High pressure decorative laminate (HPDL) is made by saturating sheets of decorative and core paper with resins, then pressing them under high heat, fusing the layers into a single sheet. A sheet of laminate is actually only 18% plastic resin; the rest is paper! The result is a hard, durable material that’s water resistant, easy to clean, non-porous, warm, and inexpensive. To make a fully prefabricated countertop, the laminate is bonded as one piece with the backsplash and edge.

Laminate comes in different thicknesses depending on their intended use. Horizontal grade is the thickest variety of laminate because it is designed for flat, high-impact and heavy-use countertops. It is the most resilient grade of laminate and can withstand the most impact. For postforming—the process of forming the decorative laminate into simple shapes—a slightly thinner grade of laminate is used. Vertical grade is the thinnest and is typically used for low-impact vertical installations. Hartson-Kennedy never uses vertical grade on our tops ensuring the longest lasting countertops on the market today. You will find our competitors use the cheaper vertical grade laminate.

 

Hartson-Kennedy kitchen and vanity tops feature a ¼" radius cove on the backsplash to make clean-up a snap. The molded backsplash also keeps moisture from behind your cabinets and away from the structure of your home. Our rounded edge tops resist chipping. Most clean up simply involves a damp cloth with mild soap. Window cleaner will also put a shine on countertops like it does on windows. Abrasive cleaners should be avoided and coasters used to keep your top looking new for years.