DCHP-3

arborite

< Latin arbor 'tree'
DCHP-2 (Sep 2016)

Spelling variants:
Arborite,

n. — proprietary, Industry

a hard plastic laminate used for countertops and tabletops.

Type: 1. Origin — The term is used almost exclusively in Canada (see Chart 1), where it is a proprietary name, though the product is used internationally. Developed by Howard Smith Paper Mills Ltd., this material, made from pulp resin, has been available since 1945 (see the 1946 quotation for an early example).
See also COD-2, s.v. "arborite", which is marked "Cdn proprietary", ITP Nelson, s.v. "Arborite".

Quotations

1946
In need of extra cupboard space in your kitchen? We have a few wall and base cupboards in 3 and 4 ft. lengths for immediate delivery; base cupboards complete with Arborite tops with metal mouldings.
1978
Domtar Construction Materials Ltd. of Montreal will reduce operations at its arborite plant in La Salle, Que., effective Aug. 31.
1983
Even the kitchen has black arborite pantry cupboards and black appliances, plus sunlight-taupe counter surfaces and flooring and brass fixtures.
2008
The owners kept the 1950s Arborite and chrome tables and added red plush banquettes and some mustard and indigo paint.
2014
To bond a sheet of veneer such as arborite to a substrate, cover the substrate with wax paper leaving about five centimetres exposed along the starting edge. Carefully place the veneer so it will align with the substrate, then use a rolling pin to bond the two surfaces.

References

  • ITP Nelson
  • COD-2

Images

Chart 1: Internet Domain Search, 23 Aug. 2012

Chart 1: Internet Domain Search, 23 Aug. 2012