Shutters and surfaces are where your budget is most visible. Here's how the four common finishes compare so you can spend where it counts.
Laminate
The workhorse. Affordable, hugely versatile, scratch-resistant and available in hundreds of designs. Ideal for smart-budget homes and high-use areas.
Acrylic / High-gloss
A mirror-like, premium sheen that makes kitchens and wardrobes look luxurious. More expensive than laminate and shows fingerprints, but stunning in the right space.
PU (Polyurethane)
A sprayed paint finish that can be matte or glossy in any colour. Seamless and high-end, but needs skilled application — exactly the kind of controlled process a factory does best.
Veneer
Real thin wood over ply for an authentic, warm, natural grain. Beautiful for living rooms and feature walls; needs polishing and care.
Quick rule of thumb
- Tight budget, high use: laminate.
- Want wow in the kitchen: acrylic.
- Want bespoke colour & seamless look: PU.
- Want natural warmth: veneer.