DPL vs HPL, Which laminate should I select? It seems that there is always a battle, and now direct pressure laminate vs high-pressure laminate?
You’re shopping for laminate, see it’s priced anywhere from under a dollar per square foot up to several dollars a square foot. You hear the terms direct pressure, high pressure, low density, and high density.
Salespeople often talk about scratch and dent resistance and rarely density. Most laminate flooring is a long-term installation. The lamination process makes a difference for long-term use. You should know the difference between direct pressure laminate and high-pressure laminate.
DPL vs HPL Laminate Flooring, Will it be a Knockout?
difference and the best to select for flooring. ” class=”wp-image-12768″/>There are major differences between “Direct Pressure Laminate flooring (DPL)” and “High Pressure Laminate flooring (HPL).”
Direct Pressure Laminate Flooring – DPL
In the battle between direct pressure laminate vs. high-pressure laminate, direct pressure will win the battle in price.
Direct Pressure Laminate – DPL laminate flooring is more common and lower in price. DPL will cost less and perform best with low to moderate traffic.
Made up of 4 layers
- Stabilizing layer
- Core layer
- Decorative layer
- Wear layer
Fusing of layers takes place at 300 and 600 pounds per square inch (PSI) of pressure and around 300 degrees Fahrenheit.
High-Pressure Laminate Flooring – HPL
In the second round of the battle, direct pressure laminate vs. high pressure laminate, high pressure will win the battle in durability. HPL laminate flooring comes at a higher price but is more durable.
Made up of 5 Layers
High Pressure Laminate – HPL is made in 5 layers vs. the 4 layers of DPL. HPL backing and top wear layers are treated separately, and then fused directly onto the core.
PSI of 1300+ fuses the layers, significantly more pressure than used in the DPL process. This creates a stronger floor that will perform better in higher traffic situations.
The Winner
Without a doubt, HPL will perform better in higher residential traffic situations and for commercial use, making high-pressure laminate a knockout in the battle of direct Pressure laminate vs high-pressure laminate.
