Laminated doors have a bit of a reputation, but this material has come a long way since the 1970s. Laminex doors provide a flexible option for new kitchens, as you can choose from a rainbow of colours and an almost endless selection of designs and textures. So, here we’ll all you need to know about laminate and Laminex doors to provide the details you need to make an informed decision for your kitchen renovation.
The Laminate Basics
Laminate is used as a decorative surface for countertops and laminated doors. It’s widely used in bathrooms and kitchens to provide a flexible choice to complement any style of decor.
Laminate is made using layers of paper with a final layer of decorative material to provide colour and pattern. This is finished with an overlay to create a durable finish. Laminex is considered a greener choice as the decorative paper is free of elemental chlorine and you don’t need to be concerned about fuelling the demand for increased tree felling.
The Myths of Laminate
Unfortunately, there are some lingering myths about laminate that need to be dispelled. The most common is that laminate is a plastic product. In fact, laminate is made using layers of paper with thermosetting resins. This makes it very durable for many interior applications. Laminate kitchen doors and benchtops can last for decades with the proper installation and care.
Finally, many people insist that laminate cannot look “real,” but this is simply not the case. With the development of digital printing, realistic stone and wood patterns can be replicated for laminate to create an authentic aesthetic.
The Advantages of Laminex
The main advantage of laminate is that it provides a cost-effective option for a kitchen renovation. Laminex doors are available for a fraction of the cost of solid wood, yet provide a durable finish that will look great for years to come.
Laminate can be cut and shaped to specifications, so you can have benchtops to complement your Laminex doors. These benchtops can even have curved surfaces for a shaped edge and a sophisticated look.
Laminate offers good durability, making it ideal for kitchen doors. It is resistant to surface wear, dry heat, staining, impact damage and can be resistant to water up to 180ºc. You will need to take some care as direct exposure to radiant heat or steam can cause some changes in the gloss level or colour. Additionally, cigarette burns can cause brown staining and changes to the gloss level.
Laminex doors are manufactured to conform with the Australian standards and are supplied with a seven year limited warranty. This does rely on correct installation, so if your Laminex doors show any delamination, blisters or cracking, you will need to contact your kitchen company.
Finally, Laminex is available in over two hundred colours with an array of designs and finishes including DiamondGloss for a sophisticated look to your new kitchen.
If you would like to know more about Laminex doors, you should speak to us. We offer a wide variety of options from solid wood to for your kitchen renovation. Our team would be delighted to answer any questions to help you to plan your new kitchen.
