Free Samples

Real Wood vs. Wood Veneer vs. Laminate: What’s the Difference?

Real wood, wood veneer, and laminate are common materials used in everything from kitchen cabinets to living room furniture to office furniture. Even though these are 3 of the most widely used materials in furniture, many of us are still left scratching our heads wondering, “What’s the difference?”

Conventional wisdom says that solid wood, or real wood, is king. But is that always the best choice when shopping for furniture? We’ll define each of these materials and run through they benefits to help you determine which material is right for you. The answers might surprise you.

Seat Material Guide

When it comes to seating materials, you have quite a lot of options. So how do you know what material is best for you and your working needs? This furniture guide will help you determine just that.

How to Select the Right Color Wood

When you’re furnishing an office and you want to have a very specific look, color is everything. The color of the wood finish on your furniture can mean the difference between a light, airy office that channels a home-like atmosphere and a rich, traditional office that embodies professionalism and corporate class. The below colors are our most popular wood finishes, but please be warned that what one manufacturer calls cherry or oak may not be the exact same shade as what another manufacturer calls cherry or oak. When matching office furniture from different collections, be sure to first order wood samples from NBF’s complimentary swatch program to compare and contrast what the colors will look like together.