Kitchen Materials: Laminates
Laminates are man-made surfacing materials made of paper and resins laminated together at very high pressure. The resulting material is a thin, flat material that is hard, water proof and available in literally thousands of colors and textures. It is glued to a substrate, usually MDF, and can be worked in many shapes including bending under a combination of heat and pressure. Laminate is an excellent choice for work surfaces because of its durability, cost-effectiveness and the range of choice it offers. Its weak point is the fabrication of the substrate and the quality of the workmanship. Poorly constructed counters or joints that are exposed to water can result in de-lamination and the destruction of the counter. Your best bet is a reputable fabricator who specializes in laminate work.
Laminate is also used for cabinetry both on the interior surfaces and as a door surface. It is easy to clean and will hold up well if well made. The places where quality construction is vital are edges, curved surfaces and anywhere near water.
The visual impact of laminates is virtually unlimited because the surface you see, in many cases, is a pattern or color that is printed on the top surface of the paper that makes up the laminate. Some manufacturers will, for a big up-charge, allow designers to create their own custom patterns or surface treatments including photos!
