When you walk into a furniture store in Pakistan and ask about the board used, the salesperson might say “imported laminate” or “high-pressure laminate” or simply “good quality board.” But what do these terms actually mean? And how do you know if you are getting what you are paying for?
Here is a plain-language explanation of laminate grades and why they matter for kids furniture.
What is Laminate?
The laminate is the decorative surface applied to the outside of the furniture board. It is a thin sheet – usually made of paper infused with resin – that is pressed onto the surface under heat and pressure. It is what gives furniture its colour, texture, and surface durability.
The underlying board (usually MDF or plywood) provides structural strength. The laminate provides the finished surface.
The Main Types of Laminate in Pakistan
High-Pressure Laminate (HPL): This is the highest quality decorative laminate available. It is manufactured under very high heat and pressure, making it extremely hard, scratch-resistant, and durable. It is used in commercial settings like hospitals and schools precisely because it handles heavy use. For kids furniture, HPL surface materials offer excellent durability.
Low-Pressure Laminate (LPL) or Melamine: Bonded to the board at lower pressure. Less durable than HPL but significantly more affordable. The most common type used in Pakistani furniture manufacturing. Quality LPL from a reputable supplier is perfectly adequate for kids bedroom furniture.
PVC Edge Banding: This is the strip applied to the edges of furniture boards to cover the raw edge and protect it. Quality edge banding should be thick, firmly bonded, and perfectly colour-matched to the face laminate. Thin, poorly applied edge banding peels off quickly — one of the first things to look for when assessing furniture quality.
Board Thickness
The thickness of the underlying board matters enormously for durability and stability:
- 12mm board: thin, suitable only for light-use applications
- 16mm board: standard for mid-range furniture
- 18mm board: the minimum for quality furniture that will take daily use
- 25mm board: used in high-load applications like tabletops and wardrobe shelves
When evaluating furniture, ask about board thickness. Any reputable manufacturer will tell you. At Wali Kids Furniture, we use 18mm board as standard for all our furniture pieces.
The Practical Test
When examining furniture in a store, run your fingernail along the surface. Quality laminate should show no scratching. Press firmly on a shelf or panel surface – it should not flex noticeably. Check edges carefully for the quality of edge banding. Open and close drawers – they should run smoothly and feel solid.
