop
Like the sculptural support of the previous photo, several solid lengths of timber have been glued together, cut into shape and sanded down to create this solid benchtop. It could have been made to look very similar by using a timber veneer, but with only a three-millimetre thickness on top of a particle board substrate, it would definitely not withstand the rigours of constant use in a kitchen environment. A complete replacement would most likely be on the cards in the future.
Like the sculptural support of the previous photo, several solid lengths of timber have been glued together, cut into shape and sanded down to create this solid benchtop. It could have been made to look very similar by using a timber veneer, but with only a three-millimetre thickness on top of a particle board substrate, it would definitely not withstand the rigours of constant use in a kitchen environment. A complete replacement would most likely be on the cards in the future.
TIMBER VENEER
One of the great things about timber veneer is that you can choose an expensive or cost-effective species of timber and use it en mass (cladding an entire wall, for instance) because it is directly glued onto a cheap timber substrate. If you tried to do this with solid timber, it would be extremely expensive. Walls can be integrated with joinery and passage doors, as seen in this kitchen by Hobbs Jamieson Architecture. With the door closed, you have a feature timber wall that integrates the kitchen into the living space.
PROS: Timber veneer can be more easily shaped than solid timber, and is available in a variety of species. It’s not prone to warping and splitting because the glue provides strength. It’s also cheaper than solid timber for the same application.
CONS: It can’t be repaired by sanding back and re-staining the way solid timber can.
WHERE TO USE IT: Low-impact areas such as cupboard doors and feature walls.
WHAT TO COMBINE IT WITH: Solid timber. One way to cut the cost of a timber benchtop is to use a timber veneer, but when it comes to the borders, veneer can delaminate or chip. Using a veneer on the top and sides, and a solid timber edge in a matching timber species will keep it looking good for longer – and it can more easily be repaired in case of damage.
One of the great things about timber veneer is that you can choose an expensive or cost-effective species of timber and use it en mass (cladding an entire wall, for instance) because it is directly glued onto a cheap timber substrate. If you tried to do this with solid timber, it would be extremely expensive. Walls can be integrated with joinery and passage doors, as seen in this kitchen by Hobbs Jamieson Architecture. With the door closed, you have a feature timber wall that integrates the kitchen into the living space.
PROS: Timber veneer can be more easily shaped than solid timber, and is available in a variety of species. It’s not prone to warping and splitting because the glue provides strength. It’s also cheaper than solid timber for the same application.
CONS: It can’t be repaired by sanding back and re-staining the way solid timber can.
WHERE TO USE IT: Low-impact areas such as cupboard doors and feature walls.
WHAT TO COMBINE IT WITH: Solid timber. One way to cut the cost of a timber benchtop is to use a timber veneer, but when it comes to the borders, veneer can delaminate or chip. Using a veneer on the top and sides, and a solid timber edge in a matching timber species will keep it looking good for longer – and it can more easily be repaired in case of damage.
How to use timber veneer to create a curve
If you want to the look of a curved piece of timber joinery, timber veneer and laminates will provide you a with greater choice of species, colour, texture and grain type to create that smooth, curved look. To achieve a seamless curve, the thin sheets of veneer or laminate can be directly glued onto the cured substrates.
If you want to the look of a curved piece of timber joinery, timber veneer and laminates will provide you a with greater choice of species, colour, texture and grain type to create that smooth, curved look. To achieve a seamless curve, the thin sheets of veneer or laminate can be directly glued onto the cured substrates.
How to mix veneer and solid timber
A kitchen is an area of a house where families congregate and many tasks are undertaken. This modern kitchen is more than a food preparation area – it’s also a dining space, an area to accommodate the laptop for work (or homework), and somewhere to read the newspaper. The design called for a selection of materials that would accommodate all these uses.
Solid American oak timber is the perfect choice for a breakfast bench getting regular use, while a contrasting natural oak veneer for the underside of the island bench and the overhead cupboards is a perfect complement – it provides a different colour in its grain. A durable water-resistant stone has been used for the benchtops and a hard wearing paint finish has been applied to the rear cabinets.
A kitchen is an area of a house where families congregate and many tasks are undertaken. This modern kitchen is more than a food preparation area – it’s also a dining space, an area to accommodate the laptop for work (or homework), and somewhere to read the newspaper. The design called for a selection of materials that would accommodate all these uses.
Solid American oak timber is the perfect choice for a breakfast bench getting regular use, while a contrasting natural oak veneer for the underside of the island bench and the overhead cupboards is a perfect complement – it provides a different colour in its grain. A durable water-resistant stone has been used for the benchtops and a hard wearing paint finish has been applied to the rear cabinets.
How to use timber veneer on a wall
Timber veneer can be used on a large scale with ease – such as in the designer bedhead and wall in this bedroom by Lexis Design. The designers have integrated the veneer with the more durable qualities of solid timber in the form of a custom-made bed and side tables.
TIP: Visit the showroom to hand select the sheets of veneer you like, together with the solid timber to match. This will allow you to achieve a seamless and consistent look.
Timber veneer can be used on a large scale with ease – such as in the designer bedhead and wall in this bedroom by Lexis Design. The designers have integrated the veneer with the more durable qualities of solid timber in the form of a custom-made bed and side tables.
TIP: Visit the showroom to hand select the sheets of veneer you like, together with the solid timber to match. This will allow you to achieve a seamless and consistent look.
How to mix veneer and coloured laminates
Coloured laminates can be combined with timber veneers into one aesthetic design. As Scott Weston Architecture demonstrates in this kitchen, laminates can mix fun, bright colours, such as the orange in the overhead cupboards, with contrasting veneers in the lower cabinetry. The cabinet veneer pictured here is from ABET Laminati.
Coloured laminates can be combined with timber veneers into one aesthetic design. As Scott Weston Architecture demonstrates in this kitchen, laminates can mix fun, bright colours, such as the orange in the overhead cupboards, with contrasting veneers in the lower cabinetry. The cabinet veneer pictured here is from ABET Laminati.
TIMBER-LOOK LAMINATE
A great attribute of timber-look laminate is that you can choose a tone and texture to your liking and achieve an extremely consistent aesthetic. Laminates not only provide cost benefits, they also provide a variety of timber looks.
PROS: Timber laminate comes in a vast array of wood-like finishes and textures, and costs less than solid timber and timber veneers. It also has a high resistance to impact and moisture.
CONS: If chipped, scratched or damaged, timber laminate cannot be repaired.
WHERE TO USE IT: Benchtops, vertical surfaces and wet areas such as bathrooms.
WHAT TO COMBINE IT WITH: Solid timber. This kitchen by Capital Building is a contemporary design with clean lines and a minimalist look achieved with the help of laminate. The horizontal grain flows evenly across the surface, which would be difficult to achieve with a real veneer or solid timber. This kitchen also combines the use of recycled telegraph poles re-milled to create a solid benchtop – an aesthetic you wouldn’t be able to achieve with laminate or veneer.
A great attribute of timber-look laminate is that you can choose a tone and texture to your liking and achieve an extremely consistent aesthetic. Laminates not only provide cost benefits, they also provide a variety of timber looks.
PROS: Timber laminate comes in a vast array of wood-like finishes and textures, and costs less than solid timber and timber veneers. It also has a high resistance to impact and moisture.
CONS: If chipped, scratched or damaged, timber laminate cannot be repaired.
WHERE TO USE IT: Benchtops, vertical surfaces and wet areas such as bathrooms.
WHAT TO COMBINE IT WITH: Solid timber. This kitchen by Capital Building is a contemporary design with clean lines and a minimalist look achieved with the help of laminate. The horizontal grain flows evenly across the surface, which would be difficult to achieve with a real veneer or solid timber. This kitchen also combines the use of recycled telegraph poles re-milled to create a solid benchtop – an aesthetic you wouldn’t be able to achieve with laminate or veneer.
As we’ve seen, there are pros and cons for every timber and timber-look material. The best answer is often to mix and match them all into the one cohesive design.
YOUR SAY
Have you used solid, veneer or laminate timber in your joinery? Upload a photo in the Comments.
MORE
Go With the Grain: How to Incorporate Timber Into Your Kitchen
Kitchen Aid: 10 Ways Natural Timber Can Warm Up the Heart of Your Home
Successfully Mix Timber Types (and Avoid the Ski Lodge Look)
Have you used solid, veneer or laminate timber in your joinery? Upload a photo in the Comments.
MORE
Go With the Grain: How to Incorporate Timber Into Your Kitchen
Kitchen Aid: 10 Ways Natural Timber Can Warm Up the Heart of Your Home
Successfully Mix Timber Types (and Avoid the Ski Lodge Look)
Few materials exude the warmth and character of solid timber, and its longevity only adds to its appeal … for those who can afford it.
PROS: Solid timber is ideal for high-impact areas such as a benchtop. It’s durable and can be sanded back if damaged or scratched to restore its good looks. Blackbutt is the timber of choice in this kitchen joinery designed by Auhaus Architecture.
CONS: The downside is that it can be expensive, particularly for slow-growing species.
WHERE TO USE IT: On benchtops and cabinet fronts.
WHAT TO COMBINE IT WITH: Timber veneer. It’s a great way to balance the budget and keep a cohesive look. Use veneer in low-impact areas such as vertical surfaces (cabinet doors, for instance).