How to Read a Laminate Catalogue: Understanding Codes, Finishes & Sheet Sizes
You may like a laminate colour in a catalogue, but how do you make sure you order the right one? A how to read laminate catalogue guide helps you check the design number, surface finish, sheet size and thickness before you buy. These details matter when you are choosing laminate for a wardrobe, kitchen or study table. A small mistake in the code or finish can mean getting a sheet that is different from what you wanted.
Anatomy of a Laminate Catalogue Page
When you open a laminate catalogue, you will see details such as the design number, finish, colour reference, dimensions, thickness, and category beside each option. Royale Touche’s laminate catalogues organise collections by laminate type and application, making them useful for checking technical details before you shortlist a design.
- Design number / Article code: Write this number down when you find a design you like. You can share it with the dealer instead of trying to explain the colour.
- Colour name and swatch: The colour name gives you an idea of the shade. Look at the swatch too, as names alone may not tell you exactly how the colour looks.
- Finish/texture code: Check this code to find out whether the laminate is matte, glossy or textured.
- Available sizes and thickness: Check which sheet sizes and thicknesses are sold for that design. Your preferred option may not be available in every size.
- Category: This tells you whether the design is a plain colour, wood pattern, stone pattern or another style.
Once you know where to find these details, the laminate catalogue of how to use the process is much easier. You can check the design you like and confirm the details before placing your order.
Decoding the Design Number
The laminate catalogue codes explained below show how different parts of a product code may be used. The exact code can vary from one brand to another.
| Code Element | What It Means | Example |
| Brand prefix | Letters used to identify a brand | RT (Royale Touche), GR (Greenlam) |
| Design number | The code for a particular design | RT-2845, RT-5532 |
| Colour name | The name given to the colour or pattern | “Nordic Oak,” “Charcoal Stone” |
| Category tag | A code used for a design type | WG (Woodgrain), ST (Stone), SO (Solid) |
When checking laminate catalogue codes explained, do not rely on the colour name alone. Note the design number and share it with the dealer when asking for the same laminate. Check the swatch as well to make sure the colour is right.
If you are asking what a laminate number means, look at the label next to it. It may be the design number, article number or another product code. Check the catalogue or ask the dealer if you are not sure which number to use when ordering.
Understanding Finish Codes
The laminate finish codes’ meaning can differ between brands. The code tells you about the surface, so check it even if you have already picked your colour.
| Finish Code | Full Name | Surface Feel | Gloss Level | Best For |
| MG / GL | Glossy / High Gloss | Smooth and shiny | 70–85 GU | Kitchen upper cabinets, display units |
| MT / MA | Matte | Smooth with little shine | 5–15 GU | Wardrobes, study tables |
| TX / EM | Textured / Embossed | Has a raised or printed pattern | 10–20 GU | Feature walls, furniture |
| SF / SU | Suede Finish | Soft and velvety | Below 5 GU | Bedroom wardrobes, cabinets |
| AF / AFP | Anti-Fingerprint | Made to show fewer finger marks | 10–20 GU | Kitchens, cabinet doors |
| SY / ST | Synchronised Texture | The surface pattern follows the printed grain | 10–25 GU | Decorative wall panels |
| CR / CG | Crystal / PET Gloss | Very shiny and mirror-like | 80–92 GU | Kitchen upper cabinets, sliding wardrobes |
| FL | Fluted / Grooved | Has lines or grooves on the surface | N/A | TV walls, accent panels |
These codes and gloss levels are examples, not fixed rules for every brand, so the manufacturer’s own catalogue or product page should always be checked. Royale Touche’s About Laminate FAQ explains common laminate finishes, typical thickness options, applications, and other product characteristics that can help you interpret catalogue information more accurately.
Standard Laminate Sheet Sizes in India
The size of the sheet matters when you are planning a wardrobe, kitchen cabinets or a large wall panel. Checking laminate sheet size india options before buying can help you work out which size suits your furniture.
| Sheet Size | Dimensions (feet) | Dimensions (mm) | Common Use |
| Standard | 8 × 4 ft | 2440 × 1220 mm | Most furniture work |
| Jumbo | 10 × 4 ft | 3050 × 1220 mm | Tall wardrobes, feature walls |
| Compact | 6 × 4 ft | 1830 × 1220 mm | Small furniture, cabinet interiors |
| Custom | Varies by brand | — | Special or large projects |
The sizes above are examples. Not every brand sells every size, so check the standard laminate sheet dimensions for the design you have picked. Comparing sheet sizes with your furniture measurements can also help you avoid buying more sheets than you need.
How to Use the Catalogue to Place an Order
Found a design you like? Before you call the dealer, check these five things. If you are learning how to read laminate catalogue details for the first time, these checks can help you place your order with more confidence.
- Note the design number. Keep the code handy so the dealer knows which laminate you want. If you have a picture of the catalogue page, keep that too.
- Check the finish. Make sure you have picked the right surface. A matte finish and a glossy finish can make the same design look quite different.
- Check the sheet size and thickness. Ask which options are available for that design. Make sure they suit your furniture.
- Ask about the batch number. If you need several sheets, ask for sheets from the same batch. This can help reduce small differences in colour.
- Work out how many sheets you need. Keep around 10–15% extra for cutting waste as a starting point. Ask your carpenter to work out the amount needed for your furniture before you place the order.
Knowing how to read laminate catalogue details can save you from having to change your order later because of the wrong finish, size or design.
Common Catalogue-Reading Mistakes
Before you place an order, watch out for these mistakes:
- Picking a colour by its name alone: You may find similar colour names in different brands, but the shades may not match. Check the design number and swatch before buying.
- Missing the finish code: You may like a design in matte but receive a glossy version if you do not check the code. Read the finish details before confirming the order.
- Forgetting to check the sheet size: The design may be available in one size but not another. Ask the dealer about the size you need before making payment.
- Mixing sheets from different batches: The colour may vary slightly between batches. If you need several sheets for the same room or piece of furniture, ask for the same batch.
Before you pay, match the design number and finish code with your selection. Also check the colour swatch, texture reference, batch number and sheet orientation. It takes only a little time and can help you avoid getting the wrong sheets.
Conclusion
Learning how to read laminate catalogue details makes it easier to choose the laminate you want. Check the design number, finish, sheet size and thickness before ordering. If you need more than one sheet, ask the dealer about the batch number too. These simple checks can help you get the right laminate for your furniture.
H2 Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Does the Design Number on a Laminate Sheet Mean?
It is the code used to find a particular design in the catalogue. Note the number and show it to the dealer when you want to buy that design. Check the colour swatch before placing the order.
2. How Can I Find the Finish Type in a Laminate Catalogue?
Look for the finish code printed beside the design. Check the catalogue to see whether it means matte, glossy, textured or another finish. If the code is not clear, ask the dealer before ordering.
3. What Is the Standard Size of a Laminate Sheet in India?
An 8 × 4 ft sheet is a common size. Some brands also sell 10 × 4 ft sheets and other sizes. Ask which sizes are available for the design you have chosen.
4. Why Does the Same Laminate Design Look Different in Matte and Glossy Finishes?
Matte finishes have very little shine to them, while glossy finishes reflect more light. So the same color or pattern looks different. Please check the finish code before ordering.
5. How Much Extra Laminate Should I Buy?
10-15% extra is a starting point for cutting waste. The amount you’ll need will depend on your furniture measurements and how you are going to cut the sheets. Ask your carpenter to calculate the sheet requirement before you buy.
