A Quick 101 About Millwork Finishes

Lower Pressure Laminate LPL, also known as Melamine, is produced by direct pressing at 300 to 500 PSI, typically bonded to craft wood or particle board. This process results in a cost-effective and easily manufactured product, available in a wide range of solid colors and simulated wood textures. LPL is commonly used for slab or flat door styles.

High Pressure Laminate (HPL) is made from multiple layers of kraft paper and resin, pressed under significantly higher pressure, resulting in a more durable material compared to LPL. Typically used for slab or flat door styles, HPL also offers advanced features such as thermal healing capabilities and antibacterial properties in some variants.

Painted / Lacquer Finishes, are highly versatile and customizable, making them a popular choice for millwork. The multistep lacquer process allows for different sheen levels, ensuring a consistent and long-lasting finish through precise spray and curing applications. These finishes can be tailored to any door style or profile and are easily customizable with a wide range of colors from industry standards like Benjamin Moore, Sherwin-Williams, or Farrow & Ball.

Solid Wood / Veneer Finishes are deeply rooted in millwork tradition, offering the ability to be crafted into various door profiles and textures. These finishes can be made from a wide range of wood species, including oak, walnut, maple, hickory, cherry, and ash. The appearance and grain patterns of the wood are influenced by how the tree is cut, milled, laid, and stained, resulting in aesthetically diverse and durable finishes.

Metal frames or aluminum-edged profiles are commonly used in modern cabinetry designs. They are ideal for creating recessed profiles in handleless applications and serve as strong, rigid substrates / frames for incorporating  stone, metal, or glass into cabinetry.