Laminate Sheets in Pakistan: Types, Thickness and Where Each One Works
Laminate sheets are the decorative surface that turns a plain board into a finished wardrobe, kitchen or door. The word covers several different products, which is why two quotes for laminate sheets can differ so much. This guide sets out the main types, the usual thicknesses and finishes, and how to choose one for your job. It is part of our MDF and HPL sheets range; for the HPL price range, see the lamination sheets page.
The main types of laminate
Three kinds of laminate sheets are common in Pakistani furniture work, and they are made and used differently.
High-pressure laminate (HPL)
Layers of kraft paper and a decorative paper are soaked in resin and pressed under heat and high pressure. The result is thin, hard and resistant to scratches, heat and impact, and it is glued onto a board by the workshop. HPL is the standard for worktops, doors and heavy-use surfaces.
Melamine or low-pressure laminate
A resin-soaked decorative paper is pressed directly onto a board in the factory, so you buy a ready-faced board. It is cheaper and quick to use, but less resistant to impact than HPL. See our melamine sheets page for details.
PVC or vinyl foil
A thin printed film wrapped over a board, mostly on cabinet doors. It allows curved edges and gives a seamless look, but it is the least resistant to heat.
Which type for which job
The table lines up the three types so you can match one to a surface.
| Type | Strength | Best for | Weak point |
|---|---|---|---|
| HPL | High: scratch, heat, impact | Worktops, doors, counters, wardrobes | Needs gluing and pressing by a workshop |
| Melamine board | Medium | Carcasses, shelves, office furniture | Chips on exposed edges |
| PVC or vinyl foil | Low to medium | Cabinet doors with shaped edges | Heat and steam |
Choosing between them is covered step by step in how to choose a lamination sheet.
Thickness of laminate sheets
Decorative laminate for furniture is thin: roughly 0.6 to 1.5 mm. A 0.8 mm sheet is common for wardrobes and general furniture, 1 mm is a good all-round choice for kitchens and counters, and thicker sheets are used where abuse is likely. Very thick compact laminate, several millimetres or more, is a different product used for toilet partitions and lab tops, and does not need a board behind it.
Thicker is not always better, because the laminate is only a surface. A thin sheet glued well to a flat, sound board performs better than a thick one on a poor board.
Finishes and textures
Finishes range from high gloss to matt, suede and deep wood-grain textures. Gloss brightens a small room and shows fingerprints, matt and suede finishes look softer and hide marks, and textured wood-grain surfaces feel natural under the hand. A fine texture is usually the best choice for wardrobe doors and kitchen drawers that are touched all day.
The board behind the laminate
Laminate is only as good as what it is glued to. MDF gives a smooth, flat base for paint and laminate, HDHMR is a denser, more moisture-resistant core for kitchens and bathrooms, and plywood is stronger for screws and edges. Match the board to the room, not only to the surface.
Our guide to HPL sheets explains how thickness and grade change the result, and the MDF and HPL range lists the boards that sit behind it.
Cleaning and care
Wipe with a soft cloth and mild soapy water, and dry the surface. Avoid abrasive pads, strong solvents and hot pans placed straight on the surface. Seal and edge-band every cut edge, because water that reaches the board behind the laminate lifts it from the edge.
What affects the rate of laminate sheets
The rate depends on the type, thickness, brand, finish and the sheet size. Special finishes such as deep textures and metallics cost more than plain colours. Because rates move with the market, we quote each sheet in writing on the day.
| Item | Size | Material only or installed | Supply area | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decorative laminate, plain colours | 8 x 4 ft, by thickness | Material only | Supply across Pakistan | PKR 1,800 – 4,500 per 1 mm sheet |
| Decorative laminate, wood and textured | 8 x 4 ft, by thickness | Material only | Supply across Pakistan | PKR 1,800 – 4,500 per 1 mm sheet |
| Laminated board (melamine or HPL-faced) | 8 x 4 ft, by thickness | Material only | Supply across Pakistan | PKR 3,050 – 4,800 / sheet (16mm) |
| Item | Size | Material only or installed | Supply area | Rate |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Decorative laminate, plain colours | 8 x 4 ft, by thickness | Material only | Supply across Pakistan | PKR 1,800 – 4,500 per 1 mm sheet |
| Decorative laminate, wood and textured | 8 x 4 ft, by thickness | Material only | Supply across Pakistan | PKR 1,800 – 4,500 per 1 mm sheet |
| Laminated board (melamine or HPL-faced) | 8 x 4 ft, by thickness | Material only | Supply across Pakistan | PKR 3,050 – 4,800 / sheet (16mm) |
Published ranges for laminated boards are on the MDF sheet prices in Lahore page.
Laminate Sheets: Frequently Asked Questions
Laminate sheets are thin decorative surfaces, usually layered paper pressed with resin, that are glued onto boards such as MDF, HDHMR or plywood. They give furniture a colour or wood pattern, and they protect the board from scratches, moisture and everyday wear.
HPL is made under high pressure and heat, so it is harder and more resistant to impact, scratches and heat, and is glued onto a board by the workshop. Melamine is pressed directly onto a board at the factory and is cheaper but chips more easily at the edges.
For wardrobes and general furniture, 0.8 mm is common; for kitchens and counters, 1 mm is a safer all-round choice. Very thick compact laminate is a separate product used without a board. The quality of the board and the glue matters as much as thickness.
Laminate itself resists water, but the board behind it can swell if water reaches a cut edge. Use a moisture-resistant core such as HDHMR, seal every edge and cut-out, and keep laminate away from standing water or direct shower spray.
Good-quality laminate resists fading well, but very strong, direct sunlight over many years can slightly change some colours. Fit blinds or curtains in rooms with harsh afternoon sun, and avoid placing laminate doors directly against a large glass wall or a sunny window all day.
Send the type, thickness, finish and the number of sheets or the size of the job on WhatsApp. We reply with a written rate per sheet that is current on that day, and we can also advise on the board to use behind it.
Need a laminate quoted?
Send the finish, thickness and quantity. We reply with a written rate.