6 Myths About Balancing Backers

Here at Richwood Industries, we think about balancing backers all the time. (Yes, we admit it, we might be in the minority.) For much of the industry, balancing backers are just a necessary tool that nobody wants to give too much thought to. They’re not pretty like decorative laminates, and they’re usually hidden from sight. That’s the perfect recipe for being overlooked or misunderstood.

But that’s why we’re here: to bust the myths about balancing backers and bring your laminated panels back into… well, balance.

Here are 6 myths—and the truths behind them:

Myth 1: Any cheap backer will do the job
We get it - you won’t see the backer. But often it’s the hidden tools that make the biggest difference, and that’s how we think about PolyBak. A quality panel starts with quality materials, and that includes the backer. Low-quality or mismatched backers can cause warping, delamination, or premature panel failure, because the backer isn’t just filler; it’s structural.

Myth 2: You don’t need a backer on stable substrates (like MDF or particleboard)
Even the most stable substrates warp when stress is introduced by a face laminate or veneer. A balancing backer is what keeps things flat and true.

Myth 3: The backer doesn’t affect appearance
A bad backer can ripple through the whole panel—literally. Poor balance can cause telegraphing, surface irregularities, or bowing that shows up in the finished product.

Myth 4: All backers perform the same way
Yes, all backers have the same job—but not the same performance. Every project is unique and calls for different specs. That’s why we offer 10 different PolyBak models. Select the right one, and you’ll have balance. Choose the wrong one, and you could end up with all the problems listed above.

Myth 5: You can skip a backer if your panel is glued to the wall
Even when a panel is fixed to a wall, imbalance still creates stress. Over time, that can lead to cracks, gaps, or adhesion issues, especially as humidity changes with the seasons.

Myth 6: Backers are only needed for large panels
The size of your panel can  influence which model you choose, but every panel—large or small—needs balance. Without it, even a slight cup or twist can throw off alignment and ruin the clean look during installation.

The Bottom Line
If you didn’t catch the trend, here it is: laminated panels need a quality balancing backer. That’s the takeaway. Choosing the right model is the tricky part, and that’s where we come in. Our team is here to help you select the PolyBak model that pairs perfectly with your panels.