Compact laminates sometimes known as compact laminates are an affordable alternative to other solid surface kitchen worktops. The name compact laminate can be misleading as laminate is traditionally associated with a surface constructed from a wooden particle board core and wrapped in a decorative overlay using the process of heat and high pressure. Compact laminates utilise the same decorative overlay as traditional laminates however the sheets of decorative paper are layered up and compressed with resin.
Due to the thin nature of compact laminates, with the majority of brands sitting at 12mm thick, it is important to consider the downward projection of hobs. When designing a kitchen with ovens integrated into a tower unit it is common to see internal draw packs underneath the hob, this allows for easy access to pots and pans when cooking. Deep pan draw packs may come with a top cutlery draw that can be concealed within the top draw of the pack. With thinner worktops it is important to remember that the depth of a hob may render the use of this top draw useless. However, by choosing a hob with a shallower depth it negates this issue.
The resin coating between layers of paper creates an impermeable barrier to moisture allowing for more flexibility in planning a kitchen compared to laminate and timber work surfaces. Adding drainer grooves and undermounted sinks are just as achievable in compact laminate as they are in other solid surfaces such as quartz and Corian.
Although compact laminates are heat resistant, they should be treated with the same care as you would with any other worksurface when placing hot pans. Exposure to extremely high heats can result in unsightly scorch marks especially in lighter colours of these worktops.