When designing bespoke kitchen furniture, there are numerous options to choose from, but one of the most popular is the HPL-decor worktop. Below, we outline its advantages and disadvantages, as well as the features of HPL-decor splashbacks, to help you make your decision.
HPL (High Pressure Laminate) decorative worktops are made from a material consisting of layers pressed together under high pressure. The base substrate is natural wood chipboard, the top and front of which are covered with a waterproof decorative layer laminated under high pressure. This material is extremely resistant to wear and scratches, making it an ideal choice for kitchen worktops. Spilled food and drink do not stain it, it withstands heavy cookware well, and it does not chip. Furthermore, thanks to their water resistance, HPL worktops also provide adequate protection against moisture.
The main advantages of HPL worktops include high wear resistance and durability. These properties ensure that the surface retains its aesthetic appearance over the long term and requires minimal maintenance. These worktops are easy to clean and are resistant to most household cleaning products.
Another advantage worth mentioning is the wide range of HPL worktops available. The various colour shades, patterns and textures mean that everyone can find a style to suit their own unique kitchen furniture. What’s more, the HPL decorative splashback can also be made from this material, allowing you to give the whole kitchen a cohesive and harmonious look. HPL decorative worktops are also excellent at imitating other, more expensive and/or more fragile materials, such as marble, other stones, ceramics or solid wood. As both worktops and splashbacks can be made from it, we can give our kitchen a clean, uniform look, resulting in some truly stunning designs.
At the same time, one of the drawbacks of HPL worktops worth mentioning is that they are less heat-resistant. This means they won’t last as long if exposed to high temperatures, so it’s best not to leave a hot saucepan on them.
If the workmanship isn’t up to standard, water can also cause serious damage to it. Here, as in every other area, it’s worth aiming for quality; unfortunately, cheaper options usually do indeed mean poorer quality. If you choose a reputable kitchen designer, you really don’t need to worry about this. Proper edge finishing and the solutions used at the corners can significantly extend the lifespan of the worktop.
HPL decorative worktops offer a number of advantages for bespoke kitchen furniture, such as wear resistance, ease of cleaning and a wide range of styles. The disadvantages include sensitivity to heat and moisture, but these factors can be managed with appropriate design and installation. Overall, HPL worktops prove to be an excellent choice for creating the perfect bespoke kitchen.
One thing is certain: we are happy to recommend this material to our customers, as it is of a very high quality, easy to work with, and offers excellent value for money. If you’d like bespoke kitchen furniture and already have an idea in mind, we’d love to welcome you to our kitchen studio! We’ll design it for you free of charge and bring your dream kitchen furniture to life within just 3–4 weeks, backed by a 10-year product guarantee. Book an appointment now via our contact details!
