Melamine vs Laminate
When getting cabinets or other furniture items made for our kitchens, we often hear terms like melamine and laminate. These materials are highly moisture resistant and allow the products they are applied to be cleaned easily with a damp cloth. Both materials are extensively used by carpenters for products used in kitchens and other places. However, despite similarities, there is a significant difference between melamine and laminate, which will be discussed in this article.
What is Melamine?
Melamine is also known as direct pressure laminate or low-pressure laminate, although it is commonly referred to simply as melamine. This product is created when a thin paper is pressed at a high pressure of 300-500 psi onto a board. However, experts know that melamine is not the product itself, but the resin used to impregnate the paper. The advantage of this laminate is that you do not need to glue a mica sheet over the piece of furniture for home or office use. In fact, it is ideal for making kitchen cabinet doors.
What is Laminate?
Also known as high-pressure laminate and commonly referred to as Formica, this product is made by applying a pressure of 1,400 psi over 6-8 layers of kraft paper. These papers have been glued together, and a melamine plastic is pressed on top. This product is not attached to a board, so the carpenter has to press it onto the board to complete a piece of furniture or countertop. Laminate is available in many shades and textures and is resistant to scratching, heat, and moisture.
Key Takeaways
- Melamine is cheaper than laminate as it is made using a less cost-intensive method.
- Laminate is more durable than melamine and offers better resistance to heat and chemicals.
- Melamine is produced with a pressure of 300-500 psi, while laminates require a pressure of 1,400 psi.
