Choosing the Right Thickness for the Right Project

Making Sustainable Surfacing Choices 

Every design concept represents countless decisions about color, texture, functionality, style and budget. Being mindful of the environmental impact of surfacing choices also helps you guide clients toward options that reduce material waste and support responsible decision-making where it fits their project needs. 

Understanding the Options for Laminate Grade 

All laminate sheets and panels commitment to high levels of quality and service. We offer a variety of grades (thicknesses) of standard Formica^® Brand Laminate, (including 180fx^® Laminate) as well as Formica^® Brand Compact Panels and Trespa^® TopLab^® for different applications. Furniture, countertops, wall coverings and other use cases all require specific levels of durability.

Thicker products are made with a thicker core layer, which isn’t always necessary depending on the project. In fact, not only are thinner products appropriate for certain applications, but they can also be less expensive to pack and ship, helping to reduce overall project costs. By choosing the right thickness, you use less raw material from the start, which lowers environmental impact and supports one of the most effective sustainability practices outlined in the waste hierarchy: reduction at the source. 

Here’s a look at grade options for each laminate product. 

Formica^® Laminate and 180fx^® Laminate

Formica^® Laminate and 180fx^® Laminate are both paper-based surfacing materials available in multiple thicknesses and in hundreds of woodgrains, patterns, and colors. For many projects, grade 20 laminate provides all the performance needed. It’s well suited for vertical applications that experience minimal impact—such as backsplashes, walls, cabinet faces, and other veneer-type installations where items aren’t being set down or slid across the surface. 

For horizontal surfaces that require greater durability, customers choose grade 12, which is thicker and offers added impact resistance. Grade 12 is best suited for applications that see daily wear and tear such as kitchen countertops, table tops, work surfaces, and other areas where objects are frequently placed, moved or bumped.  

Mixing and matching thicknesses based on application is both sustainable and cost-effective. 

Formica^® Compact 

Formica^® Compact is a water-resistant surfacing solution offered in thicknesses starting at 1/8 inch, making it suitable for a wide range of non-structural applications. These durable panels are a mainstay in bathrooms, locker rooms, and other environments where a stylish, hygienic surface is needed. 

For installations where the panel must be self-supporting or structural, such as countertops or other load bearing applications, a minimum thickness of 1/2 inch is required. In these structural scenarios, selecting a thicker option is typically a matter of style or design preference rather than added performance. 

Trespa^® TopLab^® 

These compact high-pressure laminate surfaces offer exceptional durability, chemical resistance, and easy maintenance for use in laboratories, healthcare facilities, and educational environments. While customers often order TopLab^® in a one-inch thickness, a ¾-inch panel is appropriate and effective for most installations. Choosing the thinner option can help support sustainability goals, as it uses less material while still delivering the required performance. 

Learn More about Formica Group’s Sustainable Business Practices 

At Formica Group, we’re rethinking how our laminate and other products are made — cutting waste and reimagining efficiency every step of the way. Our commitment to sustainability drives us to explore smarter, cleaner production methods with every new initiative. Discover how our ongoing efforts are shaping a more responsible future for manufacturing.