Top 5 Reasons Why High-Pressure Laminates Are on the Rise

Merino Laminates, January 12, 2024

Phenolic panels or high pressure laminates have gained immense popularity on the list of architectural innovations. The idea behind manufacturing these panels is to promote durability and freedom of design. These laminates are sustainable and versatile for homebuyers to craft the best appeal out of their homes. 

Phenolic panels were earlier preferred just for the exterior design of a house. But, with the immense increase in demand for them, these high-pressure laminates are now used in interior applications as well. It is literally the favorite innovation for designers, architects, and homebuyers. 

If you are new to the concept of high-pressure or phenolic laminates, this article will give you an insight into some of the crucial reasons why you should go with it over other available options. 

Understanding HPL (High Pressure Laminate) Panels

Phenolic or HPL laminate panels are known for their resistance to wear & tear and enhanced durability. They are made up of thermosetting resins and natural material layers. These raw materials are then cured under high temperatures and pressure, thus giving the panels their design, aesthetics, and appeal. 

As these panels are sustainable in nature, most will think you will have to compromise on design factors when choosing this eco-friendly option. But that’s not the case at all. You won’t have to sacrifice style, uniqueness, or design factors while using phenolic laminates.

May it be colors, fastener systems, textures, or customization, you will have the flexibility of choosing any design that goes well with your house decor preferences. 

Impressive Properties of High-Pressure Laminates

The properties of high-pressure laminates contribute to their growing popularity in various applications. Let’s have a look at them:

• Durability

HPL Laminates are known for their exceptional durability. The combination of layers and the curing process under high-pressure result in a sturdy material that can withstand daily wear and tear, making it ideal for both residential and commercial use.

• Versatility in Design

With a vast array of colors, patterns, and textures, HPL sheets offer unparalleled design flexibility. Whether you’re aiming for a classic, modern, or eclectic look, HPL provides the perfect solution to bring your vision to life.

• Resistance to Moisture and Stains

High-pressure laminates are naturally resistant to moisture and stains, making them suitable for areas prone to spills and high humidity. This property adds to their longevity, making them a preferred choice for kitchens, bathrooms, and high-traffic zones.

High-pressure laminates represent a marriage of functionality and aesthetics, offering endless possibilities for elevating interior and exterior spaces.

Reasons Why You Should Count on High-Pressure Laminates Over Others

Choosing HPL sheets over others might benefit your interior decor applications immensely. Here are a few reasons to help you feel more convinced about choosing these high-pressure laminates for your house interior decor preferences above other available options:

• Enhanced Durability

Strength, durability, and longevity are the three major characteristics of high-pressure or phenolic laminates. These properties allow these sheets to keep up with their aesthetic and designer appeal for a long time, with minimal maintenance. 

Considering the durability and strength, even commercial hubs such as hotels, airports, or schools are using phenolic panels for their interior applications. The materials and processes used in the making of these sheets make them scratch and impact-resistant. Thus, regular wear & tear will be withstandable for these sheets.

• UV Protection

HPL laminate panels also have good resistance to harmful UV rays. This is the ultimate characteristic of these panels, which makes them a great option for exterior applications as well. But as of today, even interior decor or functional pieces, such as furniture, TV panels, or others, might also need UV protection, as people tend to keep their windows open to let fresh air and sunlight enter the property premises. 

So, without the laminates being UV-protected, the decorative surface might experience discoloration or fading. Harmful UV rays from the sunlight can damage wood or other organic materials over time, but HPL sheets, made up of special materials, repel those damaging effects. Thus, the aesthetic appeal of HPL laminate-embedded furniture or other decor pieces stays for a long time. 

• Lowered Heat Conduction

The HPL or phenolic panels also have a low conduction rate, which implies better heat resistance for laminates. This property of HPL makes these sheets ideal for being used in diverse applications where resistance to heat is of the utmost importance. Due to the lowered rate of heat conduction, HPL panels become good insulators to repel heat buildup over the material. 

Considering this factor, the HPL becomes ideal for being used on kitchen walls, cooking countertops, or bathroom surfaces. These places deal with some or a lot of heat during their operations, which demands the use of decor pieces that can bear those high intensities of heat daily. Beyond maintaining the design of the laminates, the heat resistance property enhances safety for people to touch a cool surface even after dealing with heat-intensive applications. 

• Unhindered Versatility

Even being sustainable, there’s no limit to manufacturing HPL panels based on size, color, pattern, finish, or thickness. Thus, irrespective of the interior application you think of, these high-pressure panels will turn out to be efficient in enhancing functionality and style for the space. 

Furniture, flooring, and kitchen countertops are some of the common interior applications where phenolic panels are preferred. Depending on the size of your property and its specific rooms, these panels can be manufactured to fit the respective dimensions easily. Following that, the versatility in design and implementation allows people to use these panels in industrial, commercial, or residential applications alike. 

• Easy Installation & Maintenance

The high-pressure laminates offer you the flexibility of giving an astounding appeal when you mount them either vertically or horizontally. Moreover, you can also prefer using sub-structures such as steel, aluminum, or wood. Multiple fastening options can be used with HPL sheets, either exposed or concealed, to contribute further to the easy installation process. 

Once the installation is done, maintenance is the next big thing to worry about. But, with HPL laminate panels, you needn’t take much stress on it as well. These panels are impact-resistant and easy to clean, allowing property owners to save money on expensive maintenance or replacements in the long run. 

Conclusion

If you want laminate sheets for lockers, wall lining, bathroom partitions, furniture, signage, or other such residential or commercial applications, phenolic or high-pressure panels will go well with all of them. All you have to do is find the right manufacturer and scroll through their collection to find the panels that go well with your design preferences. 

Go For Merino High-Pressure Laminates

Well, to your astonishment, you have already found the top manufacturer of phenolic panels, Merino Laminates. Check out our collection across the store. You will find yourself lost in the cosmos of attractiveness that you can imagine for your residential or commercial space. If you need more information, get in touch with our experts, and we shall help you decide on your pick! 

FAQs

Q. How durable is high-pressure laminate?

High-pressure laminates are highly durable, and known for their resistance to scratches, impacts, and general wear and tear. This durability makes them suitable for various applications, from countertops to flooring.

Q. Is high-pressure laminate heat resistant?

While HPL Laminates are resistant to heat to a certain extent, it’s advisable to use trivets or hot pads for hot items to prevent potential damage. Extreme and prolonged exposure to high temperatures can affect the material.

Q. What is high-pressure laminate made of?

High-pressure laminates are made of multiple layers of kraft paper saturated with resin. These layers are topped with a decorative layer and finished with a protective overlay. The assembly undergoes a high-pressure and high-temperature process, resulting in a robust laminate.

Q. Does high-pressure laminate scratch?

HPL Laminates are resistant to scratches, making them a durable choice for surfaces that experience regular use. However, it’s essential to use cutting boards and take precautions to prevent potential scratches over time.