Are Laminate Sheets Waterproof?

Looks can be deceiving. As the saying goes, laminate sheets are not waterproof but water-resistant, depending on how well the edges are sealed during the laminate installation process.

If you are considering installing laminate sheets on your walls, cabinets, or other surfaces in your home, you may want to ask your laminate supplier in Singapore to learn about the durability of this surfacing material.

At the same time, we will discuss this question throughout this article so that you don’t have to spend your time asking different laminate suppliers about its waterproof properties.

What is a Laminate Sheet?

Before diving into what laminate sheets are, you should know that there are two types: high-pressure and low-pressure laminates (melamine). The two differ in the manufacturing process, which you can learn more about in our article here.

That said, high-pressure laminate sheets are made of multiple layers of kraft paper bonded together by melamine and phenolic resins. These layers are then fired under high temperature and pressure to produce laminate sheets with exceptional durability and resistance to impact and scratches.

Even though high-pressure laminate sheets are manufactured under such conditions, this doesn’t mean that surface laminates cannot be damaged by water or other sources like excessive force on impact.

Besides, different types of laminate sheets have varying properties, including being waterproof and water-resistant. This difference is due to the core layer, which is typically made of plywood.

If the laminate sheets are waterproof, it means that water will never be able to penetrate the sheets, regardless of how much time has passed. The same goes for water-resistant laminate sheets as they are non-porous, which means water cannot seep through over time.

So, are Laminate Sheets Waterproof?

It depends on the laminate sheet’s manufacturing and installation process. For Jennings’ laminates, the high-pressure laminates are highly durable and can last long with proper care.

They can also weather high traffic with minimal damage and can be waterproofed if they are appropriately glued during installation, allowing the laminate sheets to withstand moisture and water for a few decades.

When the laminate sheets are installed on the wall or kitchen cabinets as your preferred surfacing material, cleaning them will be easy with a regular wipe or occasional cleaning to maintain their appearance.

Even though the laminate sheets are water-resistant and can be waterproofed, it is not advisable to have them installed in the bathroom shower area. This is because if the edges or sides of the laminate sheets are not appropriately sealed, prolonged exposure to moisture may cause the wood to warp.

Once the wood begins to warp, you cannot have the wood laminate sanded down and refinished like solid wood. You will need to replace the entire laminate sheet, which can be a hassle unless you over-ordered on your original purchase, to keep as your backup stock.

Where to Buy Laminate Sheets?

There are many laminate suppliers in Singapore for you to buy laminate sheets from. But, it is best to buy them from the physical store rather than online because it is challenging to know the quality of the product you will receive when buying online.

With Jennings Laminate, you can browse through our website’s laminate sheet collection and look through our social media pages to get a realistic idea of your desired laminate sheets.

You can also forward your enquiries and request sample laminates before deciding. Besides, our laminate sheets are available in various options, allowing you to create the interior of your dreams.

In a nutshell, laminate sheets are not waterproof, but they are water-resistant and can be waterproofed by properly sealing the edges during installation.

If you are looking for a laminate supplier in Singapore, you can reach out to us here! We offer a wide variety of laminates to give you the real deal at a more affordable price. View our full catalogue for more options and inspirations for your interior!