Abstract: A pressing apparatus having a pressure plate (6) for the hot pressing of materials (5) of the following group: laminates, wood materials, wood-plastic materials, chip and flake boards, wood, paper, film and pulp combinations for floors, walls and ceilings, has at least one heated platen (3), and at least one resilient lining (10) is situated between the platen (3) and the pressure plate (6). In order to achieve short cycling time, uniform pressing action, high and uniform thermal gradients, avoidance of air inclusions and cold spots, and long useful life, with low numbers of rejects, the following solution is proposed: a) The pressure plate (6) has on the side facing the platen (3) at least one lining (10) firmly adhering to the pressure plate (6) and made of a thermally conductive, resilient plastic, and b) the pressure plate (6) is in contact with its lining (10) against the platen without any air gap. With it, material up to a size of 6 m×9 m and over can be hot-pressed perfectly.