Renovating
Design Vocabulary: Laminate for Kitchens
Planning a new kitchen? Read this guide on the types of laminate available
Basically ‘laminate’ as we know it is defined as being any material that has been manufactured in multiple layers so that the finished material is stronger, more stable and when used for flooring, has better sound insulation.
Laminates are generally produced using different layers bonded together with adhesives, heat and pressure. There is a core of paper layered with adhesives, and then top and bottom layers of paper that is the actual colour or pattern, and final top and bottom coats of a hard-wearing material.
So, that’s the background. But what about the laminates we generally come across, like kitchen laminates used in most Singapore kitchen designs?
Types of Laminates
HPL or Compact laminates
There are two main types of laminates used in kitchens: the High Pressure Laminates (HPL) (about 1-millimetre thick) and Compact laminates which are much thicker and can be used alone without needing a backing board.
HPL or Compact laminates
There are two main types of laminates used in kitchens: the High Pressure Laminates (HPL) (about 1-millimetre thick) and Compact laminates which are much thicker and can be used alone without needing a backing board.
Most kitchen cabinets in Singapore are made using HPL, while Compact laminates are used more often for sheeting toilet and shower cubicles in non-residential bathrooms, wall panelling, or even furniture like tables.
Eleanor Lim of EDL Laminates, says that Compact laminates are now being used in Singapore for kitchen worktops and backsplashes.
“These are available in a variety of decorative surfaces such as wood and stone,” says Lim.
“These are available in a variety of decorative surfaces such as wood and stone,” says Lim.
Smart Nanotech Laminates
Yes, even kitchens have gone nanotech. Lim reveals that EDL has a product called Fenix NTM available in both HPL and compact versions, and which is “extremely matte with fingerprint-resistant qualities”.
Yes, even kitchens have gone nanotech. Lim reveals that EDL has a product called Fenix NTM available in both HPL and compact versions, and which is “extremely matte with fingerprint-resistant qualities”.
Matte laminate doesn’t show up fingerprints, making it a popular choice for time-poor homeowners. One of EDL’s most popular colours of this nanotech laminate is a matte black named Nero Ingo.
Surface designs
Laminates offer up plenty of colours, patterns and ‘textures’.
Laminates offer up plenty of colours, patterns and ‘textures’.
1. Digital print or decorative laminates
Patterns and prints are laminated under a plastic coating, creating very unique and pretty options.
Patterns and prints are laminated under a plastic coating, creating very unique and pretty options.
2. Solid coloured laminates
There are now a number of on-trend and popular colours like matte black and millennial pink.
There are now a number of on-trend and popular colours like matte black and millennial pink.
3. Wood textured laminate
Realistic timber laminate now rival the ‘real deal’ as it gives both the touch and appearance of timber at a fraction of the cost.
Realistic timber laminate now rival the ‘real deal’ as it gives both the touch and appearance of timber at a fraction of the cost.
4. Glossy or matte finishes
Most laminates are finished in a semi-matte or satin type surface – similar to paint – but you can also get a highly glossy finish or go the opposite with a matte finish which are very on-trend now.
Most laminates are finished in a semi-matte or satin type surface – similar to paint – but you can also get a highly glossy finish or go the opposite with a matte finish which are very on-trend now.
What about the edges?
One of the biggest issues people have had with using laminate in their kitchens – particularly for countertops – is the ‘ugly black line’ at the edge. This is where two pieces of laminate on different planes meet, resulting in an obvious joint line.
One of the biggest issues people have had with using laminate in their kitchens – particularly for countertops – is the ‘ugly black line’ at the edge. This is where two pieces of laminate on different planes meet, resulting in an obvious joint line.
These days, there are brands which have laminates that are coloured through to the core. Due to new developments, you can also now have an undermount sink with a laminate countertop.
ABS Trimming
Another method to conceal the seam is a trim of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) trimming. These are usually in the same colour (or contrast if you are looking for something different) and although it ‘whitens’ a bit after it’s been bent in place, heat is used to restore the colour. It’s non-toxic.
ABS trimming can be used on the edges of cabinet doors, shelves and countertops.
Another method to conceal the seam is a trim of Acrylonitrile Butadiene Styrene (ABS) trimming. These are usually in the same colour (or contrast if you are looking for something different) and although it ‘whitens’ a bit after it’s been bent in place, heat is used to restore the colour. It’s non-toxic.
ABS trimming can be used on the edges of cabinet doors, shelves and countertops.
Some brands will provide ABS trimming in various edge styles:
1. Self edge
This is the usual, now a bit old-fashioned, edge. It’s square, and will show a black line on the front edge of the countertops.
2. Crescent edge
The crescent edge is softly curved, similar to the rounded bullnose edge you find on solid surface countertops.
1. Self edge
This is the usual, now a bit old-fashioned, edge. It’s square, and will show a black line on the front edge of the countertops.
2. Crescent edge
The crescent edge is softly curved, similar to the rounded bullnose edge you find on solid surface countertops.
3. Ogee edge
It consists of a concave arch that flows into a convex arch.
4. Pencil edge
It looks a bit like a pencil – there is a slight angular edge that rounds into a vertical surface. It’s very easy to clean.
It consists of a concave arch that flows into a convex arch.
4. Pencil edge
It looks a bit like a pencil – there is a slight angular edge that rounds into a vertical surface. It’s very easy to clean.
Post-formed laminate countertops
All of the above edges can also be made on post-formed countertops – these are called ‘drop-in-place’ countertops with the edging being added when the whole piece is made so it has no seams or corners. It often comes with an added backsplash too. Again, it’s very similar to how solid countertops work.
8 great kitchen countertop materials
All of the above edges can also be made on post-formed countertops – these are called ‘drop-in-place’ countertops with the edging being added when the whole piece is made so it has no seams or corners. It often comes with an added backsplash too. Again, it’s very similar to how solid countertops work.
8 great kitchen countertop materials
Laminates can be used for cabinet doors, countertops, backsplashes and even on interior shelves within cabinets.
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