Specially Pressed Laminates

Written by Alex Langstaff-Ellis November 2023

We know the range of melamine-faced chipboard is huge, but some projects call for something a bit more durable, or perhaps you’d like to specify the core board. For these orders, our special pressing service is the answer.

Why would I have a laminate specially pressed?

A specially pressed laminate allows you the flexibility in choice. Unlike Melamine Faced Chipboard (MFC) which is offered in restricted options, with a specially pressed laminate not only can you choose the core board to press to, but you can also choose to have both sides of the board matching or different, and you can also choose the core board.

What’s special about laminate?

There are a few reasons to pick a specially pressed laminate and the first is the durability of a laminate. Its strength and durability is very high meaning it is very well suited to harder wearing areas like counter tops and commercial furniture, where the rigors of life are more demanding than a melamine faced chipboard could withstand.

Another reason for choosing a specially pressed laminate is the choice of core board. Birch plywood and MDF are both commonly chosen to specially press to, both of which are considered superior to chipboard, especially the Birch ply. You don’t get stronger than a Laminated Birch Ply board! You also have the freedom to choose a variety of board thicknesses, from 12mm to 30mm.

Lastly, some decors from big manufacturers like Formica and Egger, are only available in laminate sheets, without an MFC option, so they will always need to be specially pressed.

What do I need to know when ordering a laminate to be specially pressed?

A few things to know before jumping-in on specially pressed laminates. They are more expensive than most MFC decorative panels. We always tailor our prices on laminate orders because every order is tailored to suit your requirements, but to give you an idea you can add 50% or more of the cost of an MFC board.

Secondly, specially pressed laminates are typically pressed to 3050 x 1220 core boards and sometimes they are subject to minimum order quantities, usually 5 boards per order. This can mean they are not suitable for all orders but as long as the order warrants that minimum, they can elevate the quality of your furniture.

Lastly, the thickness of the laminate is approximately 0.8mm so once it is applied to an 18mm board it obviously grows in thickness to around 19mm or more! No surprise, but sometimes forgotten. Remember this when designing your furniture. Build-in those tolerances if needed. We only reference nominal thicknesses, after pressing your panel can actually measure 0.5mm +/- mm or more.

Email your Specially Pressed Laminate enquiry here today

Take aways/highlights

1. ·         Increase your choice of decorative panels by including laminates in your design process
2. ·         Laminates are a great choice if you need a very high quality, durable board.
3. ·         Watch out for MOQ’s and assume an order time of a few weeks, rather than days.
4. ·         Choose Laminates if you want a decorative panel pressed on Birch ply or MDF core which isn’t available in MFC.

Links to previous related blogs

1.       Is melamine better than laminate

2.       Which MFC is right for me?

For durability, choose a laminate over a melamine faced chipboard.

Conclusions:

When you want something more durable or higher quality than a melamine faced chipboard, a specially pressed laminate is a great upgrade, just remember the minimum order quantities and cost differences between laminates and ‘everyday’ melamine faced chipboards. By choosing a laminate you’ll find your project is elevated to a higher level of quality all-round.

Frequently asked questions

Q: Can you edge band a laminate board?

A: Yes, they are cut and edge banded in just the same way as a melamine faced chipboard.

Q: Do I need to buy two laminates, one for each face of the board?

A: Yes. It is important to balance the board by applying a sheet of laminate on both sides of your panel. This helps to keep the board flat. For panels which aren’t seen on both sides, you can order the B-Side balancer, to be a cheaper plain laminate to save cost.

Q: How long do Specially Pressed Laminates take to order?

A: Typically, special orders like this take between 3 and 5 weeks before they are ready to cut to size.