One of the best “bangs-for-your-buck” in the cabinet department is plastic laminate. Commonly refered as "Arborite" or "Formica" (both brand names) plastic laminate is the same material used for countertops ... and more and more these days as cabinetry. When you combine its relative low cost with the almost endless variety of colours, and then consider the popularity of the“sleek” look it’s easy to see the appeal of laminate.
One of laminate’s drawbacks has been its inability to produce a crisp corner when post-formed (or “wrapped”). The
Greenlam laminates we’ve been using of late have that little problem licked. You can see in the picture the difference between a standard laminate door (left) and a Greenlam door (right). Installed, the difference is even more pronounced.
Something else of note: take a look at the ends of the doors. The regular laminate door uses a PVC edge tape that “coordinates” with the laminate. Greenlam has ABS tape that matches each laminate they offer. ABS is tougher than PVC and is widely being adopted as the edge material of choice.
And if you need more incentive to have a look at Greenlam, consider the “green” aspects this product offers. Greenlam laminates are GREENGARD certified for indoor air quality (low formaldehyde off-gassing) and will also qualify for LEED credits. The paper used in the creation of the laminate contains 40% recovered material and the factory that makes the laminate uses Bio Mass to fuel its boilers.
Contact one of our designers for more information on Greenlam and laminate kitchens.
