A revolution in durability and an advancement in design are no small feats in the food service and hospitality industries. High Pressure Laminate technology (HPL) is an innovative, commercial outdoor tabletop solution for the needs of the industry today.
High Pressure Laminate tables have become a popular choice for many professional spaces in the hospitality and foodservice industries. At first glance, their signature slim profiles seem impossibly thin; upon use, they are surprisingly dense and incredibly durable. Lightweight and sturdy, these powerhouses feature sophisticated decors that look and feel like authentic natural materials. Available in a variety of sizes and styles, HPL provides many placement possibilities within any outdoor establishment.
In addition to their sleek appearance, resilience and versatility, HPL tabletops are celebrated for their long-life use and ease of maintenance. Whether you’re outfitting a bustling bistro, organizing an office commissary, or orchestrating an elegant dining terrace, understanding the benefits of HPL tabletops can help you make an informed decision. This beginner’s guide will walk you through everything you need to know about HPL tabletops – its composition, competition, and a bevy of features to boost your outdoor projects.
What is an HPL Tabletop?
HPL (High-Pressure Laminate) is an adaptable and durable material primarily used in a wide variety of applications, from furniture to building surfaces. Commonly used for countertops, wall panels, and furniture, HPL is available in a range of finishes and colors, making it adaptable to many design styles and functional needs. Its ability to withstand harsh conditions extends to outdoor environments, where it is increasingly used for decking, exterior cladding, and outdoor furniture.
How are HPL Tabletops Made?
HPL tabletops are made by stacking multiple layers of kraft paper soaked in resin, with a decorative top layer that is often printed with designs or colors. These layers are then pressed together under high pressure and heat, curing the resin to form a dense, durable laminate. This process creates a non-porous, scratch-resistant surface that is both strong and visually appealing. After curing, the HPL sheets are cut into the desired shape and size, with edges finished for a polished look. The result is a versatile and low-maintenance material ideal for a wide range of applications that withstand wear, scratches, and moisture.
Why choose HPL Tabletops? (Benefits)
Designed for durability, HPL is an excellent choice for high-traffic areas and environments. Fashioned for long-lasting performance, frequent use and continuous impact have little effect on these striking statements.
When used outdoors, HPL tops retain their structural integrity, resisting UV rays, weathering, staining, spills, and burns. This makes them ideal for use in environments where high exposure to the elements is common. Their compact composition is ideal in humid climates allowing the tabletops to withstand damage from moisture.
HPL is non-porous which makes cleaning easy - an important factor in food service and hospitality where hygiene is a priority. HPL products generally have a long lifespan with proper care. Maintenance is simple, requiring only regular wiping with mild cleaners to maintain its sleek appearance and performance.
Is HPL the right tabletop choice for me?
An array of attractive decors and authentic textures renews any setting. Available in a wide range of replica woodgrain and mineral fabrications, here’s how HPL composition stacks up against the competition:
• Real wood provides a natural and warm look, but it requires regular maintenance (sealing, refinishing) to prevent damage from moisture, scratches, or stains. Wood can also be prone to warping or cracking over time.
• Granite and Marble are durable and offer a luxurious appearance but are expensive, heavy, and difficult to repair if damaged. They also need regular sealing to prevent staining.
• Other solid surface materials offer seamless designs and are also durable but can be more susceptible to scratches and are generally more expensive than HPL.
• Stainless steel holds up and is easy to clean, but it can scratch easily and may show fingerprints. It also tends to have a more industrial look, which may not fit every design aesthetic.
• Other tabletops molded from liquid resin tend to be more prone to scratching, fading, and moisture absorption, which can lead to warping. Some are less heat-resistant, less durable, and not as long-lasting in high-traffic environments as HPL.
View our tabletop options here and use our tabletop buyer's guide to see which top is right for you.
Applications of HPL Tabletops in Commercial Spaces
HPL is a great low-maintenance solution for restaurants, cafes, outdoor office spaces, and retail environments with high-volume traffic. These tabletops, able to handle the wear and tear of daily use while maintaining its appearance, are great options for outdoor hospitality settings as well servicing leisure areas and event spaces. HPL lets you create a visually appealing, functional outdoor dining or seating area with a variety of sizes, shapes, and finishes to match your style and supercharge your setting.
Attaching your HPL Tabletop to a Base
Another benefit to choosing an HPL tabletop is the many options you will have to find just the right base for your application. And attaching HPL tabletops to a table base is straightforward using bracket fasteners to ensure strong, stable connections. Each HPL tabletop available through Grosfillex features a rail system for practical and easy installation. Look for compatible table bases within our Quattro, X-One, Eco-fix, and Gamma collections. Their exceptionally thin surface folds for easy storage with the assistance of some of our stylish table base options. Be sure to consult the simple-to-use table base guide to find your perfect match.
Conclusion
HPL offers a great balance of durability, aesthetic variety, and low maintenance—making it a top choice for high-traffic environments like restaurants, hotels, and cafes. It competes well against other materials due to its superior performance and attractive price-performance ratio.
Contact us today to learn more about our HPL Tabletops.
