Every home and office furniture is created with wood. Though the wood requires covering and decoration, To cover the surface of the wood, we need Laminate. Varieties of Laminates are available in the market. Formica is one of the types of Laminate.
People prefer Formica for the kitchen since it is easy to maintain. Their separate usage and difference between the two are impressive. The two are artificially crafted surfaces.
Key Takeaways
- Formica is a brand of high-pressure laminate, while laminate is a generic term for a composite material made of multiple layers bonded together.
- Formica and laminate are used for countertops, cabinets, and furniture due to their durability and ease of maintenance.
- As a well-known brand, Formica comes at a higher price than generic laminate options.
Formica vs Laminate
Formica is a brand of high-pressure laminate (HPL) that is commonly used for countertops, cabinets, and other decorative and functional surfaces. Laminate is a term which is used to describe a synthetic material made by pressing together multiple layers of paper or fabric with a resin or adhesive.
Formica refers to the surface cover used in covering tabletops, kitchen countertops, wall covers, and many more. Formica is a durable option for home interiors.
It is burn-resistant and quick to maintain. It requires minimal effort in cleaning the surfaces. It is a combination of fabric and melamine. Antimicrobial properties are present in Formica.
Laminate refers to the medium-density plywood sheet. It gives a smooth finish to the furniture. Unlike Formica, Laminate has a risk of termites.
It requires maintenance at frequent intervals. To invest in Laminate is not a budget-friendly option. Color of Formica changes over time. Scratch-resistant properties are lacking in Laminate.
Comparison Table
| Parameters of Comparison | Formica | Laminate |
|---|---|---|
| Heat resistance | Formica has Heat resistance capabilities and leaves no burnt marks. | On the contrary, Laminate is not Heat resistant. |
| Stain Impact | Formica is Stain-Friendly and does not leave marks on the surface. | Laminate is not Stain-resistant and gets dirty by the time. |
| Antimicrobial Properties | Formica has Antimicrobial properties to fight bacteria and white ants. | Laminate is prone to bacteria and moisture. |
| Resale Value | The Resale value of Formica does not decrease over time. | The Resale Value of Laminate decreases over time since it turns pale. |
| Appearance | The Appearance of Formica is similar to granite stone. | The Appearance of Laminate is similar to wood. |
What is Formica?
Formica Laminate comes in different textures, colors, designs, and patterns. A solid hue variety of Formica is available in the market.
Before purchasing any Formica Sheet, we need to decide the area of application. Some Formica sheets can not refrain from the bacteria. The price of sheets varies as per the usage.
The Starting point of Formica is Westinghouse Electric Corporation in the United States in 1912. It was a replacement of mica sheets in electronic items initially.
The literary meaning of Formica is the best product of the company. It has visible brown corners. Customization is possible in the case of Formica.
Formica sheets are thicker than laminate sheets for wood veneering. Plastic is not part of Formica Sheets. The usual sizes of Formica sheets are eight-foot-high and four-foot-wide.
Formica Sheets are also called Plastic wood alternatively. The inventor of Formica was Mr. Daniel J. O’Connor Herbert A. Faber.
It has a large customer base worldwide. The appearance of Formica is similar to granite material. For tabletops, Formica is a replacement for wood and stone surfaces.
Ample of styling options come with Formica for interior decoration. They are not very trendy because of their looks. Since they look so inferior.
What is Laminate?
Laminate is processed with the high pressing of wood, paper, and resin. Cost and Durability make Laminate a prominent option to buy.
High gloss, shiny, matte, and soft is the varieties of Laminates. Unlike Formica, They do not retain their shine. Laminates have a moderate shelf-life. The alternative name for Laminate is mica as well. It is an artificial material.
Laminate consists of a whole range of products. It contains diverse categories of surface coverings. Way back in 1960, Laminates gained popularity in the market.
Laminates are a flooring solution as well. Wooden floors are created with steady material of wood and glue. When choosing a good quality Laminate, steady material should be the preference.
Laminate is not the best fit for kitchen countertops. It has a limited type of color in it. The Resale Value of Laminate is less. It gives strength, stability, and a good future to wooden material.
Floors, walls, corners, and ceilings are covered with Laminate to give a smooth finish. Laminate is a material and Lamination is the process to cover a surface for protection.
Different methods are adopted to apply Laminate on the surface. Oiling and greasing are the two ways to make them shine for a long duration. There are two categories of Laminate Industrial and Decorative.
Main Differences Between Formica and Laminate
- Area of Usage: Formica is the best fit for the kitchen countertop. On the other hand, Laminate is suitable for all types of furniture.
- Elements Involved: Formica is a part of the Laminate Category, and Laminate contains the whole types of covering sheets.
- Cost Involved: Formica is inexpensive for home interiors, and Laminate is an expensive option for interiors.
- Maintainance: Formica required less maintenance. On the other hand, Laminate requires more maintenance.
- Shelf-Life: Formica has more Shelf life as compared to Laminate. It has a shorter life expectancy.
- Risk Attached: Formica does not attract termites, and Laminates have the risk of termites.
- https://www.emerald.com/insight/content/doi/10.1108/eb043545/full/html
- https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0260877410001147
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