NOT YOUR GRANDMA’S LAMINATES
Laminates are back and they are hot! In this article we will focus on the various types of laminates and why they are different from our traditional view of laminates and whether they are the right material for your new or remodeled kitchen, especially here in humid Hawaii.
A lot of people come into our showroom and visibly cringe when laminate material is suggested. This is especially true with the hard-core “solid wood” fans who believe that solid wood trumps all and have visions of peeling laminate banding in their grandparent’s kitchen. What they don’t realize is that high tech processes are creating a completely new product in laminates that are not only stunning and virtually impossible to distinguish from wood, but also superior in their durability. This is especially true in humid, bug ridden, climates. You wouldn’t go to your grandma for technology advice so why would you ask her about laminates? One very important distinction on why Grandma’s laminates were peeling is that the edges used to be applied with glue. When glue heats up in the environment, it fails and causes the laminate material to peel. Today, glue has been replaced by an epoxy or chemical bond substance that eliminates the need for exposed edges, creating a seamless look and opportunity for an edge to delaminate and peel. That said, there are a number of types of these materials and the types of core that they are adhered to and not all are created equal. We will try to de-mystify what these materials are and how they are made.
First of all, let’s discuss what laminates are adhered to. The reason they aren’t veneered over plywood is because plywood tends to swell and ripple in warm conditions therefore creating a rippled look on the laminate. For this reason, MDF (medium density fibreboard) or particle board is used as a core material for the laminate veneer. A little bit about particle board and MDF:
MDF which stands for medium density fiberboard. Medium-density fibreboard is an engineered wood product made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibres, often in a defibrator, combining it with wax and a resin binder, and forming it into panels by applying high temperature and pressure. MDF is generally denser than plywood. So what is the advantage? MDF can actually be better than plywood or solid lumber. MDF has great strength, does not noticeably shrink or expand with temperature, and has a uniform surface without grain or knots. It is also less expensive than plywood.
Particleboard or as it is often referred to as “furniture board” has a traditional stigma as being “cheap” and falling apart easily and this is a well-deserved reputation. However, not all particleboard is created equal and it has come along way since the old days. Particleboard in today’s higher-end cabinetry lines such as our Bellmont cabinetry line, has bigger chunks and more resins than past products. This gives it more structural integrity and makes it a superior material to plywood under a laminate veneer.
So what are the various types of laminates and how do they differ?
Thermal Bonded - these are typically seen in high gloss or matte textured laminated cabinets. The thermal bonding is applied at 750 degrees. The temperature in your kitchen would have to exceed 750 degrees to cause this material to fail. As we like to say, if your kitchen is that hot, you have much bigger problems :)
TSS (Thermally Structured Surfaces) - This is a term used to describe textured laminates. A textured laminate generally has a grain that strongly resembles wood or another texture such as concrete or linen. If you haven’t seen these materials lately, you owe it to yourself to check them out. These materials have become so life-like with knot holes and synchronization with real wood highs and lows that we challenge you to tell the difference when put side by side with wood veneered plywood. It a great application for those wanting a truly wood look without the inconsistency of grain that comes with real wood. In addition, to comes grain matched which is only available in custom wood cabinetry made for clients with very large budgets.
Thermafoil - this material, as the name suggests, is a sealed foil material applied to the outside edges of the cabinetry. This material is subject to peeling, much like the traditional glued laminates as it heats up in warm environments and we do NOT recommend it here in Hawaii.
So in summary, we love laminates for the following key advantages.
1.) Less likely to warp and attract bugs in humid environments
2.) Achieves a beautiful and contemporary look and more consistency of grain and finish
3.) Often more cost effective than plywood
Below is a photos from Bellmont Cabinets that showcases how stunning today’s laminates can truly be. Be sure to visit our showroom to see these gorgeous materials for yourself.
