For residential and commercial interiors, laminate is widely preferred as a durable surfacing material. Now, you must have seen or used laminated objects in your home or spaces priorly but ever wondered what this material is made of or what features of the same make it a go-to choice for home design?
For building or designing the home of your dreams, it makes sense to understand what materials you plan to include in the interiors. Based on this you can simplify the choice as per types, cost, maintenance, and more!
Here’s the ultimate guide for laminates which gives you all information about the versatile laminates:
What is Laminate?
A laminate is a blended artificial surface material!
Simply put, laminate is a synthetic finishing material that comprises multiple layers of materials like fiberboard, flat paper and melamine resin that is crafted to create a wood-like appearance. Laminates are used as a finishing layer for plywood, MDF, particleboard, wall panels, wooden furniture, and flooring. In decorative laminates like texture laminates, the upper layer is mostly printed with a print, pattern, or color.
How to Choose a Laminate?
The Kitchen design can be elevated with neutral-tone laminate for cabinets!
There is no denying that laminates are available in a variety of colors, patterns, budgets, and more. The following quick tips will simplify the laminate selection process for the kitchen:
Tip 1 - Use two solid colors for creating a soothing yet eye-catchy combination.
Tip 2 - If you wish to add a brighter color laminate for the cabinets, then opt for a lighter color laminate for the countertop and dado area.
Tip 3 - For the base units, ideally go for a darker color laminate as these areas are more prone to receiving splashes, and stains.
Benefits of Laminates
Wooden laminate panels make a classic and edgy choice for wardrobes.
Here are six benefits of laminates which make them a popular choice for home interiors:
Natural Appearance - Laminates are essentially engineered material that has a natural look and feel to them. These make a great natural-looking surface for any interior objects i.e.wardrobe, tables.
Highly Durable - Laminates are durable and are mostly resilient to moisture and general wear and tear. Furniture objects, walls adorned with laminates remain in good condition for a longer time.
Prefinished - Laminates are prefinished, which means one doesn’t have to worry about its finishing details like paint or tile. You simply need to choose a laminate design that complements the chosen interior style or theme.
Apt for Various Applications - Laminates as a material are widely preferred in residential as well as commercial applications. Available in various designs, colors, grains, and textures, you can add laminates as per requirements. For example, fluted laminates make a great wall design choice in modern, contemporary interiors.
Low Maintenance: Laminates are pretty low-maintenance. Stains, splashes, etc on laminates can be easily removed with a mild cleanser. There is no need to maintain the laminates as well. Just wipe them with a soft dry cloth and laminated objects shine and how!
Easy to Install - Laminates are simple to install which saves a considerable amount of time and labor cost.
Different Types of Laminates
Select from a type of laminates that matches your requirements!
- Regular Laminates
Regular laminates are thinner options which include a maximum thickness of 1.5mm. These laminates are preferred by design experts for their strength, stability, and durability to objects like shelves, units, etc.
- Compact Laminates
Compact laminates are commonly referred to as laminate boards. These are thick laminate options with a max thickness of 30mm and are self-supporting. Compact laminates don’t have to be glued onto other materials.
Compact laminates are mostly water, fire resistant and known for their antibacterial, scratch-resistant features.
- Designer Laminates
Designer laminates are available in various eye-catchy patterns and finishes. Decorative laminates like stone laminates, printed laminates work as a perfect ornamental overlays for furniture pieces. Frikly offers the best choices for designer laminates.
- Industrial Laminates
Industrial laminates as the name suggests have higher strength and are wear and tear-resistant. Industrial laminates used in institutions like offices, hospitals, etc are antibacterial, chemical resistant, and fire retardant.
- Post Formed Laminates
Post-formed laminates are much thinner than regular laminates, These are mostly added to columns, tables, and more!
- High Pressure, Low Pressure Laminates
High and low pressure laminates simply differ in the pressure at which the chosen laminate material is applied to the substrate. High-pressure laminate is mostly added to the plywood whereas low-pressure laminate is used for MDF.
Laminate Finishes
Give a classy look to the kitchen with glossy or matte finish laminate cabinets!
Laminate finishes are available in common types like wooden laminates, zero matte laminates, smooth, solid colors laminates, high-gloss laminates, and more. Decorative laminate options like texture laminates, leather laminates, and fabric laminates help mimic the tactile look of natural materials.
Laminate Colors
Soft tone laminates are perfect for bringing in a classy and understated vibe!
Laminates are available in almost every imaginable color and print. Any old furniture pieces i.e.center table, side table, etc can be refurbished with colorful laminates as an overlay. It helps bring in an intended vibe and enhance the aesthetics of the space.
You can also get the color or pattern of your choice by opting for customized laminates!
Laminate Sizes
Get an expert’s opinion to get the right size laminate!
Laminates are commonly available in panels, sheets, and boards. You can choose from these choices based on the application purposes i.e.for walls, furniture, flooring.
Common laminate sheet size is approximately 8 x 4 feet. Laminate boards and boards are mostly available in square, rectangular sheets in different sizes.
Laminate Pricing
Laminated flooring makes a budget-friendly choice compared to hardwood flooring!
When it comes to pricing, laminate sheets rates start at around ₹56.25 per sq. ft. In India. These sheets are crafted at a standard size of 8x4 feet that holds an area of 32 square feet.
The laminate cost per square foot lies between ₹56.25 per sq. ft. (high gloss laminate sheets price) to ₹350 per sq. ft. (PVC laminate cost).
Laminates are cost-friendly options than veneers. So if you are looking for inexpensive choices to upscale the walls or flooring then choose these!
Laminate Durability
Kid’s room can be well-defined with customized laminates!
Laminates as a surface material are more durable and cost-friendly options than solid wood or veneer. They are resistant to moisture, heat, and daily wear and tear.
Tips to Install, Repair, and Replace Laminates
- For Wall Panels and Furniture - Before adding new laminate sheets, you need to strip off the old, chipped laminates from the furniture first. The laminated sheets can be fixed onto the furniture pieces with high-grade glue or adhesives.
- For Flooring - Laminated wooden flooring is a much more feasible option as compared to marble or tile flooring. Normally a tongue and groove method is used for interlocking the laminate boards. For DIY design projects, existing flooring can be elevated by installing laminate flooring.
Note - It is always a good idea to take a professional’s help for the lamination installation or repair process. The same requires efficiency and finesse.
Ideal Ways To Use Laminates
1. Decorative laminates like solid color laminate, stone laminate, etc are ideal for typical surfaces like the living room floor, cabinet or wardrobe shutters, table tops, and more.
2.Laminate flooring is a good alternative to real wood flooring for budget and maintenance reasons.
3.Printed laminates added to furniture creates a sense of intended design and drama in interiors.
4.To use laminates in kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor areas, pick moisture, heat-resistant laminate options. You can select from Altis laminates to get the laminate of your choice and requirement.
5.Even though laminates are available in realistic designs or textures, they may have a plastic-like appeal to it. So, if you wish to add a distinctive touch to interiors, you can choose solid wood or veneers instead. Find more about the difference between laminates and veneers here.
FAQs
1. What is Laminate?
Laminate is a durable surfacing material that is formed by pressing together multiple layers of thin fabric, flat paper or resins. It’s a man-made decorative material that is layered over a chosen surface for creating a beautiful design.
2. What is a laminate sheet?
A laminate sheet is an artificial material that is added on top of plywood by glueing thin layers of papers, wood or resins together. Laminate sheets are ideally used for covering wooden furniture to double up its looks.
3. Why use laminates?
Laminates are mostly used to enhance the looks of various types of surfaces like walls, furniture, cabinets, and flooring. They are known to give strength and durability to chosen surfaces.
4. Are laminate sheets waterproof?
Laminate sheets are not waterproof, but they are water-resistant. Laminate sheets can be made waterproof by sealing the edges at the time of installation.
