Worktops | Laminated Worktops

Compact laminate worktops

If you're looking for an extremely durable surface for your kitchen, bathroom, or even an outdoor application, a compact laminate worktop (sometimes called solid laminate) is a great option. Indeed better than other composite materials. Compact Worktop add additional layers to the manufacturing process until the desired thickness is achieved, and it's available in thicknesses from 2mm to 18mm, with most worktops using a 12 or 13mm laminate. The solid construction means that worktops are waterproof and suitable to use with undermount sinks. You can even cut drainer grooves into the surface. Plus, you can order compact worktops in solids, specks, textures, and stones finishes. Polymer is matched to the laminate surface and used to eradicate seams on corners. So if you're looking for a high-quality laminate worktop, a compact laminate worktop is a great option.

What are they made of?

The core of the compact laminate is created by treating paper and resin layers with high pressure, and heat. A final clear coat seals it all together to create a durable product that can be used anywhere.

The laminate is a durable and affordable countertop option that can be made as thin or thick for your worktop needs.

What is the difference between laminate and compact laminate?

The traditional laminate back then used just three layers of Kraft paper and a decorative top layer to create this 2 mm thick sheet. The thin sheets are then glued onto MDF or particle board which will absorb any water from being applied directly on it, causing bubbling in your work surface and eventually leading up towards lose structural integrity as you cut through them with knives or anything else. The laminate itself is very durable but is known to scratch, fade, and chip. You will see seams and edges where the laminate is cut.

On the other hand, compact laminate worktops utilize the same laminate-making process but add more layers of paper and resin so the desired thickness can be achieved. It is not applied to a supporting MDF surface but instead provides its own structure. It is possible to design the front edge so that all seams and cuts are hidden during the manufacturing process with everything having a smooth finish.

Solid Laminate Worktop

Wrapped in a resin-impregnated decorative surface, the core is densely compacted chipboard.

Solid Laminate surfaces are very durable and can last for years in your kitchen, bathroom or even an outdoor application. The laminate surface is made from a high-quality sheet material that's solid throughout, meaning there are no gaps or script lines for dust to get stuck in. Their durable construction makes them perfect for use in your kitchen or other internal places. You can even cut drainer grooves into the surface, which will make cleaning up after a meal much easier.

You can get samples of compact laminates in solid, specks, textures, and stones finish.

Polymer is a great alternative to solid laminates and can be used in many ways. Solid laminate is perfect for eliminating seams on corners, building cabinets out of it, or adding some extra durability!

Is compact laminate worktop good for the kitchen?

Worktops made from compact laminate are extremely popular due to their versatility, durability, ease of cleaning, and customizability. For example, one of the major reasons to buy compact for your kitchen is that it comes with “draining grooves” worked into the tops itself. Comparatively, a flat surface could either sit on the worktop or spill onto a larger area because there is nothing stopping how the liquid is dispersed.

Other major benefits are;

• Laminate worktops are easy to clean and come with affordable prices
• Heat resistant
• Scratch-resistant
• Easy to maintain and comes with wide range of designs and colors, hence no external paint is required.

You'll see a lot of spills on your kitchen worktop if you are very active in the kitchen and are good at cooking. A solid wood worktop that does not have this protective sealant is prone to discoloration and cracking as any liquid left on it will be absorbed. Hence getting your kitchen laminate worktops is going to solve all these problems.

EGGER Compact laminate worktop

The EGGER Compact laminate worktops have a small thickness, which means they're able to move more under heavy point loads. In order for these cabinets not to deflect when wider than 600 mm it is important that the construction of your cabinet accommodates them by using Metal Traverses like sink and cooker ones . Similarly, the low thickness of the worktop requires the use of coordinated fittings. If you want an accurate quote on our products or would like some advice about what type could best suit Your needs please don't hesitate getting back. 

Compact Laminate- Heat Resistance

The laminate worktop is a tough surface that can resist some heat for short periods, but in general, it's not wise to place hot pots and pans directly on the counter. Placing a warm plate just out of your microwave while you grab something else works great.

Most laminate worktops can withstand heat (up to 220°C) for 10 minutes.

Due to the fact that the compact laminate relies on heat to set its polymers and resins, excessive heat can cause the adhesives to soften and the material to delaminate.

Can a laminate worktop look good with a curved edge in your kitchen?

This example shows exactly how stylish laminate worktops can look with a curved edge as compared to other worktops like stone, composite, oak etc. The contemporary kitchen cabinet doors have a pleasing shape which is accentuated by the radius corner of the pale marble effect compact laminate edge worktop. Edge profile worktop draws the eye and helps to create a center point within the kitchen if you cut compact laminate in the right way. 

The curved laminate worktop is a great replacement for an island in your kitchen, especially if you have limited space. Not only will it add interest and beauty in point of view but also help with circulation by creating more room between appliances while still being able to use all of their features. Small children cannot bang their heads on sharp or square edge corners, which is a functional feature. 

If you have a very specific idea of how you would like your kitchen to look, then you may want to incorporate a few curves or bespoke edges as part of the kitchen worktop to achieve the look you had in mind.

Compact Laminate vs Quartz

The compact laminate countertops that were once thought to be a lower quality option now seem like they might permanently stick as an economy grade product. Quartz, on the other hand appears more luxurious and premium- both in appearance and price point - making it clear why people buy this type of surface for their kitchen work surfaces.

Laminate countertops are more affordable to install, among other characteristics in their favor. Quartz countertops are made with 90 percent or more stone particles, such as marble, quartz, and other stones and are homogeneous in nature; it is the same throughout the entire thickness of the countertop.

Under normal conditions, quartz is highly resistant to abrasion, while laminate's top-most wear layers have long been its weak point. Although quartz is more resilient to hot temperatures, laminate will still get damaged if you leave it with heated bodies for too long. Prolonged exposure at low levels can cause cracks or breaks on both surfaces.

Does compact laminate scratch?

Compact worktop is highly resistant to scratching. Worktops have been reported to remain looking like new for many years because the finish is durable and cannot be damaged or marked easily. They are usually sealed with some protective epoxy layers.

Pros and Cons

Laminate is a great choice for kitchen design projects. It comes in different thicknesses and can support undermount sinks or drainer grooves, making it an ideal material to use when designing your space's finishings.

Pros:

• Endless possibilities of patterns and designs with wide color range
• Can be cut to any size and shape to fit bathroom, office, kitchen or even stores
• Extremely durable and easy maintenance
• Water and heat resistant
• Highly cost effective as compared to quartz
• Uses renewable materials making it eco friendly choice

Cons:

• Limited in edging options due to its layered construction
• Chips can be noticeable and more difficult to conceal compared to stone
• Even the stone patterns will not quite look like a natural materials