When it comes to designing your washroom cubicle, vanity unit, and duct panels, choosing the right material can feel confusing and there are factors that should be considered when choosing your washroom material. Here at Bushboard Washrooms, we supply a range of materials for different washroom applications. It can be hard to know which one to opt for and what’s more, your environment may have specific requirements. For example, choosing a material for a school environment may require different considerations to an office. To help you choose the right material for your washroom, we have put together a handy summary. 

SGL (Solid Grade Laminate)

Also known as Compact Grade Laminate, SGL is highly durable and tough. In the office, we even refer to it as ‘bulletproof’. Its strength and water-resistant properties mean it is perfect for healthcare sanitary assemblies and wet environments such as swimming pools or campsites. It is also a great choice for environments with high amounts of traffic, such as service stations or school toilets. Its wipe-clean quality also makes it a sensible choice for an environment prone to vandalism such as public toilets. SGL creates a unique, modern look with black, polished, radiused edges.

Key facts:

  • 13mm thick
  • The density of 1400kg/metre cubed
  • Black, polished, radiused edges
  • Impervious to liquids
  • Available in 34 laminate colours
  • HBN-0010 compliant (for the Healthcare sector)

Solid Grade Laminate Material Composition

HPL (High-Pressure Laminate) 

HPL is also a durable option for your washroom. Made from moisture resistant chipboard, HPL is produced using a high-pressure laminating process. This produces water-resistant laminate faces and matching lipping making HPL suitable for vanity units, as well as panels and cubicles. This material is built to withstand intense usage, and so is perfect for environments with intense use such as offices and restaurants. However, if your environment is likely to be frequently wet (like a leisure centre or changing room), we recommend opting for SGL instead.  

Key facts:

  • HPL is typically 18mm thick. We also use 35mm and 44mm cores for some luxury cubicles
  • Density of 680kg/metre cubed
  • Square-edged, matching PVC lipping or post-formed vertical edges
  • Moisture resistant
  • Available in 34 laminate colours

High Pressure Laminate Material Composition

MFC (Melamine Faced Chipboard) 

Our third choice of material for your washroom is Melamine Faced Chipboard, also known as MFC. With decorative faces and matching lipping, MFC offers the same great look as HPL, but  is our most cost-effective option. MFC is the perfect choice for dry environments with light to medium traffic such as smaller offices or restaurant toilets. It’s important to note that a controlled cleaning regime is important with MFC to ensure the panels are not left wet. The decorative melamine face is moisture resistant, but prolonged contact with moisture may cause water to pass through to the chipboard core and cause damage.

Key facts:

  • MFC is 18mm thick
  • Density of 650kg/metre cubed
  • MFC panels supplies square-edged with matching PVC lipping
  • Moisture resistant
  • Available in 34 laminate colours

Melamine Faced Chipboard Material Composition

 

Get in Touch

Here at Bushboard Washrooms, we are on-hand to answer any questions you may have about finding the perfect material for your washroom. To discuss your options with one of our knowledgeable team members, contact us today.

Telephone: 01536 533620

Email: [email protected]

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Stacked shot of SGL, HPL and MFC material sample blocks