Saviola TFL Panel For Open Casework and Double-Face Applications
The SALT International Saviola GSAM3 Chocolate panel is an A/A thermally fused laminate (TFL) decorative panel finished on both faces in the Gran Tour texture, sized at 83-5/16 inch x 110-1/4 inch at 19 mm thick. With a consistent decor on both the A-face and the A-back, it is the right sheet for open shelving, room dividers, cabinet boxes, and any component where both sides are in view.
Key Features
- 13-hour water-resistant core — a vendor test result, not a wet-area rating, and useful where spills and humidity are routine.
- 100% post-consumer recycled core — the Gruppo Saviola board program is built entirely from reclaimed wood fiber.
- A/A grade pair: Both faces carry the same Chocolate decor, so either side can face out without a second operation.
- Gran Tour finish: A structured texture with a pronounced surface relief that reads as a refined wood character under direct light.
- 19 mm TFL construction: The decorative face is thermally fused directly to the core, creating a seamless bond with no adhesive layer to open at the edge.
- Large-format sheet: At 83-5/16 inch x 110-1/4 inch, the sheet accommodates tall cabinet runs and full-height parts with efficient yield.
- CARB2 compliant hardwood particleboard core: Meets California Air Resources Board Phase 2 formaldehyde emission limits for composite wood panels.
- Matching ABS edgebanding available: Color-matched banding in this decor is offered in the Saviola program so cut edges finish consistently.
Where This Panel Works
Chocolate in the Gran Tour finish occupies that productive middle ground between a neutral and a statement color: warm enough to anchor a space, dark enough to read as intentional. Open shelving units benefit most from the A/A construction because top and underside are both visible. A pantry cabinet with open cubbies, a retail fixture with display shelves, or a room divider in a commercial interior — each of these puts both faces in view at the same time. The large sheet also makes it practical for tall-door blanks and full-height wardrobe carcasses where a narrower sheet would force a seam.
Construction and Surface Detail
TFL fuses the decorative paper to the particleboard core under heat and pressure, so the face becomes part of the board rather than a layer sitting on top of it. That matters most at the edges: there is no glue line to telegraph in a profiled edge or to lift in a humid kitchen environment. The Gran Tour texture gives the Chocolate decor a tactile surface relief that adds depth and helps disguise minor contact marks on a high-use surface. At 19 mm the panel pairs naturally with 23 mm ABS banding, which trims flush on both faces and keeps the finished edge clean. The hardwood particleboard core holds a machine-driven fastener well across a wide cabinet run.
Who Specifies This Panel
Cabinet shops running contemporary kitchen and bath programs reach for an A/A panel when the box interior is as visible as the exterior — frameless construction with open shelves, glass-door uppers, or floating shelf standards make that a regular call. Commercial millwork contractors specify it for reception desk carcasses, merchandising fixtures, and lounge shelving where both faces land in a sightline. Designers working on residential renovations use it for built-in entertainment centers and walk-in closet systems where the back panel of a bay is always seen from the adjacent bay. Homeowners tackling a larger DIY cabinet build will find the sheet size cuts efficiently for full-height pieces without leaving an awkward offcut.
What does A/A mean on this panel?
A/A means both faces are finished to the same appearance grade in the same Chocolate decor. Either side can be the show face, which is what distinguishes it from an A/B panel with a plain backer.
Is matching edgebanding available for GSAM3 Chocolate?
Yes. The Saviola program offers matching ABS edgebanding in this decor. ABS is chlorine-free and holds color registration well, making it the right choice where a specification excludes PVC.
Does this panel qualify for LEED or green building submittals?
The CARB2 compliant core clears the composite wood formaldehyde requirement on most commercial specifications. For LEED submittals that require post-consumer recycled content documentation, confirm the current percentage with your sales contact before submitting.
How does the Gran Tour texture affect edgebanding and machining?
Gran Tour is a surface texture on the face. The cut edge exposes the core, not the texture, so edgebanding selection is driven by panel thickness and core type rather than by the face finish. A 23 mm ABS band trims flush on a 19 mm panel and can be matched to the Chocolate decor through the Saviola program.
Is matching HPL available for this color?
Matching high pressure laminate sheets are available in the Saviola program and ship in two stocked sizes: 73 inch by 120 inch and 60 inch by 120 inch. The 60 inch sheet is useful for shops that cannot process the wider format.
A Panel That Works From Every Angle
When the design calls for a surface that holds up on both sides — in open shelving, box interiors, or two-face commercial components — the GSAM3 Chocolate A/A panel in the Gran Tour finish delivers a consistent, finished look without additional shop steps.
