Published 23 September 2026 · HOPE Design Studio

Start from how the surface is used

Before choosing a look, list what the surface will meet: trolleys, bags, chairs, spills, cleaning chemicals, sunlight, water. Counters, table tops, door edges, lift lobbies and the first metre of any wall take the punishment; upper walls and ceilings do not. Spend on the first group.

Wood-based surfaces

  • High-pressure laminate: the workhorse for offices and back-of-house; hard-wearing, cleanable, wide colour range; edges must be well banded.
  • Veneer with PU or polyurethane lacquer: the premium look; a good lacquer system makes it practical for reception and hospitality; avoid on wet counters.
  • PU-painted MDF: seamless colour, easy touch-up; keep away from constant water and sharp impacts.
  • Solid wood: repairable and ages well; movement must be designed for; ideal for table tops and handrails.

Metals

  • Stainless steel 304 brushed: kitchens, counters, lift lobbies; hides scratches; 316 for exterior or coastal sites.
  • PVD-coated stainless or brass: colour with the durability of stainless; the choice for handles, cladding and furniture in retail and hospitality.
  • Powder-coated mild steel or aluminium: economical colour on frames and railings; indoor and outdoor.
  • Polished brass: beautiful, high maintenance; use where patina is welcome.

Solid surfaces and stone

  • Corian and other acrylic solid surfaces: seamless, thermoformable, repairable by sanding; good for reception desks, vanities and wet counters.
  • Quartz: very hard and stain-resistant; heavy and needs joints; ideal for bar and pantry counters.
  • Marble and granite: natural variation; marble stains and etches, so seal it and keep it off bars and kitchens; granite is tougher.

Fabrics and leathers

Specify a commercial rub count (Martindale) suited to the use, stain-resistant treatments for F&B, and removable covers where possible. Leather and good faux leather wipe clean and suit banquettes; loose weaves belong in low-use lounge seating.

Questions

Which counter material for a café bar?

Quartz or Corian on a stainless or PVD-clad front; avoid marble on the working side.

Is veneer practical in a busy reception?

Yes with a two-pack PU lacquer system and protected edges; keep the desk top in stone, Corian or metal.

Can HOPE supply samples?

Yes. Physical samples of every finish are part of the approval process.

Finishes guideHospitality interiorsManufacturing and materials