A reinforced composite material includes a decorative layer, and a strengthening panel, preferably directly fused to each other. The decorative layer is preferably made of one to three layers of (preferably printed) paper impregnated with a resin such as polyester or melamine resin. The strengthening panel may have a foil facing on one surface for fusion to the decorative layer, or may be roughed and directly fused to the decorative layer without such foil facing. Also provided is a method for the production of such a material.