When it comes to interior doors, two popular choices often emerge: oak veneer doors and laminate doors. Both offer distinct advantages and disadvantages, which means the decision usually revolves around priorities and budget. Let’s go deeper into the world of these materials to see which style suits your project best.

Are Oak Veneer Doors Any Good?

This design delivers a luxury look at a great value price point. Oak veneer doors boast a real wood layer bonded to a stable core. This engineered core construction minimises warping and shrinkage compared to solid wood doors which can also be more expensive.

The genuine oak provides a beautiful, natural grain unmatched by imitations. A sure fire way to dial up the elegance in any room. Oak veneer also offers good resistance to scratches and dents, ensuring long-lasting beauty. Want to create a safer feeling home? Certain oak veneer doors come with fire-resistant options, enhancing safety without compromising on style.

If you’re looking to buy oak veneer doors online, there are a couple things to consider. The use of real wood can make oak veneer doors more expensive than laminate doors. And while generally low-maintenance, oak veneer does require occasional cleaning with specific products.

Learn about oak veneer doors in more detail by reading our dedicated buyers guide.

What is a Laminate Door?

A laminate door is an affordable and popular choice for interior doors. It’s constructed with a core made of engineered wood like MDF or plywood, for stability, and often filled with a lightweight material like cardboard.

The key feature is the laminate layer, a thin layer of plastic resin that’s bonded to the door’s surface. This laminate gives the door its finished look and can be designed to resemble real wood grain, come in various colours, or even have a textured finish.

Are Laminate Doors Any Good?

Laminate doors are a great choice for many applications, but whether they’re “good” for you depends on your priorities. They shine in terms of affordability, durability against everyday use and easy maintenance. They also come in a wide variety of styles to suit your taste.

However, if you’re looking for the luxurious feel of solid wood or a door that can withstand heavy impact, laminate might not be the best fit. Additionally, while scratches are less likely, they can be difficult to repair compared to solid wood.

Broadly, laminate doors are a practical and versatile choice for budget-conscious homeowners. A safe bet overall.

Are Laminate Doors Waterproof?

Laminate doors are not entirely waterproof, but they are water resistant. The laminate surface itself does a good job of repelling moisture. This makes them suitable for rooms with moderate humidity, like kitchens and bathrooms where splashes and spills are common. However, for areas that experience prolonged exposure to water (such as wet rooms) solid wood or another waterproof material might be a better choice.

How about doors with an oak veneer?
Like laminate doors they’re not completely waterproof, but are water resistant. Firstly, this is because of the veneer itself. Oak, like most wood, is susceptible to water damage if exposed for extended periods. Secondly, veneer doors typically have a core made of MDF or plywood, which can absorb water and warp if not sealed properly.

Can you protect oak veneer doors?
With proper sealing through varnish, paint, or other water-resistant finishes, oak veneer doors can handle moderate humidity and occasional splashes. This makes them suitable for most interior applications such as bedrooms, living rooms and potentially bathrooms with good ventilation.

Should you varnish laminate doors?
Unless they’re badly damaged, you generally don’t need to varnish laminate doors. Laminate comes with a factory-applied finish already. This finish is designed to be durable, easy to clean and resistant to scratches. Varnish wouldn’t significantly improve these qualities or support with waterproofing. Varnish also wouldn’t properly bond with the laminate surface. It might cloud the finish or even peel off over time. So it’s best avoided.

Laminate Doors: Benefits and Disadvantages

Laminate doors utilise a synthetic wood-like material bonded to a core structure. Their appeal predominantly lies in their incredible affordability, offering a cost-effective option that delivers a stylish look for less.

Another benefit is that laminate comes in a wide range of finishes, mimicking wood grains, solid colours, and rustic textures. However (despite advancements) laminate may not always fully capture the depth and character of real wood.

Do laminate doors scratch?
No, laminate is highly resistant to scratches, dents, moisture, and fading, making it ideal for high-traffic areas. They’re also incredibly easy to clean, requiring only a wipe with a damp cloth.

Are laminate doors soundproof?
Solid core laminate doors offer better sound insulation, but hollow core versions may have less noise dampening. Worth bearing in mind if you’re shopping for utility room doors, home office doors or media room doors.

Discover the differences between hollow core and solid core doors by taking a look at our article.

What is the Difference Between Laminate and Oak Veneer?

Remember, laminate and oak veneer doors offer distinct advantages. Laminate is a budget-friendly option with a durable, easy-to-clean surface that comes in various styles. It mimics wood grain but isn’t real wood.

Oak veneer, on the other hand, provides a genuine wood look and feel with the warmth of natural oak. While more expensive, veneer can be refinished for a refreshed look. However, it could be susceptible to scratches and dents compared to laminate and requires a well-ventilated bathroom to avoid moisture damage.

The choice hinges on your priorities: affordability and durability with laminate, or a nod to luxury design and potential refinishing with oak veneer.

Choosing the Right Door for the Right Room

Go for laminate if you value affordability, durability and easy maintenance in high-traffic areas, bedrooms, and utility rooms. Opt for oak veneer doors for a luxurious look in living rooms, bedrooms and well-ventilated bathrooms, but avoid high-moisture areas (such as near kitchen sinks and showers) and heavy traffic spots.

Internal Oak Veneer Doors

Living rooms	Infuse a sense of quality craftsmanship with classic oak styles that evoke authenticity.
Bedrooms	Oak veneer doors offer a more upscale feel than laminate for private spaces.
Dining areas	The natural warmth of oak complements dining furniture and creates a welcoming vibe.
Bathrooms	Only suitable for well ventilated bathrooms with proper sealing. Oak veneer doors can handle moderate bathroom humidity, but direct shower spray should be avoided.

Internal Laminate Doors

High-traffic Zones	Entryways, hallways, laundry rooms, playrooms, ensuite bathrooms, study spaces and more. Laminate holds up well to everyday wear and tear.
Bedrooms and Guest Suites	Solid core versions offer decent privacy and come in various on trend neutral styles to complement décor and establish a calming environment.
Kitchens and Bathrooms	Their water resistance makes them suitable for occasional splashes, but direct water exposure should be avoided. Use with caution.
Closets and Pantries	Being budget-friendly, laminate doors are a good choice for less visible areas. Choose white for an airy feel or match with your walls for a hidden storage effect.

Which is better, Laminate or Veneer Doors?

For hallways, entryways and children’s rooms, laminate’s durability and low maintenance make it a great choice. On the other hand, living rooms, dining rooms and studies can benefit from the elegance and warmth of oak veneer doors. Meanwhile, bathrooms and laundry rooms benefit from laminate’s resistance to moisture damage. And when all is said and done, laminate is the clear winner when cost is the primary factor.

Buy New Doors Online For Your Next Project

Ultimately, there’s no right or wrong answer. The best door material simply depends on your specific needs and preferences.

Reflect on the aesthetic you desire, the functionality of the room and your budget to make an informed decision. Both oak veneer doors and laminate doors offer unique advantages, and either can be a fantastic addition to your home.

Ask us about made to measure doors, follow us on Instagram to see what our customers think and contact our team for personalised advice.