Decorative laminates cover almost any surface look you can describe: plain colours, wood grains, stone and fabric patterns, and textures that you can feel. For most homes and offices they are the finish that turns a plywood box into a piece of furniture.
The main decisions
- Look: solid colour, wood grain, abstract or pattern
- Finish: matte, gloss, suede, or a textured surface
- Where it goes: shutters and visible faces, or inside the carcass
- Brand and range: different brands have different design libraries and price points
Visible faces versus interiors
Designers often use a feature laminate on the outside and a cheaper plain laminate inside the carcass. This keeps the budget under control. Some people also leave the inside with a thin liner. Whichever you pick, make sure the choice is written into the BOQ so that quotes can be compared fairly.
Sheet size and wastage
An 8 x 4 ft sheet does not always cut efficiently. For wood-grain designs, the direction of the grain also limits how you can cut. Count a little more laminate than the raw area, especially for patterns that must match across doors. The project material calculator adds a wastage allowance for this reason.
Where to go next
Narrow by finish: matte, glossy, wood finish. If you want heavy-use surfaces, see high pressure laminates. For wood-look alternatives with real wood, look at veneers.
Brands you can ask us about
Products from leading brands including the names below. Ask us which ranges and sizes are currently available.