HPL interiors
Compact vs standard HPL: what is the difference?
Published 5 min read
Both are high-pressure laminate, and both look similar on the surface. Underneath they are built very differently, and that decides where each can be used.
In short: compact HPL is a solid, self-supporting panel. Standard HPL is a thin sheet that needs a board behind it.
How they are built
- Decorative facemelamine sealed
- Phenolic kraft coresolid, full thickness
- Decorative facesame on both sides
Illustration, not to exact scale.
- Decorative laminate0.6 to 1.0 mm
- Chipboard or MDF coregives the strength
- Balancing laminateprevents warping
Illustration, not to exact scale.
Side by side
| Compact HPL | Standard HPL on board | |
|---|---|---|
| Construction | Solid resin-bonded kraft paper with a decorative face on both sides | Thin laminate bonded to a chipboard or MDF core, with a balancing sheet on the back |
| Typical thickness | 2 mm and up; 6 to 12 mm common | 0.6 to 1.0 mm sheet on a board |
| Standard | EN 438-4 (laminates of 2 mm and above) | EN 438-3 (laminates under 2 mm, for bonding to a substrate) |
| Self-supporting | Yes | No, the board gives the strength |
| In wet areas | No core to swell; edges should be sealed | Depends on the board; the core can swell if water reaches it |
| Typical use | Cubicles, lockers, cladding, wet areas | Vanities, cabinets, worktops, joinery |
Typical values for guidance. Final specification is confirmed per project.
Choosing
Toilet cubicles and changing rooms
Compact, usually 12 mm.
Lockers and wall cladding
Compact, often 6 mm.
Cabinets, vanities and worktops
Standard HPL on a moisture-resistant board is economical and widely used.
Laboratory dry benches and teaching labs
Compact, around 20 mm, as a moisture-resistant worktop.
Cost and weight
Compact panels cost more per square metre and are heavier, because the whole thickness is the laminate. Standard HPL on board is lighter and cheaper but is only as good as its core. For wet areas, ask for a moisture-resistant board and sealed edges.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use standard HPL for toilet cubicles?
It is not the usual choice. Cubicle panels are self-supporting and sit in a wet environment, so compact HPL is normally specified.
Are both easy to clean?
Yes. Both have a sealed decorative melamine surface that wipes clean and resists staining.
Do both come in the same decors?
Generally yes. Most decors are offered in both constructions, so cubicles and cabinets can match.
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