School Desk Tops: Compact Laminate, CDF, Laminated MDF and Werzalit
The top is the part of a school desk that wears the most: pens, rulers, water bottles and years of daily use put most of the strain on this surface. In this article we compare four top materials used on school desks: compact laminate, CDF, laminated MDF and Werzalit. Pikade school desks come with two main top options: 12 mm compact laminate and 18 mm laminated MDF. The Vega range also offers a 25 mm Werzalit top.
In short: Compact laminate for heavy use and moisture, laminated MDF when budget comes first, CDF as a middle option for those who want no edge banding, and Werzalit for a thick, rounded edge.
12 mm compact laminate top 18 mm laminated MDF top 25 mm Werzalit top (Vega)
Left to right: 12 mm compact laminate (Oasis), 18 mm laminated MDF (Velvet), 25 mm Werzalit (Vega)
What is compact laminate?
Compact laminate is a solid board made by pressing many layers of resin-impregnated paper under high pressure and heat, so it is the same material all the way through. It needs no edge banding; the edges are machined directly. It is resistant to water and moisture and stands up well to impact and scratches. On the other hand, it is heavier and costs more than laminated MDF.
Strengths: Resistant to water and moisture, tough against impact and scratches; no edge banding.
Watch out for: Heavier and more expensive than laminated MDF.
What is laminated MDF?
Laminated MDF is made by covering both faces of an MDF board with melamine; the edges are sealed with edge banding. It is light and economical and gives a surface that stands up to everyday use. Its weak point is the edges: if the edge banding is damaged, water and moisture getting in can make the MDF swell.
Strengths: Light and economical; a surface that stands up to everyday use.
Watch out for: If the edge banding is damaged, water and moisture can make the MDF swell.
What is CDF?
CDF (Compact Density Fiberboard) is a fibreboard made by compressing wood fibres under high pressure, with a density above 1000 kg/m³ and usually a black core; both faces are mostly covered with melamine. Unlike compact laminate, it is made of wood fibres rather than layers of paper and resin. Thanks to its dense structure it needs no edge banding; the edges are machined directly and the black core stays visible. It resists moisture better than MDF but is not suitable for constant contact with water; manufacturers recommend protecting cut edges against moisture. It usually costs less than compact laminate and more than laminated MDF.
Strengths: No edge banding needed; more moisture-resistant than MDF.
Watch out for: Not suitable for constant contact with water; cut edges should be protected against moisture.
What is Werzalit?
Werzalit is made by pressing a wood-based material in a mould under high pressure and heat; the decorative surface and the rounded edges are formed in one piece, so there is no edge banding. It resists scratches, impact, heat and UV light; because it withstands the weather, it is also used for café and outdoor tables. Its thick, rounded edge gives the desk a sturdy edge that is comfortable to the touch. At Pikade, the Vega range offers a 25 mm Werzalit top.
Strengths: Resists scratches, impact, heat and UV light; thick, rounded edge.
Watch out for: At Pikade, available only in the Vega range.
Quick comparison
Criterion | Compact laminate (12 mm) | Laminated MDF (18 mm) | CDF | Werzalit (25 mm) |
Durability | More resistant to impact and scratches | Sufficient for normal classroom use | Impact-resistant thanks to its dense structure | Resists scratches, impact and heat |
Water and moisture | Unaffected by contact with water | Intact edges are essential | Better than MDF; not for constant contact with water | Weather-resistant |
Edge | No edge banding | Edge banding | No edge banding, black core visible | Moulded rounded edge, no banding |
Weight | Heavier | Lighter, easy to move | Lighter than compact laminate | Depends on size |
Price | Higher initial cost, long service life | More economical | Cheaper than compact laminate, dearer than laminated MDF | Depends on model |
Which one should you choose?
Compact laminate: Classrooms where desks will be used heavily for many years, may come into contact with water, or are moved and rearranged often.
Laminated MDF: When budget is the priority and desks will be used in a dry, orderly setting.
CDF: A middle option for those who want no edge banding and a top tougher than laminated MDF, without the cost of compact laminate.
Werzalit: When you want a thick, rounded-edge top that withstands the weather.
You can also use more than one option in the same school for different classrooms.
Top options on Pikade school desks
Each top option has its own product code, which you can see on the product pages.
Let's work out together which top is right for your project.
or call: +90 212 320 11 22
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