savage1912

Forgive me for a question that may be obvious but I see in many different projects especially for the shop they finish surfaces with plastic laminate. Is this the same as rolled Formica for counter tops? In most projects I see it looks thinner than Formica. However I can't seem to find this illusive plastic laminate anywhere. Also Formica is fairly expensive for the price of the Formica you could by some really nice plywood that could be finished and would not need a covering. If there is a difference where do you find it? Thanks in advance for clearing up this issue.

cabinetman

Plastic laminate is available in two major thicknesses. For countertops, or intended for horizontal use, 1/16". For vertical applications, 1/32". There are also backer sheets made that are about 1/40". Most brands have matching patterns and colors for the two thicknesses.

They are available in stock sheet sizes like 4'x8', 4'x10', 4'x12', 5'x8', 5'x10, 5'x12'. Some of the big box stores carry it or can order it. Suppliers to cabinet shops, that also carry plywood and other sheet goods carry it. In your area some of the popular brands are Nevamar, Formica, Pionite, Micarta, Wilson Art, Lamin Art, and others.

You might try looking in your local white pages for them and find a local distributor, or call some local cabinet shops and ask nicely for a reference, or maybe they will order for you.

firehawkmph

Just to add to what cabinetman said,
If you go talk to a local cabinet shop or better yet a countertop shop, they may sell you a leftover piece from a job they did in the past. They usually have a lot of that lying around. And if you don't necessarily care what pattern of color it is, you may be able to get a piece relatively cheap.
Mike Hawkins

Bob Willing

This past summer I bought about 1200 sq ft of laminate (Wilsonart) from www.cabinetparts.com and they were much cheaper than the big box stores and local lumber yards. They were cheaper considering and/or including freight. They also sell cabinet parts slides, pulls etc at very good prices. Just click on products by manufacture. One word of caution when the box comes with the laminate make sure you open it and check for cracks. I had boxes that did not show damage and when I opened the box and unrolled the laminate it was damaged. The laminate is shipped direct from the manufacture. They replaced the laminate without a hassle

RussBoyd

Like the guys said. All good information. Formica is a brand of plastic laminate.

mdlbldrmatt135

Are you possibly asking about the Melamine sheets? it's a very thin thermally fused plastic on a particleboard or mdf substrate. most box stores have it in 49x97 sheets and some smaller shelf sizes as well.