Which material is best suited to my project?
Choosing the right material for your washroom cubicles isn’t just a matter of appearance and budget; it’s a decision that impacts the longevity, hygiene, and overall impression of your washroom space. Are you seeking a cost-effective solution for a low-traffic office, or are you facing the relentless traffic of a high-demand public facility?
Which materials are available?
- MR MFC (Moisture Resistant Melamine-Faced Chipboard)
- HPL (High Pressure Laminate)
- SGL (Solid Grade or Compact Grade Laminate)
Which materials are available in which cubicle range?
- Rapidfit: MR MFC and SGL
- Aspire: MR MFC and SGL
- Enhance: MR MFC, HPL and SGL
- Elevate: MR MFC and SGL
- Triumph: MR MFC and SGL
- Triumph Privacy: HPL AND SGL
- Nurture: SGL
Having identified Rearo washroom cubicles as the best solution for your upcoming commercial project, you are then faced with three questions – which core should you choose, which range should you select and which colours would your project suit? IN this blog post, we hope to give you guidance on the material choice you should make.
With MFC,HPL and SGL options available, in this blog we plan to provide a little more insight in to the benefits of all three and give you a direct comparison of each material.
MR MFC (Moisture Resistant Melamine-Faced Chipboard)
- Composition: This material consists of a 19mm high-density chipboard core with a decorative melamine facing bonded to both sides under high heat and pressure. The chipboard core is moisture-resistant, meaning it is less susceptible to damage from moisture than standard chipboard.
- Properties: MR MFC is a cost-effective and lightweight option. It is suitable for environments with low to medium traffic, such as offices or restaurants. However, it is not recommended for wet areas like shower cubicles.
- Lipping: The edges of MR MFC panels are lipped with 2mm ABS edging, which provides a clean finish and helps to protect the chipboard core from moisture.
HPL (High Pressure Laminate)
- Composition: HPL is bonded onto 18mm MR Chipboard, with edges lipped in 2mm ABS edging.
- Durability: HPL is highly resistant to impact, scratches, and wear, making it ideal for high-traffic environments.
- Moisture Resistance: While not completely waterproof, HPL offers good resistance to moisture, making it suitable for use in areas with occasional exposure to water.
- Hygiene: The smooth, non-porous surface of HPL is easy to clean and resistant to bacteria and mould growth. .
SGL (Solid Grade or Compact Grade Laminate)
- Composition: 12mm SGL is made from multiple layers of kraft paper bonded together with thermosetting resins under high pressure and temperature. This results in a very dense and durable material.
- Properties: SGL is extremely durable and waterproof, making it ideal for high-traffic and demanding environments, both wet and dry. It is resistant to impact, scratches, and even fire. SGL panels typically have a black core, which is visible on the edges.
- Profiling: SGL panels can be profiled to a soft curved finish, which provides a comfortable and aesthetically pleasing edge.
Key differences
- Durability: SGL is significantly more durable than MR MFC. It is resistant to a wider range of damage and is better suited for high-traffic areas.
- Hygiene: HPL is easy to clean and reistant to bacteria and mould.
- Moisture Resistance: SGL is completely waterproof, while MR MFC and HPL are only moisture-resistant. This makes SGL a better choice for wet environments.
- Cost: MR MFC is typically less expensive than SGL. HPL sits between the two.
Further information
So in summary, for a cost effective solution for dry environments, MR MFC toilet cubicles would be your best match. HPL is highly resistant to wear, hence ideal for high-traffic environments with only occasional exposure to water.
Meanwhile SGL is better suited to those with higher spec requirements or humid/ wet environments – such as leisure centres.
The product itself does not change however, whichever material you choose, you will still be offered the same versatile cubicle range – perfect for any commercial washroom.
Should you have any further questions in relation to our cubicle range, please get in touch with a member of our commercial team via commercial@rearo.co.uk or phone 0141 440 0800.
