High pressure laminate (HPL) is a highly durable decorative surface material and can perform in high-traffic environments like hospitality, office, healthcare, retail, commercial spaces, and educational facilities. It is ideal for a variety of applications, including casework, cabinetry, countertops, fixtures, furniture, flooring, and other products.
HPL is made by layering multiple sheets of kraft paper with phenolic resin, combined with a decorative printed paper layer, and then fused together under high heat and pressure. Additionally, it is available with special performance properties, including chemical, fire, and wear resistance.
Types and grades of HPL
General purpose: The most widely used grade, general purpose HPL is suitable for both horizontal and vertical applications.
Postforming: This is designed to be molded around curved edges by applying heat and pressure. The radii formed can be as small as 3/8 inch.
Backer: Made without a decorative face that is available as standard version (most common and slightly thinner than decorative HPL) or regrind (reclaimed HPL with the decorative sheet sanded off).
Special products: This category includes laminates designed for high-wear, fire-rated, electrostatic dissipative, and chemical-resistant options.
Continuous Pressed Laminate (CPL): Using HPL technology in the Double Belt Press (DBP), CPL is created by impregnating decorative paper with resins and fusing it with resin-impregnated backers under high heat and pressure. Its properties are similar to standard HPL, and it is commonly used alongside HPL and thermally fused laminates (TFL).
HPL: Elevating interiors
HPL brings together strength and style, creating surfaces that perform well in horizontal and vertical applications. From smooth countertops to durable flooring and bold wall treatments, HPL elevates spaces. It thrives in high-traffic environments like retail, hospitality, healthcare, and corporate settings, while delivering the performance and aesthetics homeowners seek.
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Case Study HPL ideal for high-traffic commercial projects
For Northway Industries Inc., high pressure laminate’s (HPL) wide range of colors, patterns, and designs, as well as ease of maintenance, are key reasons the Pennsylvania-based contract manufacturer uses the surface material on the exterior of most of its products. “I would also add durability and consistency. Laminate replacement items can be produced years later and will still match the original,” said Elwyn Peachey, president and CEO.
HPL can be utilized on both vertical and horizontal surfaces, and its properties make it ideal for a variety of applications and environments. This is perfect for the custom casework and components manufacturer whose every job — and requirements — are different. Northway lays up the panels in-house on a variety of substrates, then precision-machines them at its 100,000-plus-square-foot state-of-the-art facility. “[We get a] finished product without the expense of a finishing line and the finishing labor.”
Another reason Peachey said he likes HPL is the wide variety of accessory items and coordinated surfaces available in the marketplace. This is ideal for a company that also uses TFL, veneer, and other decorative surfaces in many of its architectural, retail, and high-traffic commercial projects.
In addition to its laminate casework and furniture, Northway offers an extensive HPL door program that includes 3-piece and 5-piece Shaker doors, as well as slab door options, with coordinating HPL drawer fronts. The line is available in more than 1,000 colors, textures, and finishes to match any design vision.
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