The surface structure of a laminate has a significant impact on both the appearance and the performance of the material. The choice of the right surface structure depends on the application, the needs of the space and the desired look. A matt finish is well suited to applications where a subdued appearance and good scratch resistance are desired, while a glossy finish creates a striking appearance in prestigious spaces. Textured surfaces, on the other hand, add naturalness and depth to the material. When choosing a surface texture, it is important to consider the intended use of the space, cleanability, wear resistance and the overall interior design plan.

The role of laminate surface texture in interior design solutions

The surface texture of a laminate is one of the most important elements that determines the user experience and visual appearance of the material. Surface texture refers to the feel and texture of a laminate's surface - whether it is smooth, rough, matt or glossy.

Surface structure affects practicality in many ways. It determines the cleanability of the surface, the visibility of fingerprints and wear resistance. For example, a matt surface will hide fingerprints and small scratches more effectively than a glossy surface, but may be more challenging to clean from certain stains.

From an aesthetic point of view, the surface structure gives the material character and depth. It can accentuate the wood grain for a more realistic look, create a luxurious glossy surface or provide a modern matte look. Lighting has a significant impact on the appearance of different surface textures - the same material can look very different in different lighting conditions.

The right choice of surface structure can even extend the life of a surface material, as a durable and suitable surface will retain its attractive appearance for many years.

What different types of laminate surface structures are available?

Today, the range of surface textures for laminates is wide and varied. The most common options include:

• Matt surface (Matte finish) - This surface reflects less light, creating a sleek and modern look. The matte finish effectively hides fingerprints and small scratches, making it particularly popular for surfaces in active use.
• High gloss - A highly reflective and smooth surface that creates a striking, luxurious look. Best suited for less active areas or prestige surfaces.
• Woodgrain - Mimics the natural grain pattern and texture of wood, creating a more authentic wood-like appearance.
• Smooth surface - A flat surface without clear patterns, providing a uniform and neutral look.
• Embossed surface - Contains embossed patterns that can mimic different materials from stones to textiles, creating an interesting tactile experience.

The surface textures of laminates also affect how the surface resists wear and tear. In general, textured surfaces hide wear marks better than completely smooth surfaces. The M1 certification of laminates ensures that the material is low-emission and meets indoor air requirements, which is particularly important in public spaces.

What factors influence the choice of the right surface structure?

Several important factors influence the choice of the right laminate surface structure. Consider these factors when making your decision:

Where to use is a primary factor in the choice. In a kitchen where surfaces are exposed to moisture and food stains, an easy-to-clean surface is a must. In public areas, durability becomes a key issue.

Wear resistance is particularly important when considering surfaces in active use. The more abrasive the surface, the more textured the surface option is often worth choosing, as it hides scratches and wear better.

Lighting has a significant impact on the appearance of different surface textures. Laminates with a glossy surface reflect light strongly and can create glare in brightly lit areas. On the other hand, they can also help to illuminate dim spaces.

Cleanability is a key factor, especially in kitchens and damp areas. Although matt surfaces hide fingerprints, they can collect grease and be more challenging to clean. Shinier surfaces reveal stains more easily, but are often easier to wipe clean.

Laminate size options offer design flexibility. Often the availability of a particular surface texture can vary between sizes, which can affect the final choice for a project.

How do you choose the right surface texture for kitchen and wet areas?

In kitchens and damp areas, the choice of laminate surface texture is particularly influenced by practical properties. In these areas, materials must be resistant to moisture, temperature fluctuations and frequent cleaning.

Recommended for kitchen worktops semi-matte or lightly structured a surface that is not too smooth but not too rough either. Such a surface hides small scratches and abrasions, but is still easy to keep clean from cooking stains and spills.

In damp areas, such as bathrooms and dressing rooms adjacent to saunas, it is advisable to choose surfaces that are highly resistant to moisture and do not have too deep a pattern where moisture could be trapped.

In turn, more complex surface structures can be used for the doors of kitchen cabinets. Matt-finish doors are particularly popular in modern minimalist styles, as they do not pick up fingerprints as visibly as glossy surfaces.

Remember that lighting has a significant impact on the appearance and functionality of laminate surfaces. Especially in kitchens, where there is often task lighting, glossy surfaces can cause distracting glare, while matt surfaces diffuse light more softly.

Does the same surface structure apply to all public spaces?

Public spaces have specific requirements for laminate surfaces, and the same surface structure is typically not suitable for all applications. There are significant differences in intensity of use, wear and tear and cleaning needs between different public spaces.

Schools and educational institutions should favour durable and easy to care for structured surfaces that can withstand heavy wear and tear.

In office spaces, a wider variety of surface structures can be used. In representation and meeting rooms, more glossy surfaces can create a prestigious impression, while for workstations, more subdued, low-glare options are preferable.

In restaurants and hotels, the surface structure is an important part of the atmosphere and branding of the space. In these spaces, visually striking structures are often chosen, but cleanability must still be maintained. When choosing a surface structure, it is also worth considering the environmental certification of laminates, such as PEFC or FSC, which are increasingly important in public projects.

In healthcare facilities, hygiene is paramount, so surfaces must be seamless and easy to disinfect. Smooth, less textured surfaces are recommended for such areas, where micro-organisms cannot colonise.

Choosing a surface structure as part of a successful interior design concept

The choice of laminate surface texture is a key element of a successful interior design. It affects not only the practicality of the material, but also the atmosphere and visual appearance of the space.

Uniformity is important in interior design, but that doesn't mean that all surfaces should be identical. Contrasts considered the use of different surface textures can create interesting and dynamic spaces. For example, glossy and matt elements can complement each other to create depth and variety in the overall look.

Ensure that the surface structures support the intended use of the space. Acoustics, lighting and surface tactility are all elements that are influenced by structural choices. At the design stage, it is worth obtaining sample pieces of different surface textures and viewing them in actual lighting conditions in the space.

Remember that the surface textures of laminates are constantly evolving, and modern technologies allow for increasingly realistic and multi-dimensional surfaces. We offer a wide range of ABET LAMINATI high pressure laminates with different surface textures, suitable for a variety of applications.

We will help you choose the most suitable surface structure for your project, meeting both your technical requirements and your aesthetic desires. We are committed to providing high quality, durable and visually appealing surface solutions for all spaces.