Material Guides
Laminate finishes explained: suede, matte, gloss and texture
5 min read · Plan Your Home design desk
Where each finish belongs, how they age, and which ones hide fingerprints in a family kitchen.
Start with the substrate, not the surface
The finish you see is only 0.8 mm deep. What decides whether a unit survives a decade of Indian humidity is the board underneath — its glue line, core density and edge sealing. Ask for the IS certification on the invoice, not just the brand sticker on the sheet.
What we specify by default
For anything within 600 mm of water we use BWP plywood with a phenol-formaldehyde glue line. Dry areas move to MR ply or HDHMR where a flat, paint-ready face matters more than moisture cycling. Shutters carry 2 mm ABS edge bands on all four sides — never 0.8 mm, and never unsealed.
How to check quality on site
Look at the cut edge: core gaps wider than 1 mm mean the sheet will telegraph through laminate. Tap along the panel and listen for hollow patches. Press a fingernail into the face veneer — soft indentation means low density and poor screw holding.
Budget reality
Upgrading the substrate typically adds 6–9% to a modular quote. Upgrading only the visible laminate adds a similar amount but buys far less lifespan. If you have to choose, spend it below the surface.
Want this specified for your home?
Our designers will draw the specification, quantities and rates for your exact plan — free of charge.
