A Guide to Kitchen Laminates
Planning a new kitchen? Read this guide on the types of laminate available
Basically ‘laminate’ as we know it is defined as being any material that has been manufactured in multiple layers so that the finished material is stronger, more stable and when used for flooring, has better sound insulation.
Tanned Marquina HGP 5573
Laminates are generally produced using different layers bonded together with adhesives, heat and pressure. There is a core of paper layered with adhesives, and then top and bottom layers of paper that is the actual colour or pattern, and final top and bottom coats of a hard-wearing material.
Confused between wood veneer or laminate?
Confused between wood veneer or laminate?
So, that’s the background. But what about the laminates we generally come across, like kitchen laminates used in most Indian kitchen designs?
Find a kitchen designer near you to design your dream kitchen
Find a kitchen designer near you to design your dream kitchen
Types of laminates
HPL or compact laminates
There are two main types of laminates used in kitchens: the High Pressure Laminates (HPL) (about 1-millimetre thick) and Compact laminates which are much thicker and can be used alone without needing a backing board.
HPL or compact laminates
There are two main types of laminates used in kitchens: the High Pressure Laminates (HPL) (about 1-millimetre thick) and Compact laminates which are much thicker and can be used alone without needing a backing board.
Most kitchen cabinets in are made using HPL, while Compact laminates are used more often for sheeting toilet and shower cubicles in non-residential bathrooms, wall panelling, or even furniture like tables.
EDL Compact
Eleanor Lim of EDL Laminates, says that Compact laminates are now being used for kitchen worktops and backsplashes.
“These are available in a variety of decorative surfaces such as wood and stone,” says Lim.
“These are available in a variety of decorative surfaces such as wood and stone,” says Lim.
Surface designs
Laminates offer up plenty of colours, patterns and ‘textures’.
Laminates offer up plenty of colours, patterns and ‘textures’.
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1. Digital print or decorative laminates
Patterns and prints are laminated under a plastic coating, creating very unique and pretty options.
These laminates are best for kitchen cupboards
Patterns and prints are laminated under a plastic coating, creating very unique and pretty options.
These laminates are best for kitchen cupboards
2. Solid coloured laminates
There are now a number of on-trend and popular colours like matte black and millennial pink.
There are now a number of on-trend and popular colours like matte black and millennial pink.
3. Wood textured laminate
Realistic timber laminate now rival the ‘real deal’ as it gives both the touch and appearance of timber at a fraction of the cost.
Realistic timber laminate now rival the ‘real deal’ as it gives both the touch and appearance of timber at a fraction of the cost.
4. Glossy or matte finishes
Most laminates are finished in a semi-matte or satin type surface – similar to paint – but you can also get a highly glossy finish or go the opposite with a matte finish which are very on-trend now.
Most laminates are finished in a semi-matte or satin type surface – similar to paint – but you can also get a highly glossy finish or go the opposite with a matte finish which are very on-trend now.
What about the edges?
One of the biggest issues people have had with using laminate in their kitchens – particularly for countertops – is the ‘ugly black line’ at the edge. This is where two pieces of laminate on different planes meet, resulting in an obvious joint line.
See these most popular kitchen countertop materials
One of the biggest issues people have had with using laminate in their kitchens – particularly for countertops – is the ‘ugly black line’ at the edge. This is where two pieces of laminate on different planes meet, resulting in an obvious joint line.
See these most popular kitchen countertop materials
Compact Laminates
These days, there are brands which have laminates that are coloured through to the core. Due to new developments, you can also now have an undermount sink with a laminate countertop.
EDL Compact
ABS Trimming
Another method to conceal the seam is a trim of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) trimming. These are usually in the same colour (or contrast if you are looking for something different) and although it ‘whitens’ a bit after it’s been bent in place, heat is used to restore the colour. It’s non-toxic.
ABS trimming can be used on the edges of cabinet doors, shelves and countertops.
Another method to conceal the seam is a trim of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) trimming. These are usually in the same colour (or contrast if you are looking for something different) and although it ‘whitens’ a bit after it’s been bent in place, heat is used to restore the colour. It’s non-toxic.
ABS trimming can be used on the edges of cabinet doors, shelves and countertops.
Post-formed laminate countertops
All of the above edges can also be made on post-formed countertops – these are called ‘drop-in-place’ countertops with the edging being added when the whole piece is made so it has no seams or corners. It often comes with an added backsplash too. Again, it’s very similar to how solid countertops work.
All of the above edges can also be made on post-formed countertops – these are called ‘drop-in-place’ countertops with the edging being added when the whole piece is made so it has no seams or corners. It often comes with an added backsplash too. Again, it’s very similar to how solid countertops work.
Laminates can be used for cabinet doors, countertops, backsplashes and even on interior shelves within cabinets.
Read more:
Pros & Cons of Laminated Floors
Tell us:
What is your experience of using laminates in kitchen? Tell us in the Comments below.
Read more:
Pros & Cons of Laminated Floors
Tell us:
What is your experience of using laminates in kitchen? Tell us in the Comments below.
