Chipboard

Chipboard, also called low-density fibreboard or particleboard, is a thick fibre ‘paper’, naturally made from recycled small timber strips mixed with resin. Chipboard resembles cardboard in various ways. Typically, it is a kind of non-corrugated cardboard, implying that it lacks dishevelled fluting between the two layers which creates the hollow in corrugated cardboard.

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What Is It Used For?

Chipboard has a wide range of uses. The most common applications are making a secure base layer for flooring (e.g., laminate, vinyl, solid wood, or engineered timber). Chipboard is also used for creating cost-efficient flooring – mostly in areas where aesthetics is not that crucial such as a loft space used for storage.

Here are some other uses of chipboard sheets:

  • Kitchen cabinets
  • Kitchen worktops
  • Flatpack furniture
  • Insulation
  • Home accents for interiors (e.g., mouldings and trims around doors and windows)
  • Furniture elements (e.g., wardrobe backs, drawer bottoms)
  • Packaging
  • Soundproofing and absorption (e.g., music venue flooring and walls)

How is Chipboard Made?

Chipboard is made through the following processes:

  • The chipping process: This process produces chipboard wood strips with uniform sizes and then dried. The drying process ensures that the chips maintain the right moisture content. After reaching the required level of moisture, the chips are screened to sort them into different sizes.
  • The glueing process: This process encompasses the formation of chipboard. It includes resin treatment, which glues the wood chips together.
  • Pressing: At this step, the chipboard is pressed under high temperature and left to cool. The final product after cooling process has a solid bond.
  • Post-treatment: The last step. It consists of sanding and cutting. Some chipboards are laminated to produce a decorative layer.

Grades

  • P1 – Used for general purposes such as joinery and basic building work.
  • P2 – Not load-bearing and can be used in the construction of cabinets.
  • P3 – Not load-bearing and is moisture resistant.
  • P4 – It is load-bearing only for dry conditions.
  • P5 – It is moisture resistant and load-bearing. It is preferred for chipboard floorboards.
  • P6 – It is load-bearing and heavy-duty for dry conditions.
  • P7 – It is moisture resistant, load-bearing, and heavy-duty.

P2 Chipboard

P2 chipboard is ideal for interior furniture and fixtures in dry conditions, and moisture exposure is limited. It has a smooth surface excellent for veneering or laminating to add a decorative appeal to the furniture.

P5 Chipboard

P5 is a flooring grade chipboard that is appropriate for load-bearing uses where there is fluctuating moisture because of extreme humidity. P5 chipboard is typically used for flooring.

P6 Chipboard

P6 is high-density chipboard with a well-sanded exterior. It is also perfect for laminating or coating for dry conditions. It is commonly used in making load-bearing walls, floors, and roofs.

Benefits

There is a wide array of benefits you can get by using chipboard boards.

  • They are uncomplicated and therefore, effortless to use.
  • Cutting chipboard is easy. You can trim the sheet to fit on awkward areas like cupboards and stairs.
  • Chipboards are affordable.
  • It is easy to use nails, screws, and adhesives with them.
  • All sides are perfectly grooved, which allows every piece to interlock securely, creating a reliable connection. Adding a glue will add strength to the connection and prevent the chipboard flooring from squeaking.

Chipboard quality will vary depending on where you buy it. Sheet Materials Wholesale offers top-notch quality products at a ridiculously low price.

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