Learn the Difference Between HPL and LPL Today
Securing the best materials for any project is a way to guarantee its quality in the long run. For many prospective builders and homeowners, the differences between HPL and LPL is an age-old question that many still struggle to answer when it’s time to commence the project. If you want to make the best choice for your project, read on to take the guesswork out of your decision-making process and know more about high pressure laminate vs melamine.
What are the differences between high pressure laminates and low pressure laminates?
Before we proceed to the pros and cons of HPL vs melamine, let’s get to know the basics of each material and what they’re made of for a better understanding of the two.
High Pressure Laminate (more commonly known as HPL sheets), are a popular and versatile material typically used in construction and interior design. Composed of six to eight layers for better durability, HPL sheets are usually made of resin-imbued kraft paper, a decorative finish of choice such as solid color or wood grain, before being topped off with a final coat of clear textured overlay.
Unlike melamine (also known as LPL or Low-Pressure Laminate), HPL does not come with its own substrate, and would require a bonding or laminate-laying process for reinforcement and adherence to a substrate like medium density fiberboard (MDF) or craft wood. However, this extra reinforcement from its backing, coupled with its own multi-layer structure and final overlay, make for a sturdier heat, moisture infiltration, and impact-resistant final product—a construction and interior work material that can hold its own in various applications such as high-pressure laminate shelves, tables, and cabinetry.
Versus HPL, LPL is a thinner, lighter material made up of melamine-imbued decorative paper that is directly installed onto a substrate during production. This substrate is typically made up of medium density fiber or particle board and coated on both sides with a decorative paper. While both materials may seem visually identical, HPL is a better choice for its durability, longevity, and survival against daily wear and tear.
What do I Pick?
There are a number of factors to consider when choosing between HPL vs LPL, so we can help you with the guesswork by laying out the pros and cons for both.
Versatility
When it comes to versatility and applications, it is important to keep in mind the conditions which the materials will be subjected to when installed for your project. If you expect potential moisture and medium impact like in a kitchen, dining area, or even a home office, high pressure laminates are much more suited to resisting moisture infiltration and impact resistance. Its internal structure and technology safeguard against corrosion from elements or physical forces while still holding its form in both vertical and horizontal applications. On the other hand, LPL sheets are more suited to low-impact vertical applications with little to no moisture and infiltration risk.
Verdict: Choose HPL.
High Pressure laminate takes the cake when it comes to versatility because of its many possible applications, being suited to both horizontal and vertical installations, and its resistance to impact and moisture make it an easy go-to for kitchen and dining settings, as well as other applications that go beyond the realm of commercial or corporate spaces.
Convenience
When it comes to convenience, it is difficult to pinpoint one winner over the other between HPL and melamine. One way to come to a solid verdict on this is to ask yourself what convenience means for your team and your project. One major difference between HPL and LPL is that LPL comes ready-made and pre-attached to the substrate. On the other hand, you can customize HPL from the get-go. From its finish to the substrate of your choice, you can have a say on the matter and wait for the customized product before beginning production.
Verdict: It depends.
If you require a ready-to-use solution with minimal specifications on the type of environment it will be used in, then LPL is a great option to consider. Just note that any adjustments will have to be made on top of your existing application. However, if you wish to save time and lessen additional tweaking and customization post-installation, HPL is a much better choice for you and your team because you can work with a material that has been tailored to the preferred finish of your client or project.
Value For Money
When undertaking any project, it always pays to consider that the best deals aren’t always the cheapest ones. Making an investment on your space is something that needs to factor in longevity and permanence. Whether it be a residential or corporate space, think about how important the longevity or durability of your installation is, and whether you want it to be a permanent addition to the space.
At face value, LPL is the immediate winner when it comes to affordability, but perhaps not the choice that gives you the best value for money. On the other hand, HPL may seem like a loftier investment but its durability and resistance to the day-to-day hustle is an investment that pays for itself in the long haul.
Verdict: HPL
Versus Melamine, HPL provides longer-lasting applications in both construction and interiors because of its impact and infiltration resistance. While it may be more of an investment, its quality and sturdiness simply cannot be matched by LPL. LPL is an affordable alternative that is best suited for more aesthetic and decorative applications, such as a divider or shelf in consistently stable, dry settings.
Overall, it seems that HPL is a clear winner between HPL vs melamine due to its more durable and versatile composition. Built with technology that guarantees the lifespan of your installation, it is not hard to see why high-pressure laminate is an industry favorite among long-time players in construction and interior design. LPL is an affordable alternative, but it simply can’t match the practicality, versatility, and longevity of its high-pressure counterpart. If you are looking to make a construction or interior investment of your own, get in touch with a trusted supplier of high-pressure laminates in the Philippines for top-notch design and service!