When it comes to producing high-quality panels for work surfaces and furniture, the balancing backer you select can make a significant difference between a product that lasts and one that falls apart prematurely. Because of the role it plays in ensuring the structural stability of your panels, don’t make the mistake of making it an afterthought! Here are three key questions to ask before you select your model.

You chose the right balancing backer, yet, after laying up your panels, you see that some of your panels have warped. Can you still get a warped panel, even with the right materials? Unfortunately yes. Here are some common reasons for warping and what you can do to prevent it.

In the plywood and laminate world, telegraphing is the visible (and sometimes tactile) transfer of substrate irregularities - voids, patches, grain raise, sanding ridges, or glue lines - through the overlay (HPL, TFL, foil, veneer, paint, etc.). It can appear as faint lines, ripples, or localized highs/lows that you can feel. Because of the problems associated with telegraphing, it’s important to follow best practices during and before manufacturing has begun. Here are some steps you can take to prevent telegraphing.