Genesis Trend Watch / Q1 2023

The Rise of Decorative Laminate

Cleaner and greener, decorative laminate products are gaining ground
Throw out all your misconceptions about laminated wood products. By 2030, the valuation for the Decorative Laminates market is expected to surpass $72.1 billion1. Why? In part because of the material’s durability, cleanability and limitless design potential. Coupled with its 100 percent carbon neutral profile, laminated wood products aren’t just trending—they’re essential for manufacturers to know and leverage across residential, commercial and recreational spaces.

The Laminated Wood Advantage

Naturally, various hardwood wood species pull different hues that can impact overall color outcome. This can yield drastic differences in appearance. And with more susceptibility to scratches and other damage, it’s a less than ideal choice for high-traffic commercial, residential or recreational spaces. With laminated wood products, you can create similar designs that have four key advantages over hardwood:

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Design flexibility

Colors, wood-grain patterns and more—Genesis Products uses a variety of high-tech surfaces to create any style imaginable.

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Advanced durability

Lamination technology ensures a surface that is durable, cleanable and easily replicated and replaced.

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Superior Sustainability

Achieve the look of solid wood with the added benefit of using a sustainable product that is resource-efficient.

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Everyday Affordability

Laminated composite wood has a better value than hardwood without sacrificing style. In many instances it can reduce costs 20–50%.

By 2030, the valuation for the Decorative Laminates market is expected to surpass $72.1 billion1.

Design Flexibility

Create High-End Looks with Ease

With tens of thousands of films and finishes available, laminated wood products make virtually any design achievable. Beyond the extensive selection of styles and finishes, Decorative Laminates offer flexibility thanks to their advanced, lightweight materials.

Style it with Laminates: 2023 Trends

Natural-Looking Finishes

Replicate hardwood finishes in intricate detail with evergreen and organic-looking surface patterns that cost less and offer more cohesive patterns.

Photo: Achieve this look with the Genesis Batten cabinet door, Premium Rock in Herringbone and a solid surface countertop

Matte Sophistication

Create the sophistication of a solid, matte finish without the challenges of paint or powder coating typically needed for hardwood.

Photo: Recreate it with the Genesis Contemporary Slab door, solid surface countertop and Premium Rock in Geo Star

Earth Tones

Use trending colors like green, mauve and blush (think more pastels, less jewel tones) without fear of fading.

Photo: Complement earth colors with the Genesis Thin Shaker door.
Learn more about industry trends from our product expert Phyllis Beyers in her #FlatlayFriday trend series.

Advanced durability

Laminates Withstand Heavy Wear and Tear

Progress in material advancements and surface applications have made way for virtually indestructible laminated wood products. The high pressure lamination (HPL) process bonds together layers of resin impregnated kraft paper, decorative paper and clear melamine at high pressures and temperatures. That layer enables scratch- and stain-resistant surfaces unmatched by hardwood.

Durable Finishes

Resistant to scratches and stains, Decorative Laminates are low maintenance and easy to care for.

Colors Stay True

Advancements in laminate materials result in colors that stand up to sunlight and won’t fade.

Keeps Its Shape

Unlike hardwoods, which are more susceptible to warping, laminated wood products can endure variations in temperature without distorting.

Sustainable and budget-friendly

The Climate Positive Advantage

Every laminated composite wood cabinet and door starts its life as a recycled product. So by their very nature, the woods used to create Decorative Laminates are environmentally conscious and resource efficient.

Composite wood, the foundation of decorative laminated products, has benefits beyond reduced budgets and resource efficiency. Their carbon storing properties mean they are even climate positive, a huge sustainability advantage. Some key facts:

  • Composite wood panels use up 99 percent of leftover wood fiber from other products2
  • For every sheet of Particleboard used, 40 lbs of carbon are removed from the atmosphere

And now more than ever, sustainability is a consumer priority. In a recent Nielsen poll, 73% of millennials said they were willing to pay more for sustainable products.3 It’s no wonder that large-scale businesses in the hospitality industry are taking notice. Marriot International’s Serve360 has committed to replacing all solid wood furniture in its hotel rooms with composite wood as part of their effort to reduce carbon intensity 30% by 2026 and to be net zero by 20504.

For more details on composite wood’s carbon neutrality, check out the Genesis Blog for an interview with Kenn Busch, sustainability thought leader and founder of Material Intelligence, on the Genesis blog.

73% of millennials are willing to pay more for sustainable products.2

Technology To Make Every Trend a Reality

Genesis Products is one of the leading laminate panel and component suppliers in the U.S. We run 9 hot and cold lamination lines for the rapid delivery of almost any conceivable specification. Explore some of our products that are helping drive standards across industries.

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