Yes, high pressure laminates can be made to measure. Most manufacturers offer a made-to-measure service in addition to standard sizes, allowing you to order panels that are exactly right for your project. Customization is particularly useful for large projects, special shapes or when you want to minimize material waste during installation.
What does it mean to custom order a high pressure laminate?
Made-to-measure high-pressure laminate means manufacturing laminate sheets to the dimensions specified by the customer instead of standard dimensions. Made-to-measure ordering allows you to get exactly the right plates for your project without extra cutting or wasted material.
Standard sizes vary from manufacturer to manufacturer, but the most common sizes are 1300×3050 mm, 1220×2440 mm and 1830×4100 mm. Made-to-measure is used when a project requires dimensions that differ from these or when you want to optimise the use of material.
Different manufacturers have their own restrictions on custom orders. Some manufacturers are able to produce very specific sizes, while others limit orders to certain maximum and minimum sizes. The manufacturer's production line and the technology used largely determine the possibilities for customization.
What factors influence the possibility of customising high-pressure laminate?
The technical constraints of the manufacturing process determine what dimensions can be produced. The width of the production line sets the maximum width and the size of the press affects both width and length. Most manufacturers have a maximum width of between 1300 and 2000 mm.
The thickness of the material has a significant impact on the possibilities for customization. Thinner laminates (0.5-0.8 mm) are more flexible in terms of customisation than thicker sheets (1.5-2.0 mm). Thicker laminates often have tighter restrictions on maximum dimensions.
Surface texture and décor impose their own limitations. Deep textures and metallic surfaces can limit the available dimensions. In addition availability and choice of special decorations may vary for custom orders.
Minimum sizes are usually 300×300 mm and maximum sizes can go up to 2000×5000 mm depending on the manufacturer and the product. These limits should always be checked in advance during the design phase.
How does custom ordering of high-pressure laminate work in practice?
The process of making a made-to-measure order starts with an accurate measurement survey. You need exact measurements, quantities and the desired decor before placing an order. You should check the measurements several times, as made-to-measure products are usually non-returnable.
During the ordering process, you provide the manufacturer or importer with detailed information: exact dimensions in millimetres, thickness, grain, surface texture and quantity. Many suppliers will also ask for information on the intended use to ensure suitability.
Delivery times for made-to-measure products are usually 4-8 weeks instead of 1-2 weeks for standard products. For urgent projects, it is worth asking about the possibility of express orders, although this will increase the price.
Pricing is based on the price per square metre, but custom orders are more expensive than standard sizes. The price is influenced by the size of the order, the decor and the delivery time. Larger orders often get a better price per square metre.
For quality assurance, it is a good idea to ask for samples before placing a large order. Document the order carefully and ask for written confirmation of dimensions before starting production.
When should you choose a custom-made laminate instead of a standard size?
Made-to-measure is a sensible option for special projects where standard dimensions would result in significant material wastage. For large projects, bespoke solutions can bring significant savings despite the higher price per square metre, as material wastage is eliminated.
Cost-effectiveness is improved when the quantity required is large and the shape is significantly different from the standard size. For example, long, narrow surfaces or specially shaped furniture parts benefit from the accuracy of made-to-measure.
Ease of installation is a major advantage for custom-made products. Pre-assembled panels of the right size speed up installation and reduce the amount of cutting on site. This saves time and reduces the risk of errors.
The disadvantages of bespoke are longer delivery times, higher prices and inflexibility to change. Standard sizes are quickly available, cheaper and can be modified on site if necessary.
To support your decision, you should calculate the total costs, including material wastage, labour costs and project schedule. In general, it is worth ordering bespoke when the material loss at standard dimensions would be more than 20% or when the project size is significant.
High-pressure laminates made-to-measure offer flexibility for demanding projects and can bring significant savings if used correctly. Careful planning and costing can help you make the right choice for your project needs. Contact our experts for help in selecting and sourcing both custom-made and standard-sized high-pressure laminates.