What’s the Price of Formica’s HPL Fireproof Board, and What Are Its Disadvantages Compared to Polybett?

Anyone in the building materials and interior decoration industry is familiar with Formica. As one of the earliest international brands in the fireproof board industry, Formica has established a reputation for its decorative surface materials. Fireproof boards are widely used in furniture, interior cladding, partitions, and commercial spaces.

However, with the rise of cost-effective and high-performance alternatives such as Polybett, many buyers are rethinking whether Formica is still worth the high price tag.

This article dives deep into Formica’s pricing, explores its disadvantages, and compares it with Polybett’s competitive advantages.

Understanding Formica HPL Fireproof Board

Formica, founded in 1913, is one of the oldest manufacturers of HPL (High Pressure Laminate) fireproof panels. These panels are made using decorative paper, kraft paper, and phenolic resin, pressed under high temperature and pressure.

They are commonly applied on:

• Cabinet and furniture surfaces

• Wall panel cladding

• Hospital and laboratory interiors

• Hotel public spaces and commercial buildings

HPL fireproof boards are valued for their durability, moisture resistance, and decorative finish. However, their pricing structure and market conditions have created some notable drawbacks for buyers and contractors.

Current Price of Formica Fireproof Board

The price of Formica HPL fireproof board typically falls in the mid-to-high segment of the market.

• Standard thickness (1.0mm–1.2mm): around ￥300–￥400 per sheet

• High-end surface finishes or special textures: may reach ￥500–￥700 per sheet

• Custom designs or imported models: can exceed ￥800 per sheet

This pricing is influenced by:

• Import duties and branding costs

• Multiple layers of distribution (agents, wholesalers, retailers)

• Brand recognition and reputation

For small- and medium-scale projects, this can be a significant budget burden. While the quality is reliable, there are more cost-efficient alternatives available.

Major Disadvantages of Formica HPL Fireproof Board

1. High Price with Limited Flexibility

One of the most noticeable drawbacks is the high cost of Formica boards. While they deliver good performance, other domestic and international brands offer comparable quality at a lower price.

For example, similar fireproof boards from Green Ya, a well-known domestic manufacturer, can cost 30% less while maintaining solid durability and texture quality.

For large commercial projects, this cost gap can significantly impact the budget, especially when installing hundreds or thousands of square meters.

2. Risk of Counterfeits in the Market

Another critical issue is the proliferation of counterfeit Formica boards. Many consumers assume that every seller offering “Formica” is an official dealer, but unlicensed sellers and private labels are widespread.

Common issues include:

• Counterfeit boards sold at inflated prices

• Melamine-coated boards falsely advertised as Formica HPL

• Quality inconsistencies, leading to shorter service life

Buyers who are not familiar with the product may end up overpaying for an inferior product.

3. Overlapping Agent Channels

Formica’s distribution system involves multiple layers of agents, leading to:

• Non-transparent pricing

• Inconsistent quotations between regions

• Dealers adding high markups, sometimes doubling the base cost

This complicated supply chain can frustrate contractors and end-users who need stable pricing and fast delivery.

4. Limited Customization

While Formica offers a range of colors and finishes, its customization process is not as flexible as many modern competitors. Lead times for special textures or colors can be long, making it less suitable for time-sensitive projects.

Why Polybett HPL Fireproof Board is a Stronger Choice

1. Direct Factory Pricing

Unlike Formica, Polybett ships directly from the factory, which eliminates multiple layers of distributors and ensures transparent pricing.

• A Polybett board of similar quality to Formica (around 1.0–1.2mm) may cost ￥350–￥400.

• Equivalent Formica boards can cost ￥450–￥600 or more.

This direct supply chain model provides faster delivery, stable supply, and lower costs, which is crucial for large-scale projects.

2. Superior Texture and Design Options

Polybett offers a wider range of surface finishes compared to traditional brands. Options include:

• Solid matte and high-gloss finishes

• Woodgrain, marble, stone, and metallic textures

• Custom design development for designers and contractors

This allows interior designers and project managers to create unique and modern spaces without compromising on budget.

3. Strong Environmental Certifications

All Polybett fireproof boards comply with E1-grade environmental standards and are manufactured using phenolic resin and imported kraft paper.

Key certifications:

• E1 and above formaldehyde emission standards

• Fire safety and flame retardancy certifications

• Moisture and impact resistance

This ensures that Polybett panels are safe, eco-friendly, and suitable for public buildings like hospitals, schools, offices, and hotels.

4. Excellent Flame Retardancy

Polybett’s B1 flame retardant rating meets national safety standards, ensuring reliable fire resistance performance. Unlike urea-based low-end fireproof panels that crack under stress, Polybett maintains stability under high temperatures, making it a safer long-term investment.

5. Flexible Customization and Fast Turnaround

Polybett supports custom colors, special sizes, and fast production cycles. For designers and contractors, this is a major advantage:

• Shorter lead times

• Tailored solutions for commercial and residential projects

• Strong after-sales support

Whether for office partitions, laboratory furniture, or hotel walls, Polybett offers adaptability that many traditional brands cannot.

Price Comparison: Formica vs. Polybett

The comparison clearly shows that Polybett provides better value for contractors, furniture makers, and interior designers who prioritize both quality and cost-efficiency.

Final Thoughts: Choosing the Right HPL Fireproof Board

Formica remains a recognized international brand with solid quality and a long history in the industry. However, its higher pricing, agent complexity, and market counterfeits make it less attractive for cost-sensitive projects.

Polybett, by contrast, provides factory-direct pricing, reliable quality, and flexible customization—all while maintaining the same performance standards.

For architects, designers, and procurement teams looking to optimize budget without compromising durability, Polybett is a smart and modern choice.