Metal and laminate are two of the most popular materials when it comes to office furniture, and both are routinely used to this day. Desks, shelving units and storage lockers come in many different forms, including metal and laminate. Both have their respective strengths and attractive selling points, which is why they’re in such high demand.
The question is, which is better? That’s a hard question to answer, and it does require a bit of research. The truth is that metal and laminate are both used in office furniture designs for a variety of reasons, making it hard to pinpoint which one is actually superior.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT METAL OFFICE FURNITURE
Metal office furniture is an attractive prospect for companies that are looking for durability and strength. Indeed, metallurgy has made great strides when it comes to the reinforcement of various metals, particularly steel. It’s relatively inexpensive to produce, which means office furniture can be obtained without significant costs attached to it. The strength of metal office furniture means it can withstand heavier weights, which is good for storage units, warehousing and computer workstations.
While it is typically a heavier material, metal can be shaped and molded using precise methods, which can offset this minor drawback. It’s a versatile material, offering several different benefits. However, that doesn’t mean companies should count out laminate furniture options just yet.
WHAT TO KNOW ABOUT LAMINATE OFFICE FURNITURE
laminate is still typically a cheaper and more robust material to produce, which is why it continues to sell well. The ability to withstand heavier weights depends a lot on the design and size of the workstation. However, laminate office furniture has one significant advantage – aesthetics.
Many companies prefer laminate furniture for the organic and stylish looks that are available to choose from. Consider the aesthetic differences between a large laminate grain desk, and one made of metal. While many companies offer office furniture products that look great in either material, laminate has a traditional characteristic that is hard to top.
MAINTENANCE AND DURABILITY
Both metal and laminate office furniture have their respective pros and cons when it comes to maintenance and durability. For instance, laminate furniture tends to be tough and long lasting, thereby holding its value over the years.
By contrast, metal furniture tends to be incredibly straightforward when it comes to cleaning. The difference lies in the overall approach to investment. Laminate office furniture is designed to look great, while being functional, whereas metal office furniture is often utilitarian in nature. There are exceptions to this rule, however. Many metal office furniture products made today are incredibly stylish, and meant to complement contemporary office workspaces.
Another factor to consider is long-term durability, particularly when it comes to the properties of both materials. While rarely an issue, laminate-based office furniture products are susceptible to things like warping due to temperature, moisture and humidity fluctuations, as well as age. By contrast, metal furniture avoids this risk, but could theoretically fall victim to rust or other forms of damage if the wrong cleaning chemicals and techniques are used.
WHICH IS BEST FOR YOUR COMPANY?
There’s no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing either laminate, or metal furniture for your office. fluidconcepts utilizes both materials in many of our products, and we recognize the strengths of both. We have also taken steps to maximize the durability and longevity of our products, for years to come. After all, companies should not have to worry about their investment.
Metal and laminate office furniture do essentially the same things, but it’s how they approach issues that really counts. Both can be appealing and attractive options that spruce up a workspace, while offering incredible levels of functionality and versatility to improve workflow. It all depends which material is more preferable. Personally, we recommend a mix of both that compliment each other, and capitalize on their strengths and advantages. We invite you to contact us directly if you need some help choosing the right laminate and metal office furniture for your workspace upgrade.
