The five finishes compared
| Finish | Cost | Durability | Maintenance | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Laminate | ₹1,800 – 2,500 / sheet | High | Very low | Most joinery, kitchens, children's rooms |
| Acrylic | ₹6,000 – 9,000 / sheet | High surface | Shows fingerprints | Kitchen and master, where gloss is wanted |
| Veneer | Mid to high | Medium | Needs polishing | Feature walls, wardrobes, statement joinery |
| PU (polyurethane) | High | High | Low, repairable | Premium projects, solid colours |
| Membrane | Low to mid | Medium | Low | Profiled or shaker-style shutters |
Four questions that decide it
- Who uses the room? Children's rooms and busy kitchens want laminate — it survives.
- Matte or gloss? Gloss looks dramatic in a showroom and shows every fingerprint at home. Matte and textured hide daily life.
- Is it near heat or water? Around the hob and sink, laminate or acrylic over BWP. Veneer is the wrong answer here.
- Will you maintain it? Veneer needs periodic polishing. If that will not happen, do not specify it.
High-gloss white acrylic photographs beautifully and shows a fingerprint from across the room. Specify it knowing that.
Greenbox principal designer
Design and build under one accountable roof
A sensible room-by-room default
- Kitchen: laminate for value, acrylic if gloss matters — both on BWP carcass.
- Master bedroom: laminate or veneer on the feature face, laminate inside.
- Children's room: laminate, textured, mid-tone. It will be tested.
- Living room feature joinery: veneer or PU, where it will be seen and cared for.
- Utility and loft: plain laminate — nobody sees it, and it must survive.
Selected work by Greenbox Design Studio. Tap any image to enlarge.
Frequently asked questions
Is acrylic better than laminate?+
Acrylic gives a seamless high-gloss appearance and good surface scratch resistance, but costs three to four times more — ₹6,000–₹9,000 per sheet against ₹1,800–₹2,500. For durability alone, laminate is equal or better. Choose acrylic for the look, not for longevity.
Which finish is best for a kitchen?+
Laminate on a BWP plywood carcass for most kitchens — durable, low maintenance and excellent value. Acrylic if you want high gloss and accept fingerprints. Avoid veneer near the hob and sink, where heat and moisture will damage it.
Does veneer need maintenance?+
Yes. Veneer is real timber and needs periodic polishing to retain its finish, and it marks more easily than laminate. It is worth it on feature joinery in low-traffic areas; it is the wrong choice for a busy kitchen or a child's room.