Table of Contents
Laminate Finish and Membrane Finish: A Quick Comparison
| Parameter | Laminate Finish | Membrane Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetics | Vibrant but appears artificial | Feels smooth and natural |
| Cleaning and Maintenance | Easy but depends on usage | Easy but can’t use hard scrubs |
| Edge-banding | Required | Not-required |
| Cost | Comparatively cheap | Comparatively expensive |
| Durability | Relatively less durable | Relatively more durable |
| Variety | More | Less |
| Discolouration | Does not occur easily | Occurs easily (comparatively) |
Laminate Vs Membrane Finish for Kitchen
Whether it’s a budget buy with merciless cost-cutting or a lavish investment with massive over-spending, the winning trick in creating a beautiful kitchen often lies in the type of finish that you pick for your cabinets and other furniture. And we are sure this single mighty line would have invited one obvious question in your mind i.e. which finish to go for? – And more precisely between the two most popular ones – Laminate and Membrane.
Given that these final layers have high visibility in the kitchen, they truly deserve much thought and consideration during your kitchen design process. So, how do you hit the right finish? If you are unsure which one to pick, don’t fret, we’re here to help. Our blog here compares and contrasts these two finishes by putting together various aspects and will help you narrow down your decision as to which surface to go for.
What is Laminate Finish?
This finish consists of synthetic materials, usually plastic resins and flat paper, to form a thin layer that is printed with a decorative pattern or colour. It often has a shiny and reflective finish.
What is Membrane Finish?
This is actually a Polyvinyl chloride (PVC) foil and is available in various finishes like matte, glossy and also wooden textures.
Let’s Get Deeper About Laminate Vs Membrane Finish:
| Parameter | Laminate Finish | Membrane Finish |
|---|---|---|
| Aesthetics | This finish is more vibrant but appears artificial. | This finish feels smooth, natural and gives a pristine and sophisticated look to the kitchen. |
| Variety | Laminates are available in a staggering array of colours, patterns, designs and textures and hence you will be spoilt for choices. | The colour and shades are comparatively limited with membrane finishes. |
| Edge-banding | To finish and seal the edges, laminates need to be edge-banded with either PVC tapes or aluminium or wooden beadings. | As the membrane flows fluidly over carvings, grooves, and sides and seals all the edges, it avoids the need for edge-banding. |
| Discolouration | As laminates are covered with a thin plastic protective sheet, laminates do not lose their colour for years. | Regular exposure to excess sunlight can result in discolouration of these finishes easily. |
| Cleaning and Maintenance | As it is stain resistant and scratch resistant, cleaning does not require much effort. But when used heavily, it needs regular and more maintenance. | Membrane finishes can be cleaned easily with mild detergent and moist cloth. Abrasive cleaning tools like steel scrubbers must be avoided, as their usage can cause scratches on the surface. |
| Durability | Laminates are durable but only next to membrane finishes. They get damaged when exposed to extreme heat and also have the habit of chipping in the corners. | It is more durable and has a greater shelf life compared to laminates. |
| Cost | It is pocket-friendly and affordable. The cost of installation is also low with laminate finishes. | It has a higher price point when compared to laminate finishes. |
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Who is the winner? – Laminate or Membrane?
There is no definite winner. Settling on one really comes down to your kitchen habits, cleaning schedules and affordability. If an economical option that fits in your structured budget is what you are looking for, then laminates can be your right pick. On the other hand, if you are looking for a more durable finish that has a good shelf life, then membrane finishes win. You can also decide between the two based on their hues and styles.
If you are still undecided, you can even opt for a new design strategy where you choose to mix both laminate and membrane finishes for your kitchen. For instance, the areas of the kitchen that need a more vibrant look can be surfaced with laminates while the easily wear out areas can be coated with membrane finishes.
So, what do you prefer, laminate or membrane – or a mix of both? Share in the comments below.
In case, if you are still unable to decide on the perfect finish that hits the right note or if you are half-hearted or if you want to take personalization one step further, then be sure to get in touch with our interior design experts at ZAD. We assure you will be glad you did!
