High pressure decorative laminates AKA Melamine, Formica, Wilsonart, Micarda, etc. form a family of decorative, durable, wear resistant, cleanable, facings that consist of thin materials bonded to a variety of substrates such as aluminum sheet, or phenolic sheet, under heat and high pressure. These materials are normally used in flat panels or gently curved panels to form cabinet facing or wall or ceiling linings.

HPDL on aluminum or phenolic backing is often used as the "skin" in a composite panel (honeycomb, plymetal, etc.), but may also be used alone as a thin panel in applications where significant structural strength is not required such as ceiling cornice areas, ceiling panels, or other light duty applications.