Wilsonart Betty and Endora retro laminate designs to be discontinued as stock laminates on Dec. 1, 2017

Wilsonart is discontinuing their “Betty” and “Endora” laminate designs as “stock” laminates by the end of this year, with plans to move them to their Virtual Design Library (VDL). However, Wilsonart does not sound certain the move the the VDL line will work. So as I say when this kind of change is afoot: If you want this stuff for your kitchen or bathroom, get while the getting is good. Above: Nancy used Betty for the countertops in her kitchen remodel.

Chris used Wilsonart’s Endora to top her leggy bathroom vanity.

Thanks to the several reader Tami, who sent me this tip. Wilsonart confirms:

Question:

Can you confirm whether “Betty” and “Endora” laminate patterns are being discontinued by Wilsonart, effective 12/1/2017.

​Wilsonart: 

Yes, that is correct.

We will be moving forward to try to convert these designs to the Virtual Design Library (Retro category) by the end of the year.  Please keep in mind that not all designs can be successfully converted into VDL.  As the team works through the process, they will keep us all updated.

Designer Sally Chavez named the Betty laminate because it reminded her of the colors in this favorite photo of her mother Betty.

Question: 

Thank you. If they go VDL, the price will be significantly higher, right?

Wilsonart: 

For an average size kitchen, we typically say ~ $3-5 psf (uninstalled). Check with your local dealer for a price quote.

Note, as shown above: I calculate prices on Home Depot for the product as stock 4′ x 8′  at under $1.80/s.f., also uninstalled. So you can see the difference.

 

Why stock laminate rock:

• Stock laminates are typically made with top-layer “deco” papers with designs that are pre-printed (on rotogravure printers) in large runs. 
• Because they are mass produced, the price for stock laminates is generally several times less than for digital-print papers like Wilsonart’s VLD line, which printed to order.
• Stock papers are widely available at big box stores and generally have little wait time.

Digital print papers like those in Wilsonart’s Virtual Design Library:

• Conversely, digital prints are made to order.
• They are more expensive, as a result.
• There may be a delay in getting these, because they are made to order and you need to get in line.
• But a big advantage: Digital printing opens up endless possibilities. Our Retro Renovation®by Wilsonart laminates are digitally printed.

Wilsonart’s Betty and Endora laminates were introduced to the market in Summer 2015. It’s sad to see them dropped from the stock lineup. Abstract-design laminates, like those that were popular in the 1950s and into the 1960s, will now be virtually non-existent as stock offerings. 

Links:

• Wilsonart Betty
• Wilsonart Endora
• Wilsonart’s Virtual Design Library
• All our research on laminates to consider for your Retro Renovation.

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