Laminate is one of the most affordable options for kitchen countertops, and because of this it is also one of the most popular. This durable material can be manufactured in a wide array of colors and patterns, but it sometimes receives a bad rap when it is compared to its more expensive counterparts, such as granite, quartz and solid surface.
High-pressure decorative laminate (HPDL) is usually made of aesthetically decorated, resin-coated paper that has undergone a pressurized heat-treatment process. It is then bonded to a substrate, which is usually particleboard or plywood. Once the resin sets, the slab can then be cut into the required shape. Historically it has then been given one of three types of edging: beveled, straight or post-formed. However, with advances in technology, today there are a variety of edges available (that don’t show the brown line).
Although Formica was the first laminate ever made, Wilsonart is also popular and has released some great material detailing how their laminate products are manufactured and fabricated. Last year, we brought this to your attention with this compelling 10-minute video. However, the company has recently released a new article on laminate product contruction, which subsequently links to a more detailed PDF file, of the process.
Laminate has several benefits and a few drawbacks. If you sell, fabricate or install laminate, we would like to hear how you present it to your customers. On the other hand, what do some of the natural stone, engineered stone and solid surface fabricators do to sway laminate-inclined customers in the other direction?
