When you purchase a laminate sheet, they affect how it is going to look, function, and last on your furniture and other interior surfaces. When you choose laminates for renovations or new cabinets, you should keep the following items in mind. Making the right laminate choice will add to how durable and attractive the laminate will be, along with adding years of enjoyment for the homeowner.

Understand Your Use

The first step in selecting a laminate is to determine where the laminate will be installed. Is it a kitchen, a wardrobe, an office desk, or wall panelling? Each application will require different performance characteristics. For instance, since kitchens have high traffic, your laminate needs to be able to withstand moisture, heat, and scratches, whereas decorative walls require more emphasis on design or texture.

Knowing how you are going to use your laminate will help you narrow your choices to laminates that will be able to perform in that environment.

Check PVC Quality and Thickness

The quality of the material used to manufacture a laminate determines the strength and life expectancy of that laminate. Laminate sheets that are thicker will usually provide superior protection against impact and wear. When comparing your laminate sheets, check for the following items:

  • The core material of the laminate.
  • The thickness of the laminate is mm.
  • The finish on the laminate.

Good quality laminates will usually have consistent thickness, even grain size, and adequate adhesion between the sheets to prevent delamination and bubbles from forming over time.

Evaluate the Finish of the Laminate

The finish of a laminate. There are three different kinds of finishes for laminates. They are:

  • Glossy: Reflective finish that makes a surface brighter
  • Matte: Subtle fingerprint-resistant finish
  • Textured: Mimics the look of natural materials like wood grain or stone

When selecting a finish, consider your overall design theme and lifestyle to help you select a finishing product that complements both of these aspects. Typically, matte or textured laminate surfaces will hide marks and scuffing more than glossy finishes.

Check Performance Properties

Scratch and stain resistance are two of the main purposes for using laminate sheets; therefore, always check for resistance ratings before installing laminate in a kitchen, dining, or work space. Sheets that are scratch and stain-resistant will typically be longer-lasting and easier to maintain over time.

Resistance to moisture and heat are two additional characteristics that all laminate products should possess as a result of exposure to these two elements. Although this is most critical when using laminate for cabinets and backsplashes in kitchens, it should also be considered when using laminate for utility areas as well.

Most laminate sheets will have moisture and heat resistance ratings displayed on their labels. Selecting sheets with higher ratings can help to ensure their long-term durability under more extreme conditions.

Design and Colour Selection

The wider the selection of colours and designs, the easier it will be to coordinate your new laminate sheet with your existing decor. Woodgrains, solid colours, stone types (marble, granites, etc.), and abstract types of designs should all be appealing to the eye for your decorating style.

The best way to select laminate sheets will be to balance the finish (e.g. glossy, matte, or textured), pattern, or design style so that it will enhance the overall design without being overwhelming compared to other elements in your interior space.

Brand and Warranty Considerations

Brand name recognition is an important indicator of the longevity you can expect from products installed in your home. Brands specialising in laminate will generally provide a better product overall, have a more established customer base, and offer a better support system after purchase than general manufacturers. When selecting a product, check the warranty, read customer product reviews, and look for industry certifications. The findings will give you some insight into the durability and proven performance of that certain brand or products manufactured by that company.

Installation Requirements

Some laminates will be easier to install and finish than others. When purchasing laminate from a supplier, make sure to inquire about their recommended adhesive, edge banding, and installation techniques for their laminate. Select a professional installer to ensure a clean edge finish, no air bubbles, and that the laminate is properly adhered to the installation surface. This will help to ensure the embossed design on the laminate lasts for as long as possible.

Value for the Price

Although the cost will play some role in your decision on which laminate to purchase, it shouldn’t be the only consideration in making your selection, as options priced very low may not be as durable or have the high-quality finish you’d want for long-term use. Balancing your budget with product quality will ensure that you purchase the best laminate for your application.

When looking for high-quality laminate collections that combine design and proven performance, you should consider the laminate collection from Royale Touche.