As an essential part of the design, decorative surfaces add character and style to a space through the richness of their texture and colors offering both tactile and visual pleasure.

 

Decorative surfaces are used to make furniture, cabinets, and cabinet doors as well as wall panels as either decorative additions or room dividers. They are used for a multitude of design projects from retail stores to residential and commercial interiors and hospitality.

To help make an informed decision among the wide range of decorative surfaces available, here are some things to consider:

 

Every material has its own particularities

 

Whether you are making a design for a residential or commercial project, the first step is to determine the purpose and intended used of each surface. A good understanding of the characteristics of various surface materials will then help you choose the best options for a given environment and the intended function.

 

In addition to making the space look beautiful, depending on the application, the surface may also need to be durable, resistant to heat and scratches, and easy to clean. Any space expected to be used extensively over extended periods requires surfaces that can withstand such use and still look like new day after day. Accordingly, different lighting options should be considered to highlight the beauty of each surface.

  • Propel Every Design Project to New Heights

New technologies offer an unmatched level of flexibility

 

Thanks to new advancements in technology and manufacturing, designers now have a wider variety of new surface types to choose from that satisfy the need for a material that is both functional and inspiring.

 

Even though nothing can ever replace the beauty of natural wood, new synthetic materials offer an unmatched level of flexibility and durability as well as a multitude of colors, patterns, and textures. All these features combine to offer solutions that perfectly suit the vision of the design as well as the function the space requires.

 

No matter the location, the right decorative surface materials have the ability to bring to life every design project transforming it from a merely functional surface to a jaw-dropping masterpiece.

 

From super matte to high-gloss and textured decorative surfaces, Richelieu offers designers and architects a complete selection of the most innovative surfaces to work with that will propel every design project to new heights.

 

Our decorative surfaces demystified:

Acrylic

 

Acrylic decorative surfaces can be created with various colors and patterns with a capacity for a superior ultra gloss or super matte finish. Resistant to heat, scratches, stains, and discoloration, acrylic panels are a great choice for designers looking to punch up their design for various vertical surface applications. 

Lacquered

 

Using state-of-the-art lacquered manufacturing technology, resulting in a gloss level of over 90% and super matte levels below 10 Gloss Units, lacquered surfaces offer a range of possibilities that deliver the most consistent and highest level of scratch resistance on the market.  Richelieu's lacquered surfaces collection is stocked in over 40 unique finishes.

Thermo Structured Surfaces (TSS)

 

Thermo Structured Surfaces are made with up to four layers of decorative and kraft papers that are treated with resins under heat and pressure to become part of the panel itself. This process offers a deeper texture and more durable finish. Available in various colors, textures, and patterns, it is a great choice for vertical applications in high traffic areas for residential and commercial projects.

Thermally Fused Laminate (TFL)

 

TFL is a melamine saturated paper thermally fused to the substrate. Since it doesn’t have as many layers of kraft paper as a high pressure laminate (HPL), TFL is especially recommended for vertical and low impact applications such as retail store fixtures, displays, cabinets, and furniture.

Discover our complete line of complementary products in matching colors:

 

Richelieu has integrated a full offering of matching HPLs, edgebanding, and custom-made cabinet doors to our program. No need to compromise. You can create with confidence and ensure the continuity of your design in every component.   

 

 

As with every design project, there are varying degrees of challenges when it comes to choosing the right materials to bring a vision to life. Working with Richelieu means never having to compromise between the performance of the material and the desired aesthetic.