Seven Reasons Why Laminate is Making a Comeback

High pressure laminate (HPL) is having a moment. Once associated with mid-century modern kitchens, laminate has evolved into a sophisticated, high-performance surfacing solution that fits today’s design demands and budget constraints. Thanks to new technology, style and performance, laminate is making a comeback as a top choice for designers, homeowners, and builders alike.

Here’s why laminate deserves a fresh look.

1) Technology

This is not your grandmother’s kitchen laminate.

Today’s laminate benefits from advanced printing techniques and innovative surface textures that create remarkably realistic stone, wood, and abstract looks at a fraction of the cost of natural materials.

Formica Group has led this evolution with:

• 180fx® Laminate: Large-scale prints that minimize repetition for a more authentic, natural appearance.
• InDepth Surfacing™: Surfaces that synchronize texture with the printed pattern, delivering a coordinated look and feel that adds depth and realism. 

The result is laminate that looks and feels premium while remaining practical. 

2) Affordability

Laminate is significantly more budget-friendly than quartz or natural stone, making it an ideal solution for projects where both design and cost matter.

In addition to its lower upfront cost, laminate is easy to clean and maintain, reducing long-term maintenance expenses. Furthermore, laminate is DIY-friendly for those who wish to do install without a specialized contractor. 

3) Textures and Versatility

Modern laminates offer an impressive range of textures. Stone, wood and graphic textures add realism to beautiful high pressure laminate patterns. The versatility of HPL works across a wide variety of applications. Did you know that any Formica® Laminate in –90 Gloss can be used as a writable markerboard?   No matter the space or style, laminate provides flexibility without compromise.

4) DIY-Friendly

High pressure laminate is easy to work with and install, making it a favorite for DIYers. For tips on cutting and working with Formica® Laminate, visit the DIY section on our website.

Formica® Laminate is also available to order online at Formica.com, making it accessible for projects of any size. 

5) Low Maintenance

Laminate surfaces are easy to clean and maintain, requiring no sealing or special treatments. They resist everyday wear, moisture and common household stains, making them a practical choice for busy kitchens, bathrooms, offices, and shared spaces. 

6) Durable

Modern laminate builds on a legacy of performance, enhanced by today’s advanced manufacturing technologies. HPL is engineered for wear resistance, impact resistance and long-term reliability in high-use environments. 

There’s a reason people remember Formica® Laminate from their childhood. It performed day after day. Today’s HPL continues that tradition1 with documented durability standards and real-world performance testing, delivering dependability for everyday use. 

7) Sustainable

High pressure laminate is primarily made from paper. In fact, Formica® Laminate has been certified as 72% biobased material by the U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA) under the Certified Biobased Product Label program. 

This makes HPL a strong choice for projects focused on sustainability and responsible material sourcing. 

Consider Formica® Laminate for Your Next Project

With advanced technology, affordability, versatile design options, easy maintenance, proven durability, and strong sustainability credentials, laminate is not just back. It is better than ever. 

Woodworking Network