Laminate doors are among the most popular options for any space. Whether for residential, workplace, business areas, or schools, this is a go-to choice. Laminate doors have extensive properties that elevate their performance and functionality.
Choosing the right door is crucial. Thus, you can look at this comprehensive guide for information on what is a laminate door, including its pros and cons.
Contents
What is a laminate door?
Laminate doors are one of the options that are appropriate for both interior and exterior spaces. This door type is often created with layers of materials, usually MDF wood, resin, cardboard, timber, and more. The manufacturing process of this door starts with these materials being compacted with another layer of porous particles, or cardboard. Then, finish off with a protective plastic coating.
Because of this series of layers, laminated doors are extremely high-quality, durable, elegant, and eco-friendly. This door is also a combination of aesthetic and performance. Laminate doors come in a wide range of colors, variations, and designs. Surely, you can find one that suits your needs.
Types of Laminate
There is a wide range of laminate doors from which you can choose. Some of the types available are listed below:
High-Pressure Laminate (HPL)
One of the types of laminate doors is high-pressure laminate. HPL is one of the most durable and long-lasting. This type is made of six to eight layers of kraft paper infused with resin and fused with heat and pressure. This makes them the perfect option for high-traffic locations.
Low-Pressure Laminates (LPL)
LPL is the opposite of HPL in the way it possesses weak strength and durability. This door type has one or two layers of particle board pressed onto a substrate with lower heat and pressure. This makes them suitable for low-impact locations.
Decorative Laminates
Decorative laminates focus on design areas. This type of laminate is durable, versatile, and aesthetic, making it ideal for a wide range of spaces. Aside from their looks, this type is suitable for interiors and high-traffic locations due to being resistant to wear, tear, and scratches.
Compact Laminates
Compact laminates are made of recycled paper dipped with resin and dried. This type of laminate is stacked together with high pressure and heat. This makes them thicker and more durable, making them ideal for a high-traffic environment.
Industrial Laminates
Industrial laminates are made up of fibrous webs of material with thermosetting resins fused using heat and pressure. This laminate type can withstand extreme environmental conditions. That makes them durable, sturdy, and long-lasting.
Advantages of Laminate Doors
Now that you know all the information about “what is a laminate door?” it’s time to get familiar with its advantages. Some of the aspects you may note are:
Cost
Laminate doors are one of the most affordable options on the market. Typically, the price per door can range from $350 to $450, depending on the design and fire-resistant feature. This makes them a practical option for home construction or interior remodeling.
Durability and Versatility
Despite the fact that laminate doors are reasonably priced, this door is durable and versatile. Laminate doors have a laminate finish, which is why they are strong and sturdy. This door also has top qualities, such as its great resistance to heat, wear, and moisture.
Maintenance
Cleaning laminate doors is as simple as wiping them down. For instance, if there is a spill or stain, you can clean it right away using a sponge or rug with soap and warm water. This door also doesn’t require much coating or repainting, making it look new for years.
Design Variations
Laminate doors have wide design variations. There are different colors, patterns, and textures available. There are also different types, such as laminate interior doors, plastic laminate doors, laminate glass doors, and more. Certainly, you can find a design that will suit your space. Laminate doors also have a smooth and seamless edge, giving them a clean and polished appearance.
Heat, Impact, and Water Resistance
Laminate doors are manufactured under high heat and pressure. This allows them to withstand extreme environmental temperatures. Laminates are also naturally moisture- and water-resistant, making them suitable in watery areas. Laminate doors also have a thick outer surface that protects the inner layer from impacts, hence, protecting its natural color.
Disadvantages of Laminate Doors
Despite how good laminate doors are, we cannot deny that they also contain disadvantages. The following are some of the things you can note:
Environmental Concerns
One of the things you have to be cautious about when buying laminate doors is their environmental concerns. Although some materials are sustainable, they might contain volatile organic compounds (VOCs) that release laminates from their adhesive. This might compromise the air quality in your space.
Limited Location Options
Laminated doors are not recommended in outdoor areas. Although laminated doors have quality and thick layers, during extreme weather, they might not perform well.
Weight
Laminate doors are lightweight compared to other door types. This makes them less secure, especially for intruders and extreme weather conditions. This also means that the door is breakable and not that robust.
Limited Heat Resistance
Among the disadvantages of laminate doors is that they are not resistant to fire. In a location where fire is prominent, this door might not offer enough fire resistance.
Limited Repair Resistance
Laminate doors are difficult to repair and manage. When cases were broken or had issues, replacing them would be your only option.
How to Repair Laminate Doors
Although we have mentioned that repairing laminate doors is hard, it is never impossible. When repairing laminate doors, there are two areas you can focus on: scratches and dents, and laminate peel.
Repairing Scratch and Dents
When there is a scratch or dents in your laminate door, all you need to do is add filler or paste. But before you do that, you need to clean and air-dry the impacted area. Next, apply a thin amount of filler or paste using a putty knife. As you gradually apply the filler or paste to the area, ensure that it levels to the door’s surface. After you are done applying, smoothen the area using sandpaper and paint a color topper over it to blend.
Repairing Laminate Peels
When the laminate is peeling, what you can do is use a heat gun and laminate paste to fix the peeling. Before applying the peels, you should remove any loose or peeling skin using a putty knife. Then, cover the entire surface as you put the paste on. After that, apply heat to the paste until it dries. When it dries, smooth it with sandpaper and paint it with a complementary color to blend.
Key Takeaways
Laminate doors are indeed one of the door options out there, especially if you’re on a budget. If you are considering a laminate door for your space, send us your inquiries as soon as possible. At Mannlee, we can help you navigate all the options possible for your space.
What are you waiting for? Choose Mannlee now!
