Stylish and sustainable,  decorative surface materials are available in a wide array of colors, patterns, and textures, providing   nearly limitless options for designers and fabricators to choose from for residential or commercial applications.

Decorative surfaces are applied by various techniques to panel products such as particleboard, medium density fiberboard (MDF), and hardboard. Overlays include foils, high pressure laminates, papers, thermally fused laminates (TFL), two- and three-dimensional laminates (2DL/3DL), light basis weight papers, decorative foils, and veneer. Coatings used as decorative surfaces on panel substrates are available in both liquid and powder forms. 

Inspiration: With an unlimited array of colors, patterns, woodgrains, and textures, decorative surfaces are a top choice when sourcing sustainable products.

MORE INFO   Design Portfolio Read the complete Design Portfolio: The definitive guide to sourcing decorative surfaces and composite panels.   Composite Panel Association  More information, plus industry news, testing & certification, policy and stewardship at the Composite Panel Association's website CompositePanel.org

Design & Texture Trends
Surface materials, and the technology behind them, continue to advance.  Especially in regard to texture (what you can see) and haptics (what you feel).

Although gloss (semi- and high) continues to be popular for many applications, strides continue to be made in the area of matte surfaces, also known as soft touch, which includes super matte and ultra matte. Not only do they offer a velvety, luxurious feel, but the interaction of light with the texture can amplify the level of depth and richness of the laminate. 

Also growing is the addition of anti-fingerprint and anti-microbial finishes for vertical and horizontal surfaces in  commercial and residential applications, including furniture, casework, cabinetry, and retail fixtures.

Advances in digital printing continue to provide more options and flexibility for designers seeking realistic woodgrains and surface patterns. For instance, synchronized or embossed-in-register finishes are upping the ante when it comes to decorative panels because the process aligns pattern and texture to replicate the look and feel of real wood, providing greater depth and ultimate realism.

On the coatings end, we see many blues, moody shades, and neutrals — subdued, sophisticated, and calming. There is also a consumer preference toward warmer, less saturated colors.

Inside the Design Portfolio issue are brief descriptions of the decorative overlays and coatings used in various wood product applications including: cabinets, furniture, store fixtures, laminate flooring, and more. Architects and interior designers should also consider the technical requirements, performance, and visual and tactile properties when selecting surfaces for projects.

The Composite Panel Association (CPA) has developed courses for architects and designers to learn about the benefits of sourcing wood-based composite panels and decorative surfaces. Information on CEUs is available at CompositePanel.org.