LAMINATE KITCHENS: A GUIDE
21 December 2022
Laminate could be your best bet when choosing the material for kitchen tops or cabinet doors. Here’s why.
LAMINATE KITCHENS. A PRACTICAL, AFFORDABLE CHOICE
Laminate kitchens are ideal because they are attractive, practical, robust, easy to clean and affordable. However, the quality of laminates differs, from the most economical but less resistant, to the more sophisticated ones with higher performance regarding aesthetics and functionality, at a price that competes well with traditional materials such as wood, marble or stoneware, or avant-garde Arkocell and Laminam.
WHAT IS LAMINATE?
Laminate comprises one or more layers of melamine paper impregnated with thermo- hardening resins, heat laminated and applied to panels made of wood particle board or chipboard. Applying a number of sheets on top of each other produces layered laminate. The surface is formed by an overlay comprising a layer of melamine-soaked cellulose that provides the required colour, and a final protective layer. Laminate is distinguished by the fact that it can reproduce practically any type of finish or effect, including imitations of natural materials such as wood, marble or stone, at a cost way below that for the originals.
Laminates are mainly identified by the following initials:
1) CPL (Continuously Pressed Laminate)
2) HPL (High Pressure Laminate)
The initials HPL refer to thicker laminates, compacted by the combined action of heat (150°C) and high pressure for approximately 50 minutes. This is the more resistant, higher quality laminate that is more suitable for kitchen tops and cabinet doors. In recent years laminates with the initials CHPL (Continuous High Pressure Laminate) have become popular, as this is a hybrid coming between the two main types.
WHY CHOOSE A LAMINATE KITCHEN? PROS AND CONS
PROS
Economical
The price of laminate is much more competitive than wood, stone, marble, stoneware and steel.Resistant
The surfaces of laminate are highly resistant to scratches, knocks and scuffing.Water repellant
The outer protective layer of laminates provides excellent resistance to liquids, avoiding infiltrations and water, steam and damp stagnation so that mould and bacteria cannot develop.Hygienic and easy to clean
The antistatic surface of laminates reduces dust accumulation and is easily washable with a soft cloth and mild detergent.Versatile and customisable
The infinite choice of colour schemes and finishes, together with ease of cutting and installing, make laminate kitchen units adaptable to any style, from classical to country, shabby chic to the most contemporary design. A laminate kitchen top can be easily shaped to accommodate a cooking hob or a sink, as well as accessories such as retractable socket strips. In a nutshell, laminate kitchen units provide total design freedom.
CONS
Less heat resistance
When using a laminate kitchen top it is advisable not to place pans, oven trays or other hot objects directly on the surface as they would ruin the top irremediably. If a laminate top accommodates a cooking hob, it’s best to avoid live flames by opting for induction hobs, for example.Sensitive to UV rays
Continuous, direct exposure to sunlight may gradually change the original colour of a laminate top or cabinet door. For this reason, when planning a laminate kitchen the position of windows and sources of light should be taken into account. However, we must point out that these disadvantages refer to CPL laminates. HPL layered laminates are heat resistant up to 170°C and are highly resistant to chemicals and organic substances. Furthermore, they are eco-compatible as they are produced with unfinished, flameproof wood panels with minimum formaldehyde emissions (class E1, UNI EN 13986/2005). HPL laminate also features a pleasant soft-touch sensation.LAMINATE KITCHEN TOPS AND CABINET DOORS
Laminate is mainly used for the production of kitchen tops and cabinet doors. However, there is a growing tendency to use it for boiserie back panels featured in compositions.
LAMINATE CABINET DOORS
For laminate kitchen units, the doors are made of wood particle board panels covered with laminate sheets of different thicknesses according to needs. Gentili Cucine provides a choice of 24 doors of different thicknesses, materials and finishes and featuring two different types of grip profiles, or handles, all of which can be put together in combinations.
Gentili Cucine provides 15 decorative finishes for its range of 24 cabinet doors, in ordinary or layered laminate, and produces attractive kitchen tops and counters that match the finishes on the doors to create unique, beautifully coordinated projects.
LAMINATE KITCHEN TOPS
Laminates are among the most popular materials for kitchen tops. Considering how kitchen tops are used, the only choice is a HPL layered laminate, which is more resistant and functional than traditional laminates (CPL). For its kitchen tops, Gentili Cucine provides 15 different finishes in layered laminate, and uses the same decorative finishes for cabinet doors in ordinary laminate.
HOW TO CLEAN LAMINATE KITCHEN UNITS
A soft cloth and mild liquid detergent are all that’s needed to clean a laminate surface. To extend the useful life of the finish, it’s a good idea to rinse the top with a damp cloth and then dry it. Never use abrasive sponges or scrubbing pads, washing powder, aggressive chemicals or products based on thinners or solvents. In the event of stubborn stains, such as, for example, paint or ink, follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
FINISHES AND COLOURS
Laminates come in a wide range of colours and finishes, which can be plain, glossy or matt, or reproduce the effect of materials such as marble, stone or wood with different finishes. The most popular laminates include:
- Wood effect laminate, which reproduces wood types such as, for example, oak or walnut, featuring finishes with stressed, burnt, vintage, carbon, etc. effects.
- Stone/marble effect laminate, which imitates the grain and texture typical of these materials such as, for example, white marble or volcanic rock.
- Glossy laminates, ideal for adding more light and character to the kitchen.
- Matt laminates, elegant and easy to maintain.
- Embossed laminates, with a surface in relief and texture similar to that of hide, usually used for decoration rather than functionality.
Laminate kitchen units therefore offer numerous advantages, also from the planning and customisation points of view. Gentili Cucine provides a vast range of CPL and HPL laminates, together with other solutions, for a total of over 220 materials and finishes for classical and modern kitchens.
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