What is particle board? I’ve seen it referred to as chipboard and even as glues or boards, but what it’s really called is “particle board”. The term is used widely in the construction industry, but it is actually a misnomer. Particle board is simply an engineered composite wood product made from wood strips or chips and a high-pressure and low-pressure binder or other suitable adhesive and is usually pressed and molded into sheets. It can be used for a variety of purposes, including flooring, furniture, cabinetry, shelving and paneling.
Particle boards are frequently used in interior furnishings because of their lightweight and flexible qualities. They are strong and tough (much more so than plywood) yet are extremely malleable, and can be cut to any precise size and shape. Because they are typically manufactured using rigid milled pieces, they provide excellent dimensional stability. Further, they do not have major gaps between the boards, so they add dimensional stability to a piece of furniture or item of cabinetry. They are also excellent for use in flat panels of solid plywood.
There are two main types of what is particle board. One is called “dry-set” boards, which means the sheets have been pre-manufactured and are already solid and dry. Another type is called “wet-set” boards, which means that the sheets are still partially solid and need to be mixed with water and heated to soften them. Both types are commonly used, although some specialty boards may be manufactured specifically for particular applications. For instance, dry-set boards are often used in interior furnishings, because they lend themselves to being painted, or sanded and stained easily if so desired. Wet set boards are used in exterior applications to add strength and durability.
One of the main questions people have about what is particle board is whether or not it is safe to use. Particleboard has been found to be completely safe for indoor furniture (even some made from solid woods), but it should be noted that even outdoor furniture can be at risk of exposure to particles of this board. Particles of this type (especially those that are coated with an enamel) are considered to be extremely hazardous for breathing. Particles of this type can stick to the lungs and cause severe respiratory irritation and other health issues, so it is very important to avoid them if at all possible.
However, particle board is perfectly acceptable as a temporary substitute for lumber when it comes to what is particle board. In fact, particle board is frequently the preferred product when it comes to constructing shelving and other furniture items. Particles of this kind are much easier to handle when they are wet, so they can be easily assembled on site and used. Furthermore, boards of this kind are less likely to splinter, break, or become damaged by other furniture items that are used in the same area as the board. Therefore, it can often make sense to purchase this type of board instead of using a cheaper substitute simply because particle board is usually less expensive than cheaper hardwoods such as redwood, cedar, and ash.
Particle board is ideal for many different types of furniture, so you can rest assured knowing that you will always be able to find uses for your home or office furnishings. Because of its low cost and versatile nature, it is easy to change out what is particle board with ease, saving you time and money in the process. When it comes to what is particle board you should know before purchasing the material, there are two main types of boards: the flexural and the acoustical. Flexible boards allow for greater amounts of movement, which means that the furniture items in question can be moved around more easily than with more rigid types of boards.
