LAMINATE TABLE TOPS FOR RESTAURANTS
A skinny sheet of material is placed on top of laminate table top. We heartily advocate using this layer, cut from a sheet of laminate and made of a manufactured substance that is exceptionally durable for table tops in hospitality venues. Laminate sheets are often inexpensive and come in various colors, patterns, and finishes (including wood and marble effect).
CONSTRUCTION OF LAMINATE TABLE TOP
Because laminate sheets are so thin (about 2mm), they must be attached to the top of a sturdy core for table tops. The optimum material for this core is water-resistant MDF. However, it may alternatively be regular MDF or plywood. These come in various sheet thicknesses, with 15, 18, and 25mm being the most popular. Chipboard cores should be avoided since they are particularly prone to moisture and make a poor anchor for the screws used to attach the tops to their bases.
TYPE AND SIZE
There are many laminate manufacturers, but The Contract Chair Co usually chooses Formica, Egger, Polyrey & Arpa, and Fenix. These companies provide various colors, patterns, and finishes yet come across multiple pricing points. The actual characteristics of each differ as well; some laminates, for example, are “anti-fingerprint”; others are not suited for table tops since they were intended to be used on walls and are therefore too thin.
Generally speaking, laminate sheet sizes are 3050 mm x 1300 mm. However, there are several (usually minor) variances. Lengthy table tops will have a junction on their surface due to these sheet sizes.
· EDGING ON LAMINATE TABLETOP
The core material behind a laminate table top can be seen if a particular edging solution is not used. This may be a simple and cost-effective option since the core is often chamfered back for a sleek look, the layers of plywood produce a dramatic design impact, and raw MDF can be coated.
The most common way to finish the edges of tables with laminate tops is to add a thin strip of material that complements or matches the top, giving the entire top a solid look (these matching edging strips will keep the depth of the top to 40mm or less). Remember that not all laminate sheets come with a matching edge strip. We have found that edging a laminate top with a strip of solid wood to give it the illusion of being made of that wood is a comparable and more popular option.
· WOODEN –LOOK LAMINATE
Compared to a solid wood top, a wood-effect laminate is more practical, less prone to warp or crack, and less expensive. Some of them are nearly indistinguishable from genuine wood. A solid wood edge is a common choice for bordering wood-effect tops since matching edging may only sometimes be an option. Like actual wood, more textured laminated surfaces are more challenging to clean.
There are also natural wood laminates with a thin coating of actual wood, blurring the line between laminates and veneers.
· MARBLE LOOK LAMINATE
Natural marble is fragile. Thus, various replacements have been created that may be used for table tops, including laminate with a marble-effect finish. Similar to wooden-look laminates, care must be taken to ensure that the edge detailing is suitable; requests for metal-look strips that are plastic or genuine metal are common.
· SOLID CORE LAMINATE
Table tops made of laminate with a solid core have a core that resembles a thicker laminate top. Solid Core tables are popular for outdoor use because of their manufactured, plastic-like nature, which is incredibly strong and waterproof. Solid Core tops are sleek and are often just 10 or 12mm thick due to their strength.
Solid Core tops have edges that are either straight, rounded, or chamfered, which makes them look even more streamlined. There is less selection of finishes available for Solid Core Laminates since the tops are factory-bonded to the core; the core material is often brown or black but occasionally white.
These tops are robust, making it difficult to screw into them. Thus, awnings can be supplied with pre-drilled “female” inserts. The other option is to utilize fixing plates affixed to the bottom of the top, into which the base is fastened.
