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High Pressure Decorative Laminate (HPDL) is composed of resin-impregnated kraft paper, decorative paper face material and a clear melamine-impregnated overlay. These sheets are bonded at pressures greater than 1000 pounds per square inch and temperatures approaching 300 F. Pressed sheets are trimmed and then sanded on back to facilitate bonding to suitable substrates such as particleboard or MDF(medium density fiberboard). HPDL is commonly used in horizontal and vertical applications, both commercially and in residences, especially in high traffic or high usage areas.

Low Pressure Laminated (LPL) may also be called TFM or Thermofused Melamine. LPL is generally offered in panel form. It consists of decorative paper impregnated with melamine resin which is bonded directly to particleboard or MDF(medium density fiberboard) substrate. No adhesives are used in making LPL panels as the resins in the paper fuse the paper onto the board. The manufacturing process works with low press pressure and high temperature. LPL paper is specifically engineered to be thermally fused to a substrate. Because of this it does not have the kraft paper core that distinguishes HPDL, thus impact resistance is lower. LPL panels may be used in vertical, low impact or low wear applications, but are not typically recommended for countertop.