Lathams says that Kronospan’s Natural Touch is the first embossed-in-register melamine board where the grain texture precisely matches the surface finish. Now, the authentic look and feel of real timber – the graining, the subtle variations of shade and tone – is accessible on almost any project.

This physical depth is achieved by precisely synchronising the surface structure to perfectly match the image of the woodgrain below.  The result is an organic texture that is pre-finished, extremely durable, easy to work with and offers  a consistency in both colour and grain.  This means that architects, interior designers, contractors and furniture makers can now achieve an authentic rustic realism using melamine.

With Natural Touch, the applications are almost limitless. It can be used for cladding walls, building furniture, creating fixtures as well as making striking punctuations to spaces and surfaces and the versatility of this product has made it particularly popular within the shopfitting and hospitality sectors.

James Latham’s group product champion for melamine, Paul Morson, comments: “The reaction from the market to this product has been really positive. Interest has not only come from top end shopfitters, but also bespoke kitchen and wardrobe manufacturers who want to offer something different from their competitors.

“We’ve also seen lots of enquiries from exclusive designer outlets and retailers because not only is it a cheaper option than a finished veneered board, but every board of Natural Touch retains a consistent appearance.”

Supplied in 14 different decors, including rare timbers such as Hemlock Nordique, Elm Lava, Cinnamon Walnut and three kinds of oak – and with a range of matching edgings – Natural Touch is now available directly from stock at all nine of James Latham’s UK-wide panel distribution sites.

The Natural Touch range also carries full FSC certification.