Do you need a kitchen to remodel now, a bathroom remodel of the cabinets, or new shelves in your home? The wide variety of available materials can make selecting the correct one extremely difficult–especially if price is a big issue. But what if you have an option of long-lasting, great-looking, and affordable solid woods that you could use? Enter melamine board!
In this blog post, we'll discover what melamine is, how it’s produced, what it is used for, and the benefits and drawbacks, and find out the right choice for your next project.
What Is Melamine?
Let’s start with the basics. What is melamine?
Melamine is a basic organic compound that has been widely used around the world. However, through a process known as polymerization, CMC can be combined with formaldehyde, which forms a hard, strong plastic resin. It further forms what is known as melamine laminated, which is applied on materials such as particle boards, plywood, or medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
In other words, when we discuss melamine board today, we’re referring to these laminates that are bonded to a core material to make a final product.
Melamine vs. Laminate: Are They the Same?
We guess that you have probably come across melamine and laminate furniture and thought that they are the same thing; well, you are wrong. Even though melamine falls under the laminate category, not all laminates in the market are made from melamine.
Here’s how they differ:
- Melamine board is a low-pressure laminate (LPL) made with a pressure of 300-500 pounds per square inch (psi).
- HPL, or high-pressure laminates, are made under significantly higher pressure than compression laminates, more than 1,400 psi, like Formica.
Both types of boards are tough and can suit a wide range of application properties, but usually, melamine is more affordable.
What Is Melamine Made Of?
Want to know what melamine is made of? The process involves the use of melamine and formaldehyde to produce resin, then milled thin boards. These sheets are then laminated to a substrate, for instance, particle board or MDF, creating the melamine board.
The result? An exterior that is durable and a mixture affords great water resistance and has a beautiful natural finish to it that resembles that of a timber finish or other similar finish.
Advantages of Melamine
But why is melamine used in projects so often? Let’s dive into its standout features:
1. Durability
One of the biggest advantages of using melamine is its’ durability characteristic. Melamine is:
- Scratch-resistant
- Waterproof
- Stain-resistant
- Easy to clean
Even though it makes it ideal to be used in areas that may experience higher traffic, such as the kitchen and the bathroom.
2. Perfect Finish
Nowadays you will find many different colors, textures, and finishes of melamine in the market. This surface gives you all that you need: a natural wood grain finish, a clean and minimalistic contemporary finish, or bold and bright.
3. Budget-Friendly
However, if you do not want to adjust your style while at the same time not being willing to spend a lot of cash, then melamine is wonderful for you. Compared to other timber, it is cheaper to purchase and easy to work on because it does not need to be sanded or varnished during installation.
4. Versatility
From use in cabinetry to shelves to office furniture, melamine’s versatility can make it an ideal choice in more applications than one could imagine.
Disadvantages of Melamine
Of course, no material is perfect. Let’s look at some melamine disadvantages to keep in mind:
1. Water Damage Risk
Although the melamine surface is water resistant, the core material, which can be particle board or MDF, is not. When water finds its way into the core, it might twist or swell, and that’s not good for the surrounding area.
2. Chipping Potential
Improper installation may result in decaying; this is more obvious at the edges of the board. That can cause the board to look less attractive and can reduce its durability.
3. Edge Banding Required
Melamine panels often possess barely closed edges that require an application of edge banding to give the appearance of a finished product.
Common Melamine Uses
Since we are now aware of what melamine is for its advantages and disadvantages, let us proceed with the discussions on its uses. But then again, what is melamine board used for?
Here are some popular uses:
1. Kitchen Cabinets
Melamine is also used in kitchen cabinetry because it gives a quality finish and is cheaper than solid wood.
2. Bathroom Vanities
Due to its water resistance, melamine can be used in bathrooms, as it will look smart and give a functional application.
3. Shelving
This is why, despite it being heavy, melamine is perfect for shelves in closets, garages, or living rooms because of its affordable price.
4. Office Furniture
Not just desks but cubicles are often made of melamine for its durability and smooth, compliant surface.
5. Whiteboards
Yes, even whiteboards! With its attractive appearance, glossy surface, and easy writing and erasing, melamine is very suitable for use.
6. Display Counters
This is why you will find many retail stores have incorporated the use of melamine as a finishing material for counters.
Is Melamine Right for You?
If you are looking for a budget-friendly product with top quality and a modern design, melamine can be the best choice. Here’s a quick checklist to help you decide:
Are you looking for something durable that requires little maintenance?
Searching for more options and choices of frame finishing and painting?
Working on a budget?
However, if you’re worried about water resistance or the material you require must be able to handle a huge amount of load, you may have to look elsewhere.
How to Avoid Common Melamine Issues
To get the most out of your melamine board, proper installation and care are key:
- Seal the Edges: To avoid chipping and water damage, utilize edge banding.
- Handle with Care: Never drop the board during the installation, or else it will cause cracks in it.
- Keep It Dry: Clean up liquids immediately, as water may seep into the core when it is still wet.
The Future of Melamine
While sustainable forms of construction are gradually growing stronger, melamine still holds a place as a unique solution for cheap and environmentally friendly construction projects. It is becoming stronger due to the latest manufacturing methods and the variety of finishes available to it and is thus an even more versatile option than before.
Final Thoughts
Melamine board is an appealing, fashionable, and inexpensive material as compared to the solid wood that is greatly used by homeowners and contractors. Whether it is your kitchen remodel, new shelving, or a new office, then melamine is the right material that combines durability and affordability.
By understanding what melamine is and its benefits and disadvantages, you can make the right decision should you need it in a future project. For this reason, if well installed and maintained, melamine board provides durability and the best value for the price.
So, what’s your next project? If melamine seems to suit your needs perfectly, then it might just be time to visit Sensations Display and check out the options.
