High pressure laminate (HPL)
As one of the most widely used decorative surfaces, HPL is also known as plastic laminate. Made famous by the marketing efforts of the Formica Corporation in the 1950s and 1960s, HPL is typically constructed of several layers of kraft paper, a layer of décor paper with a solid colour or printed design, and topped with a protective wear layer. The kraft layers are generally impregnated with thermosetting phenolic resins, the decorative and wear layers saturated with thermosetting melamine resins. The entire "sandwich" is laminated at high pressures and at temperatures that can exceed 270° F. Because HPL sheets are pressed individually, many different designs and colours can be offered in small quantities.

Textured press plates may be used to control gloss levels, or impart textures that mimic stone, wood, tile or other surface designs.

The final product is a sturdy, wear-resistant sheet of decorative laminate normally specified for high-use applications like counters, desktops and laminate flooring, and laminated over a variety of substrates. Special post-forming grades of HPL can be specified for wrapping around radiused edges, like countertop fronts and backsplashes. Unique variations of HPL are available, such as antibacterial surfaces, flame resistant, translucent sheets, and very thick sheets known as "compact board" or solid phenolic panels.