Choosing the right textured surface I Millwork & Cabinetry I REHAU

Tell a story with texture

Choosing the right surface for your design

Texture is more than a visual detail in design— it is a celebration for the senses. From subtle wood graining to rich multi-tonal finishes, textured surfaces invite touch and interaction through their dimensional appeal. They add warmth, character and complexity to any space, whether you’re designing a mid-century modern kitchen or a rustic retreat.

With so many options on the market, how do you choose a textured surface that best meets your project’s needs? Let’s explore the key qualities to look for and break down the most popular textured surface solutions available today.

What should I look for in a textured surface?

1. Impact and wear resistance:

Helps your designs stand the test of time, especially in high-traffic areas where durability is essential

2. Natural, deep texture pattern:

Adds visual depth and tactile interest, helping you create spaces that feel layered and intentional

3. Real wood look and feel:

Elevates your design with a luxurious, organic touch that feels familiar to clients

4. Color and design options:

Gives you the flexibility to match a wide range of styles, palettes and project needs

What are popular textured surface options?

1. High-pressure laminate (HPL)

Durable, versatile & practical

High-pressure laminate (HPL) is made of pressed decorative paper, craft paper and resins. It’s a go-to choice for designers who need a durable surface that can withstand daily wear and tear. HPL is heat, moisture and impact resistant, making it ideal for kitchens, hospitality spaces and commercial environments. Its consistent color and pattern support cohesive designs, though it may lack the natural authenticity some clients desire as an alternative to solid wood.

2. Textured melamine

Affordable style with visual appeal

Textured melamine is composed of a thin paper infused with resin that is bonded to a panel. It offers a deeply textured look at a budget-friendly price, making it a popular choice for millwork and cabinetry. This option is less impact resistant compared to HPL, and is susceptible to moisture infiltration and swelling. As a cost-effective choice, the texture may feel less authentic to the touch compared to alternate options.

3. Wood

Authentic & timeless

Wood brings timeless warmth and character to interiors. With endless options for painting and staining, wood gives you the flexibility to customize finishes to match your clients’ exact preferences. Widely recognized as a high-quality material, wood adds instant value to a space. However, wood is labor intensive and expensive to process, and is susceptible to moisture infiltration, swelling, warpage and wear over time. Wood is additionally highly susceptible to fading color, making it difficult to match if any doors need replacing in the future. Due to its natural state, wood may also require wire brushing if a consistent texture is preferred by your client.

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4. Wood fiber laminate

Sustainable innovation meets high performance

Wood fiber laminate is made from cellulose fibers bonded with vegetable-based adhesives, resulting in a sustainable surface. Free from melamine, resins, formaldehyde, phenol and solvents, wood fiber laminate is an ideal choice for clients who prioritize clean, eco-conscious materials without compromising performance. Wood fiber laminate is three times thicker than melamine and lends a natural veneer look to millwork and cabinetry with its precise synchronized etching, bridging durability with aesthetics. While it excels in sustainability and performance, it may offer fewer finish and color options compared to traditional wood.

Choosing the right textured surface is about balancing aesthetic appeal, performance and project needs. Understanding the strengths and limitations of each material can help you make more informed decisions to meet your clients’ needs. Use texture to tell your story and create spaces that feel as good as they look.

Interested in exploring textured surface options? Check out our RAUVISIO terra soft, textured HPL surface and RAUVISIO ingrain wood fiber laminate surface:

Entice the senses with RAUVISIO ingrain

RAUVISIO ingrain™ wood fiber laminate surface combines natural wood fibers with synchronized etching for a luxurious veneer aesthetic. Step into the grain with one of our award-winning immersive patterns to deliver eco-conscience elegance to your next designed space.

Learn more Request a sample

Touch the forest guilt free with RAUVISIO terra

RAUVISIO terra™ soft, textured HPL surface weaves the softness of the forest floor with the resilience of an ancient tree. Regardless of the season, this deeply textured surface delivers all-round durability with an authentic wood look and feel.

Learn more Request a sample

Overview of textured surface options:

	Advantages	Limitations
High-pressure laminate (HPL)	Very durable and impact resistant Heat and moisture resistant Consistent color and pattern	Not solid wood
Textured melamine	Deeply textured Low-cost option	Not as impact resistant as other options Susceptible to moisture infiltration and swelling Feels low-cost and artificial
Wood	Unlimited color options with paint or stain Widely accepted as a high-quality material	More labor intensive and expensive process Susceptible to moisture infiltration and swelling Prone to warpage and wear over time Required wire brushing for consistent texture
Wood fiber laminate	High-performing, sustainable material 3x thicker than melamine Made of natural cellulose materials Free of melamine resins, formaldehyde, phenol and solvents Synchronized etching lends natural veneer aesthetic	Fewer finish and color options compared to wood