Material Guides

Discover how Material Intelligence offers practical definitions and applications for a wide variety of surfaces to help you choose the right material for your project in these free online guides.

The Guides: surfaces and substrates for furniture and interior architecture

3DL architectural wall panels cabinetry cabinets casework closet and storage systems closet systems commercial commercial and residential commercial signage conference tables construction materials design development doors doors and drawers drawer fronts drawer wrap – hinged elevator cabs flooring flooring and underlayment folding backs furniture healthcare HPL laminate flooring multifamily ready-to-assemble furniture residential retail retail displays rotogravure printing RTA RV and utility trailer walls and ceilings senior living shelves signage storage systems tabletops textures TFL transaction counters trim wall panels walls worktops

3DL design matching anti-fingerprint biophilic carbon negative chemical resistant climate positive custom design decorative digitally printable eco-friendly engineered wood fire resistant forest fiber gloss heat-resistant high-gloss high-gloss finish HPL design matching impact-resistant innovations lightweight low formaldehyde low voc matte matte finish moisture-resistant moisture barrier natural finish no added formaldehyde particleboard protective coating recyclable scratch-resistant small quantities solid colors solid wood sustainable textures TFL design matching trends water-based inks water resistant wear-resistant woodgrains woodgrain textures

Compact Laminate

Go deep on solid phenolic, high-pressure compact laminate, its uses, and how it performs under pressure.
An image of 3D laminate.

3D Laminate (3DL)

Learn about 3D Laminate, AKA decorative vinyls or vinyl foils.
An image of edgebanding.

Edgebanding

See how edgebanding can be applied to the edges of plywood, particleboard, MDF, and more.
An image of decorated plywood hardwood.

Decorative Hardwood Plywood

Read all about the best applications, uses, and sustainability of decorative hardwood plywood.
An image of decorated foils on a surface.

Decorative Foils and Lightweight Papers

Read about finish foils, top-coated papers, and how these decorative foils carry very high-fidelity print designs.
An image of thermally fused laminate.

Thermally Fused Laminate (TFL)

These melamine panels contain a resin that makes them ideal for high visual impact and durability.
An image of a particleboard sculpture by designer Lorenzo Damiani at the Milan Furniture Fair.

Particleboard and MDF Composite Wood Panels

All composite wood starts as a recycled material. That makes it a great way to reduce environmental impact.
An image of cast polypropylene laminating film used on kitchen cabinetry and flooring.

Cast Polypropylene (PP) Laminating Film

Cast polypropylene film is great for printing, lay-flat characteristics, and long-lasting durability.
An image of Hartville Hardware Idea House 2023.

Hardwoods

Hardwoods have nothing to do with the hardness of the wood. Discover more about hardwoods versus softwoods.

High Pressure Laminate (HPL)

High Pressure Laminate, AKA “Formica”, is mostly paper with various plastic resins. See how HPLs can be used for overlays and surfaces.

The technology of surface design

Composite wood-based decorative surfaces are created with the latest iterations of ancient decorative technologies – printing and embossing. Learn more about the process of bringing rare and beautiful surfaces to the most sustainable and durable materials you can specify.

Read about the technology of surface design

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