A Technical Guide for Architects and Interior Designers

As material trends evolve, architects and interior designers face increasing pressure to specify solutions that balance beauty, practicality, sustainability and long-term performance. Among the most frequently compared finishes today are real wood wall panelling, slat-style acoustic panels, and laminate wall systems.

Although each serves a purpose, they perform very differently once installed. This guide examines these materials through a technical, design-led and sustainability lens - helping specifiers determine the most appropriate choice for residential, commercial, hospitality and workplace environments.

At Audrini Living, we specialise exclusively in solid wood, reclaimed wood, weathered wood and charred timber panelling. This article outlines where real wood excels, where engineered alternatives differ, and how to specify each with clarity.

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1. Material Authenticity & Surface Character

Real Wood Panelling (Reclaimed, Solid, Weathered, Charred)

For architects and designers aiming to integrate authentic natural materials, real timber has no substitute. Its character comes from its composition, not a printed pattern:

• Natural grain variation

• Depth and tactile richness

• Ageing, patina, knots and surface movement

• Unique weathering in reclaimed timber

• Charred textures through traditional Shou-Sugi-Ban methods

These qualities make real wood incredibly valuable in hospitality design, luxury residential projects, and commercial interiors where material honesty is essential.

Slat Panels (Veneer on MDF or PET Felt)

Slat panels are typically composed of thin wood veneer strips mounted onto felt backing. Although visually appealing, they offer:

• Repeated, linear patterns

• Limited depth of grain

• A consistent, manufactured appearance

They provide convenience and sound absorption, but do not offer material uniqueness.

Laminate Panels

Laminate is produced by printing a wood-effect graphic onto synthetic layers. Its characteristics include:

• Repetition of pattern

• Zero natural grain

• Smooth, artificial texture

• Limited variation

Suitability depends on cost-sensitive builds, but laminate cannot deliver the authenticity required for premium interior projects.

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2. Sustainability & Environmental Responsibility

Real Wood Panelling

Architects specifying reclaimed or responsibly sourced timber can meet strict sustainability and ESG requirements:

• Reclaimed wood prevents usable material from entering waste streams

• Minimal environmental impact compared to newly manufactured products

• Long lifespan and reusability

• Low embodied carbon when locally processed

• Avoidance of plastic-based materials

For many designers, reclaimed wood offers both ethical and aesthetic advantages.

Slat Panels

Most slat panels include:

• PET felt made from recycled plastics

• MDF (medium-density fibreboard), a resin-bonded engineered timber

• Thin veneers sourced from new timber

While some components are recycled, they are still composite materials that cannot be easily reused or recycled.

Laminate

Laminate is the least sustainable of the three:

• Plastic resins

• Printed film layers

• Composite structure that cannot be recycled

• Higher manufacturing emissions

Laminate suits budget-led projects but is rarely used in environmentally focused designs.

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3. Aesthetic Lifespan & Ageing

Real Wood

Wood improves with time:

• Oak deepens and matures

• Reclaimed timber gains richness

• Weathered boards soften naturally

• Charred wood retains its dramatic effect

Material ageing becomes part of the design story - particularly valued in boutique hotels, restaurants, heritage renovations and high-end residential builds.

Slat Panels

Slats maintain their look but do not age gracefully:

• Veneer can fade with UV exposure

• MDF core remains static

• Design impact relies on the linear pattern, not the material

They perform visually for several years but lack long-term evolution.

Laminate

Laminate does not age; it simply wears:

• Edges chip

• Printed surfaces fade

• Structural integrity weakens in humid environments

It performs well initially but has a shorter design lifecycle.

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4. Durability & Technical Performance

Real Wood

With proper sourcing and treatment, timber offers exceptional performance:

• Highly durable

• Resistant to knocks and everyday use

• Thermal and acoustic benefits

• Fire and water treatments available (EN 13501-1)

• Suitable for residential + commercial projects

Timber can also be refinished, repaired or adapted - extending its lifespan.

Slat Panels

Slat panels offer benefits, but with limitations:

• Veneers can be scratched easily

• MDF is susceptible to moisture

• Not suited for high-impact areas

• Visible slat gaps limit flexibility

Suitable primarily for feature walls, media walls and acoustic applications.

Laminate

Laminate provides cost-effective durability but has notable weaknesses:

• Water damage causes swelling

• Cannot be refinished

• Difficult to repair

• Not suitable for premium environments

Useful for rental properties, quick-turnaround projects and budget interiors.

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5. Installation & Practicality

Real Wood Panelling

Simple and adaptable for specifiers:

• Can be glued directly to plaster or MDF

• Easy to cut and shape

• Works around sockets, edges and corners

• Suitable for large-scale commercial use

• Available in flat-packed form for easy site handling

Its flexibility makes real wood the better choice for custom joinery, office fit-outs and bespoke architectural detailing.

Slat Panels

Installation is straightforward:

• Large sheet panels

• Fix with screws or adhesive

• Limited shaping possible

However, slat repetition reduces design freedom.

Laminate

Installed similarly to melamine furniture:

• Click systems or adhesive sheets

• Extremely easy

• Very limited customisation

Better suited for budget residential projects.

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6. Cost Comparison (Typical UK Ranges)

Average 2025 costs — varies by supplier & specification.

Real wood is a long-term value option, whereas laminate is cost-driven.

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7. Which Material Should Architects and Designers Specify?

Choose Real Wood Panelling for:

• Authenticity

• Character-rich surfaces

• Sustainability requirements

• Luxury residential

• Hospitality and boutique environments

• Commercial spaces seeking a premium tactile finish

• Customisable feature walls

• Long-term performance

Choose Slat Panels for:

• Acoustic performance

• Media walls

• Quick-install decorative solutions

• Clients prioritising symmetry and repetition

Choose Laminate for:

• Tight budgets

• Fast turnaround rental projects

• Non-premium environments

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Final Verdict: Why Real Wood Outperforms the Alternatives

Architects and designers choose real wood because it delivers:

• Authenticity

• Tactile richness

• Sustainable sourcing

• Architectural presence

• Long-term performance

• Flexibility across project types

• The ability to age beautifully

At Audrini Living, all our collections — reclaimed, solid, weathered and charred — are crafted for professionals who value material integrity and design longevity.

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Need Material Samples or Trade Pricing?

We support architects, designers and contractors with:

• Technical datasheets

• Fire treatment certification (EN 13501-1)

• Trade pricing

• Project consultation

• Sustainability documentation

• Samples for client presentations

Explore the full range or request trade support:

www.AudriniLiving.com