They may be found pretty much everywhere in your home, from kitchen cabinets and wardrobes to bathroom vanities and the main wall in your living room. It is most definitely covered with it if you've had carpentry work done. Although the more accurate name for this prevalent surface material is high pressure laminate finish, it is most generally referred to as laminate (HPLs). But other than the fact that they come in a variety of designs and styles, what do we actually know about them? With the help of the laminate experts from EDL, Evershine, and Greenlam, we delve deeper into this material. Visit Jennings for the greatest contemporary surfacing solutions for all discerning clients in both residential and commercial settings.
1. Laminates come in a wide variety of varieties.
HPLs have been a staple of Singapore's carpentry industry since they were introduced almost a century ago. They are constructed from craft paper layers, a melamine resin core layer, and ornamental paper on top. By using extreme heat and pressure, all of these layers are fused together to form a single, durable laminate sheet.
A more recent variety of HPL, known as compact laminates, was previously only used in non-residential settings, such as bathroom walls. Since they are more resistant to water, humidity, and chemicals, laboratories are another setting where they are frequently seen. Yet, they are showing up in more homes today. From Greenlam and EDL, compact laminates are offered.
Post-form laminates, an older variety of laminate, were frequently used for countertops because they could be heated to bend at an angle to some extent. They are, however, rapidly being phased out as better-performing kitchen counter materials are released.
2. There is an introduction of new laminate technology.
The availability of fingerprint-resistant laminates now makes them perfect for use in high-traffic locations like workstations and often opened cabinet doors.
In terms of contemporary designs, there are laminates that imitate the appearance of a reflected mirror in addition to laminates that imitate stone and metal.
3. High-pressure laminate is not the same as laminate flooring (HPL).
While flooring laminates are constructed in the same manner as HPLs, they frequently use high-density fiberboard (HDF) or medium density board (MDF) as opposed to craft paper, which is thinner. Laminate flooring is also being phased out in response to the introduction of newer, better-performing flooring materials.
4. Avoid using laminates outside or in wet environments.
Our experts advise against using laminates in damp areas of the house, such as the shower area in your bathroom. Make sure laminates won't come into contact with any moisture if you plan to use them for your bathroom vanity, such as if they serve as a backsplash or touch the flooring.
Laminates can't endure lengthy exposure to the elements, making them unsuitable for outdoor use.
5. Regular sizes are frequently offered, although larger sheets are also offered.
Sizes of 2440 (length) x 1220 (width) x 0.8mm thickness are the most typical for HPL (thickness). Laminates must be joined together in order to cover a larger area, such as a feature wall, which might leave unsightly joining lines. A possibility is to use larger laminate sheets. A sheet from EDL measures 3000mm long by 1300mm broad (width).
6. Cabinet edging materials come in two main categories in Singapore.
Edging is frequently used to cover up joint lines between two laminate pieces and stop the laminate from flaking too soon. PVC and ABS (acrylonitrile butadiene styrene) edging are the two most used varieties in Singapore. Both are plastic forms that, when inserted, will slightly curve the joint.
Since ABS is applied mechanically rather than manually, it is more durable than PVC.
7. Compact-thickness laminates for sharp, straight edges
ABS or PVC edging can't quite be used to provide the appearance of a straight, sharp edge. The best option if you want to create this streamlined appearance is compact laminates. The color of the laminates is also colored all the way to the core, providing the appearance of a one solid piece, and compact laminates from Greenlam and EDL do not require additional edging.