Laminate is a resin combined with a paper featuring the desired design, color, or pattern, pressed together with heat. It’s a surface material that affixes to plywood or other fiberboard on the cabinet body.

The quality of the laminate will affect its price, strength, and tendency to peel from the core component. High-pressure laminate (HPL) will crack and chip less than the low-pressure laminate (LPL).

PET laminate in particular features a thermoplastic polymer laminated to substrate, like MDF, that has a stronger heat seal with special adhesive and a beautiful transparent, reflective glossy surface. PET laminate is considered stronger than most melamine surfaces.

Pros

• Affordable
• Easy to clean
• Resistant to scratches and stains
• Resistant to heat and moisture
• Resistant to warping and rippling
• Lasts longer than thermofoil surfaces

Cons

• Cannot be repaired if cut or cracked
• Less durable wood material core
• LPL more prone to chip and crack than HPL