Compact Laminate

Ironwood compact laminate partitions are manufactured with the following thicknesses:  

• ¾” (slab doors and pilasters)  

• 1” (stile and rail doors and pilasters)  

• ½” (panels and urinal screens) 

• ¼” (louver slats)

Standard compact laminate is Class B fire rated. Class A fire rating is an additive option. Note that Class A is considerably more expensive. 

Compact Laminate partitions are often a good choice when surfaces must be free of germs. Some, but not all, compact laminate products can be manufactured with an antimicrobial coating. We recommend cleaning be done simply with soap and water, but most commercial cleaning products do not diminish material performance. 

Compact Laminate components can be manufactured with full custom and semi-custom patterns and colors, including images. Contact us if you are interested in exploring full custom prints. 

Here is more information about compact laminate toilet partitions, for those wanting to go a little deeper. 

AKA (Also Known As)

Compact Laminate is also known as Phenolic. Some companies have been marketing phenolic with this name for the last few years. Other names for compact laminate include compact grade laminate, solid phenolic core, and more. 

Edge Holding Limitations

Compact Laminate sheets are most commonly manufactured by applying high temperatures and pressure to layers of kraft paper impregnated with phenolic resins. This core is covered with a decorative surface paper sheet and a transparent, water-resistant overlay to give the desired color and pattern. This process results in a durable material with a matte finish.  

One consequence of this layered manufacturing process is poor edge-holding capability. This means that fasteners should not be screwed or otherwise mounted into the edge of a compact laminate component.  

The faces of compact laminate products have very strong fastening characteristics, due to the same layered construction. 

Inexpensive Compared to Other Durable Materials

Compact Laminate toilet partitions offer a stylish and cost-effective alternative to more expensive options for public restrooms, such as solid surfaces and quartz. Compact Laminate is an excellent material choice for reducing costs without sacrificing quality, aesthetics, or performance.  

Unheated or unconditioned environments

Compact Laminate is also used for exterior cladding and performs well across a wide temperature range. Care must take to consider specifying UV-resistant compact laminate in external applications. Uniform temperature and airflow are also required to avoid warping. This means the front and back faces should not be subject to widely differing temperatures.