Replies

1. 
   jtandrews | Sep 29, 2005 02:03am | #1

   I don't know about 'commercial' v. 'non-commercial', but I can tell you that there are certainly different grades. 

   I've built and spec'd several projects out of melamine that I purchased from a distributor, and I've compared it to what you get from the big box stores.  There is no comparison.  The distributor sells a much better product- usually for less. 

   The distributor also carries different thicknesses and colors (almond, gray and black) in addition to white.  The distributor can also get you 5 x 9 sheets if you're up to handling them.  They weigh a ton.

   Jeff

1. 
   ttr | Sep 29, 2005 03:55am | #2

   Thanks

2. 
   CTDurham | Sep 30, 2005 06:17am | #4

   Jeff,

   I would interested in knowing the names of some of the manufacturers as well as distributors.  I am looking for a maple type melamine.

   Thanks,

   Clark

1. 
   jtandrews | Sep 30, 2005 01:38pm | #5

   Unfortunately I don't know any manufacturers, I am dealing with a local distributor near Baltimore.  I buy most of my melamine and veneered sheet goods from North Bay Distributors, in Elkridge, MD.  I don't know how far they travel for deliveries, but I have talked to their driver about delivery routes that he has had that have taken him as far as West Virgina, Northern Virginia, and up into Delaware and Pennsylvania.

   North Bay is a complete distributor for the cabinet shop.  In addition to sheet goods, they sell veneer, plastic laminate, hardware and everything associated with these products.  AND, they are easy to deal with which is hard to find today.

   Their phone number is 1-800-935-6229.

   Jeff

2. 
   Adrian | Sep 29, 2005 09:36pm | #3

   There are different grades of particle board, to which the melamine resin is applied....big difference between industrial grade board and what you find in home centres, or most of them that I've been in.

   As far as melamine board itself, it is graded according to the 'basis weight' ....how many grams of melamne resin per square metre it is coated with. The common grades ....this is for thermofused melamine, that would be used for cabinet gables etc., not the thinner foils used for backs, panelling etc........are 80 gram, 100, 120, and 140. 80 g is thin enough that it looks a little grey...you can sort of see the partcileboard showing through. With 100, 120, and 140, the sheet looks progressively whiter, as there is more resin on it. Also holds up better, easier to cut without chipping etc. I can't buy 140 g around here, so I buy 120, and will sometimes settle for 100 if I'm stuck. I only buy from wholesalers to the trade, even if it's a few sheets, never from home centres.

   Cabinetmaker/college woodworking instructor. Cape Breton, Nova Scotia.
3. 
   DJK | Sep 30, 2005 04:11pm | #6

   A few years ago I started using Panolam in place of Boise Cascade. Panolam is a much better product with a "Canadian" core not the typical "Southern" core, holds screws like plywood. Must be 50 different colors and grain patterns with matching banding and high pressure laminate. Find a dealer in your area.

   DJK