Door laminates: stylish and hardwearing surfaces for modern interiors

Available in 186 different colours, woodgrains and patterns, with four textures, and four specific door sizes, the Formica^® Doors Collection allow designers and fabricators to create customised internal doors that are both practical and visually striking. Whether you’re specifying commercial door laminates for high-traffic spaces or looking for decorative laminates for doors in residential interiors, Formica^® laminates deliver reliable performance and design flexibility. Download the brochure to see the range.

Below, we’ve answered some of the most common questions about using laminates in interior door design, with practical insights and design tips to help you get the best results.

What are door laminates, and how are they used?

Door laminates are laminate sheets - decorative and durable surface materials - used to add both style and functionality to door fabrication. Laminates for doors are widely used in residential, commercial, and public buildings. Designers often choose laminate doors to achieve a consistent finish across internal door surfaces that need to withstand frequent handling.

Design tip: Use coordinated laminate finishes for doors, wall panels, and furniture to create a unified look across interiors. For contrast, choose bold decorative laminates for doors that act as a feature against neutral wall finishes. Consider choosing door decor to support LRV in door design.

Why choose laminate for commercial interior doors?

Laminate sheets provide:

• Impact and scratch resistance for busy spaces
• Easy cleaning and maintenance to keep things hygienic and looking good
• A wide variety of colours and textures, from solid tones to realistic woodgrains
• Consistency in colour and pattern, each sheet

Design tip: In open-plan offices and hotels, opt for woodgrain laminates to bring natural warmth without the upkeep of real timber. For healthcare or hospitality projects, lighter tones and solid colours can help create a bright, hygienic aesthetic. Check out this case study where doors have transformed a Nordic healthcare space.

Are Formica^® door laminates impact and scratch resistant?

Yes. Laminates from the Formica Doors Collection are engineered to withstand heavy daily use, offering superior impact resistance and scratch protection. All laminates in the collection conform to EN438 standards. This makes them ideal for high-traffic environments like schools, hospitals, and transport hubs. For further technical information, visit formica.info.

Are HPL laminates suitable for high-traffic surfaces like doors?

Yes. High-pressure laminates are specifically developed for demanding environments, ensuring a long-lasting surface that resists knocks, stains, and doesn’t require strong cleaning chemicals.

Can laminate doors be customised in colour, size or design?

Absolutely. Laminate sheets for doors are available in four common door sizes and a vast choice of 186 colours, woodgrains, and patterned designs. The choices allow fabricators to be the most cost-efficient with design and project needs.

Design tip: Looking for something branded or artistic? Check out our Formica^® Younique^® service to really bring your design ideas to life.

Designers can specify accent colours on key doors (e.g., meeting rooms, WC facilities, or breakout zones) to improve wayfinding and add personality to a space. Check out this article on Six ways to use doors in design.

Compact vs standard laminate doors: what are the key differences?

• Standard laminates: 0.7mm thickness, must be bonded to a substrate core.
• Compact laminates: 2.5mm thick solid panels, offering enhanced strength and moisture performance.

Design tip: Use compact laminates in wet areas or heavy-use public buildings for extra durability, and standard laminates for interior residential or light commercial projects.

Can I get Fire-rated laminate?

We offer flame-retardant laminate options, providing added safety and performance in commercial and healthcare environments. Please contact us for more information.

Design tip: Consider specifying coordinated ironmongery (handles, hinges, locks) in finishes that complement the chosen laminate, such as brushed metal against woodgrains or black hardware with solid colours.

Where can I buy Formica door laminates?

Order samples from the full Formica^® Door Collection and find where to buy. For tailored project support, speak to your local Formica Group representative.