The production of wood-based materials involves chopping up wood into tiny pieces, which are then reformed into new shapes – generally using a binding agent. This makes it possible to transform the irregular material of wood into a uniform wood-based material that’s suitable for a whole host of different applications.

Laminate technology is based on high-density fibreboard (HDF). This is a wood-based material consisting of wooden fibres that have been soaked in adhesive and pressed together under heat with very high compression (over 800 kg per cubic metre). Attractive, decorative paper that has been protected against mechanical damage with a resilient, abrasion-resistant protective film is then pressed onto the surface. A compact, fine film on the underside also serves to protect the wood core against damp.

The high-tech OSB (short for oriented strand board), also known as waferboard, is made from long, narrow strips of wood. These strips are arranged crosswise with two top layers and one middle layer to offer an exceptionally high level of bending strength.

Synchronised decor is where the visual impact and embossing effect dovetail together for a result that is virtually indiscernible from solid wood.