Who makes what
Polytec and Laminex are both major Australian suppliers of decorative surface products — primarily melamine-faced boards (MDF and particleboard panels), thermolaminate door products, and laminate sheet materials used in kitchen cabinetry and joinery.
Both brands supply to the trade rather than direct to consumers — you'll typically encounter them through your cabinet maker or kitchen supplier who specifies their products in a quote.
The practical differences
Product range: Both offer extensive colour and texture ranges. Polytec is often cited by tradespeople for its popular timber-look and textured ranges. Laminex has a broader presence in commercial applications but is equally prevalent in residential kitchens.
Colour collection: Polytec's colour collections have historically been regarded as slightly more design-forward by Australian cabinet makers. Laminex's range is larger in absolute terms. Both release new collections regularly.
Availability: Both are distributed nationally through major timber and sheet material distributors. Regional availability can vary — your cabinet maker will know which is more reliably stocked in your area.
Quality: Both brands produce quality products that are suitable for residential kitchen applications. At equivalent specifications, performance differences are minimal in practice.
The honest answer
For most homeowners, the choice between Polytec and Laminex is less important than which specific product within each range suits your design and how well it's applied by your cabinet maker. Focus on seeing a sample in the specific colour and texture you're specifying, rather than on the brand name.
Featured supplier: polytec
polytec
Australia's leading manufacturer of decorative surfaces and thermolaminated doors and panels for kitchens, bathrooms, laundries, and wardrobes.
polytec is proudly Australian made and owned, with over 20 years of manufacturing experience supplying the kitchen, bathroom, and furniture industries. Their product range covers thermolaminated doors and panels in hundreds of colours and profiles, decorative melamine panels (RAVINE, LEGATO, WOODMATT, ULTRAGLAZE, ULTRAMATT), and substrate products used throughout Australian kitchens.
Profiled doors with a durable thermoformed surface — resistant to everyday knocks and moisture. Available in Smooth, Matt, Gloss, Woodmatt, Woodgrain, Texture, Ashgrain, Natura, and Ravine finishes. Door profiles range from flat (Style 1) through heavily profiled shaker and Hamptons styles (Chifley, Sussex, Ascot, Hampton).
- Sussex — minimal, contemporary shaker
- Chifley — classic Hamptons profile
- Malabar — angular edges, Scandi-inspired
- Calcutta — v-groove contemporary feature
- Cove 25/50 — fluted architectural detail
- Peak — three-dimensional angled profile
Premium melamine-faced panels used for carcasses, feature doors, and custom applications. RAVINE timber-grain panels are widely used in kitchen interiors and furniture. ULTRAGLAZE and ULTRAMATT provide high-sheen and ultra-flat matte surfaces for contemporary applications.
- RAVINE — realistic woodgrain, widely used
- WOODMATT — natural timber aesthetics
- ULTRAGLAZE — full gloss surface
- ULTRAMATT — premium flat matte
- LEGATO — subtle texture, soft feel
- CREATEC — contemporary solid colours