How to Apply Laminate on Vertical Surfaces
Posted on Thu, Feb 14, 2013 @ 08:08 AM
Applying laminate vertically, such as on a wall panel or partition, creates a dramatic focal point in a home or commercial space – especially when using graphic or large-scale patterns. In fact, our product photography often showcases vertical uses of laminate, such as the one below featuring 180fx® Laminate in Petrified Wood …
… and this corridor featuring Geo Fossil and Neutral Weft …
... and this striking application in Oiled Olivewood.
Beautiful, right? But don’t pick up the glue so fast. Did you realize that you cannot install laminate to a drywall surface? Our technical service experts warn against installing laminate directly to drywall due to the movement differences between the two surfaces. This movement can cause the glue line to sheer. Bottom line, the end result can be bubbles in the laminate. Not a good look.
If you are planning a vertical laminate application, review our Formica® laminate technical data sheet for specific details. You’ll see that you must bond the laminate to a #45 density particleboard (ANSI A208.1 - 1999) or an MDF substrate (this substrate can be thin, such as 3/8”) first and then attach the panel to the wall by using panel adhesive or by bolting through the face with undersized screws.
Likewise, you’ll still need to use such substrates for “off the wall” applications such as surfacing island bases or reception desks (as seen below with 2013 commercial patterns Graphite Twill, Dali and Ashen Ribbonwood).
