What are the advantages of HPL panels, and what are the benefits of natural wood? Is installation cost a significant factor in your decision? Why are HPL panels a better solution for exterior surfaces? When is wood the better choice?
When you need to give a surface the look of natural wood, it’s often difficult to decide whether HPL panels or natural wood is the better solution. There’s no universal answer to this question, as the best choice depends on many factors.
The most important thing is to familiarize yourself with the characteristics and prices of both options and to understand the pros and cons of HPL panels as well as the advantages and disadvantages of natural wood surfaces.
The Warmth of Natural Wood is Hard to Replace
The characteristics of natural wood need little explanation as they are well-known. However, it’s worth noting that wood is the most natural material, and if it comes from sustainable sources, it’s also the most environmentally friendly.
When it comes to price, the situation varies. Wood is generally more affordable, but the cost of higher-quality natural wood can exceed that of HPL panels.
Although modern synthetic materials, including HPL panels, can realistically mimic the color and surface texture of wood, they cannot fully replicate the warmth and tactile sensation of natural wood. Wood also offers a high level of thermal and sound insulation, which is essential in many aspects. Additionally, wood has antimicrobial properties, helping to prevent the growth of bacteria.
What Are the Advantages of HPL Panels?
While wood is irreplaceable in some respects, HPL panels have clear advantages in certain situations. One of the main factors that might rule out natural wood right from the start is fire resistance. HPL panels offer much higher fire resistance than natural wood, ranging from Class B to non-combustible Class A2 for some products. This can be a decisive factor for public buildings that must meet specific safety standards.
Related Articles
Wood-Aluminum Windows: Why They Are the Best and Most Expensive
Laminated (Glued) Wood – Advantages and Disadvantages
Another advantage of HPL panels is their low maintenance requirements. They require no upkeep beyond occasional cleaning. Since they are a synthetic material with a homogeneous structure, cleaning them is much easier compared to wood. The porous structure of wood is more susceptible to dirt penetration, making it more challenging to clean.
Additionally, high-quality HPL panels are resistant to UV radiation, so they won’t change color after years of sun exposure. On the other hand, wood exposed to sun and weather conditions needs periodic maintenance. Ask about warranty periods from major manufacturers, such as Fundermax.
One of the benefits of High-Pressure Laminate (HPL) panels is their greater resistance to mechanical damage. The surface of this synthetic material is resistant to impacts, scratches, and various chemicals. HPL is also much more resistant than PVC to UV, mechanical, and thermal stress.
For More Demanding Conditions, HPL is the Better Solution
The conclusion is clear from the above. If you need to cover an indoor area that won’t be exposed to high moisture levels, natural wood is the better choice. Natural wood surfaces are a more pleasant solution for living rooms, bedrooms, libraries, and even within hospitality venues. For private properties, wood can often be a good choice for covering exterior surfaces, though it does require periodic maintenance.
On the other hand, for the facades of public buildings where fire safety is crucial, or for surfaces exposed to sun, weather conditions, and high-traffic areas, whether pedestrian or vehicular, HPL panels are the far better choice.