What is a compact laminate worktop?

Last Updated on October 24, 2024

Compact laminate worktops are the latest innovation in kitchen surfaces, offering a sleek, durable, and highly functional option for modern kitchens. Known for their strength and minimalist aesthetics, these kitchen worktops are just 12mm thick but boast exceptional durability. Whether you’re looking for a contemporary design or a practical solution for a busy household, compact laminate worktops are an excellent choice.

At House of Worktops, we pride ourselves on offering compact laminate worktops that combine practicality with style, helping homeowners achieve the perfect balance between function and design in their kitchens. In this guide, we’ve answered the most common questions people have when considering compact laminate worktops.

What is a compact laminate worktop made of?

Compact laminate worktops are created through a high-pressure lamination process that ensures the material’s durability and strength. Here’s a more detailed look at how they are made:

• Core Construction: The core of a compact laminate worktop is made from several layers of kraft paper, which are soaked in phenolic resin. This resin is what gives the worktop its solid, waterproof core. Before the layers are compressed, the material is around 60mm thick.
• High-Pressure Compression: The kraft paper and resin are subjected to immense pressure, which compresses the material into a dense, 12mm-thick slab. This compression process is what makes compact laminate worktops so durable, giving them their strength and resistance to wear and tear.
• Decorative and Protective Layers: The top of the worktop is covered with a decorative layer that mimics natural materials like stone or wood. This layer is coated with a melamine surface, making it resistant to scratches, stains, and heat.

This precise manufacturing process results in a material that is not only robust but also aesthetically versatile, with options to suit any kitchen design.

Check out our Oak worktops

Shop now

Check out our Oak worktops

Shop now

Is the core of a compact laminate worktop solid?

Absolutely! Compact laminate worktops are solid to the core. Unlike traditional laminate worktops that have a chipboard core, compact laminate is made entirely of kraft paper and resin. This core runs throughout the entire thickness of the worktop, ensuring that it remains strong, durable, and waterproof. When you cut the worktop, whether, for drainage grooves or an under-mount sink, you’ll find that the same solid core continues through the material. This means you don’t have to worry about applying any edging or sealing.

Are compact laminate worktops good?

Compact laminate worktops are one of the most durable and cost-effective options available for modern kitchens and come with a whole host of benefits. At House of Worktops, we’ve sold thousands of compact laminate worktops, and we’re confident in their quality. Here are a few reasons why compact laminate worktops are an excellent choice:

• Waterproof Core: Since the core is made from solid resin-impregnated layers, the entire worktop is waterproof, not just the surface. This makes it perfect for use with under-mount sinks.
• Heat and Stain Resistance: The melamine surface provides excellent resistance to heat, stains, and scratches, making it ideal for busy kitchens.
• Quartz Alternative: If you’re looking for a stylish yet affordable alternative to quartz, compact laminate is a great option. It mimics the appearance of premium materials while being more budget-friendly.
• Easy Installation and Customisation: Compact laminate worktops can be cut using standard hardwood cutting tools, and the edges can be polished to a glossy finish, making them customizable without the need for specialist equipment.

Is compact laminate hard to cut?

Cutting a compact laminate worktop is straightforward, especially if you have the right tools. You can use standard tools like a circular saw or router to make precise cuts. The key is to use a high-quality, sharp blade to avoid chipping and to make shallow cuts in stages, ensuring a clean finish.

If you’re cutting compact laminate for the first time, we recommend practising on an offcut to perfect your technique. Make sure to clamp the worktop securely and use a guide rail to ensure a straight, accurate cut. At House of Worktops, we also recommend finishing the cut edges with sandpaper and oiling them to achieve a polished, professional finish. For more on this, read our detailed guide on how to cut a compact laminate worktop.

Does compact laminate chip easily?

No, compact laminate worktops are highly resistant to chipping. Thanks to the high-pressure lamination process, the surface and edges of the worktop are incredibly durable. However, to avoid chipping while cutting, it’s important to use a sharp blade and make incremental cuts. This ensures that the surface remains smooth and free of chips.

Does compact laminate need edging?

One of the great advantages of compact laminate worktops is that they do not require edging. Since the core of the worktop is solid and consistent throughout, you don’t need to apply any additional edging materials. After cutting the worktop, simply sand and polish the edges for a smooth finish. This not only saves time during installation but also provides a clean, modern look.

What’s the difference between compact laminate and laminate worktops?

The main difference between compact laminate worktops and traditional laminate worktops lies in the core material. Traditional laminate worktops have a chipboard core, which is covered with a thin laminate surface. While the laminate surface is durable, the chipboard core is prone to water damage if exposed to moisture. This can lead to swelling and warping over time.

Compact laminate worktops, on the other hand, are completely solid and waterproof throughout. The entire core is made from resin-infused kraft paper, which is compressed into a dense, durable slab. This makes compact laminate worktops more resistant to moisture, heat, and impact compared to traditional laminate worktops.

Do not let the thickness of compact laminate worktops mislead you about their durability, it’s about strength because before compression the worktops are about 60 mm thick and after compression, they’re only 12 mm thick, making them extremely durable and extremely strong.

Conclusion

Compact laminate worktops are a fantastic choice for anyone looking for a stylish, durable, and low-maintenance kitchen surface. With their solid core, resistance to water, heat, and stains, and sleek, modern appearance, they offer excellent value for money. Whether you’re renovating your kitchen or installing a new one, compact laminate worktops provide a practical and attractive solution that will stand the test of time.

At House of Worktops, we’re proud to offer a range of high-quality compact laminate worktops, designed to meet the needs of modern kitchens. If you’re ready to upgrade your kitchen, get in touch with us today and discover the benefits of compact laminate.