Fire Board

Fire board refers to an extensive range of sheet materials designed to resist fire, slow flame spread, or stop burning (of itself or what it is protecting). At Sheet Materials Wholesale, our Fire Board section includes fire-retardant chipboard, fire-retardant MDF, fire-retardant plywood, and non-combustible boards (such as cement fibre and calcium silicate).

These boards are specially treated or made to slow down burning, make construction safer, and appear in interior linings or partitions.

What is Fire Resistant Board?

As the name implies, it is a board designed to perform better than conventional materials when exposed to fire. Manufacturers achieve this using chemical treatments, non-combustible materials, or designs that resist igniting and retard flame spread.

The resistance is usually measured by classification systems (such as Euroclass ratings) or compliance standards. They indicate how resistant a material is to flame spread, smoke, and other fire-related performance metrics.

Many of our fireboards are rated Euroclass B or A1, offering high performance for your projects.

What is Fire Retardant board used for?

People use fire boards in contexts where regulations or best practices require enhanced fire safety. These include:

• Interior partitions and wall linings in homes, offices, or commercial buildings to slow fire spread between rooms.
• Display panels, wall linings, and dry internal decorative work, such as our fire-rated MDF boards.
• In ceilings or as part of fire-resistant builds where non-combustible boards work best (e.g., calcium silicate, fibre cement).
• Around services or internal (penetrative) elements like pipes and conduits to compartmentalise fires.
• Areas where the building code demands certain fire resistance (stairwells, lobbies, escape routes) or where insurance or safety standards specify.

We have boards for both dry internal uses and non-combustible boards to cater to stricter requirements.

Types of Fire Board

Fire Retardant MDF – This is treated MDF that delays ignition and fire spread, typically for internal dry use: rated (such as Euroclass B).

Fire Retardant Chipboard – Particle boards are treated similarly to MDF and have similar uses, usually as non-load-bearing internal elements.

Fire Retardant Plywood – The board is made with naturally resistant veneers or treated cores. They are stronger, but still non-structural, unless specially specified.

Non-Combustible Boards – These include cement fibre board and calcium silicate board. They do not burn and have high fire resistance.

Benefits of Fire Boards

Based on what they are manufactured to accomplish, fire boards offer several advantages:

• Enhanced safety – Slow fire spread and protects structural elements and contents, giving occupants more time to escape and fight the fire.
• Regulatory compliance – Safety codes and building regulations require fire-resistant or non-combustible materials in certain parts of a building.
• Versatility – Choose from a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and material types to fit different applications
• Improved durability – Treated boards or non-combustible ones stand up to surface damage and may have a longer service life in challenging conditions.
• Aesthetic and practical – Fire rated MDF is a prime example of a smooth finish that is ideal for painting or lining, allowing you to use it where visible safety or fire protection is critical.

Why Choose Our Fire Rated Boards?

We make shopping at Sheet Materials Wholesale a satisfying experience by offering:

• Variety – You can get Fire Retardant MDF, Chipboard, Plywood, and Non-Combustible products to match your project.
• Certifications and ratings – Many of our products are specified Euroclass B or A1, showing recognised fire performance. Some are FSC® certified.
• Quality brands – Our catalogue features recognised brands and makers such as Ramco, Wisa, JCW, etc.
• Sizes and thicknesses – Our boards come in numerous thicknesses (6mm, 9mm, 12mm, etc.), and full-sizes (such as 2440mm x 1220mm, etc.), making it easy to find what you need for your project

As part of the wide selection at Sheet Materials Wholesale, we offer a broad assortment where you can buy pack deals at bulk pricing.

Explore our full Fire Board range to find reliable materials that meet both safety and finishing standards. Order today for fast UK delivery, or get in touch with our experts to.

FAQ

Can you paint a fire board?

Yes, you can paint it, but you must ensure the paint used is appropriate for high heat conditions and doesn’t nullify the fire resistance characteristics of the board.

How to cut a fire board

1. Before you start, make sure you know how to handle the saw required and fasten the fireboard to the worktable.
2. Choose the right circular saw blade that will create smooth cuts. Ask experts for advice on the exact kind of saw you need.
3. Measure where you’ll cut before you start, and ensure you are working in a properly ventilated workroom.
4. Use a powerful electric saw to cut, following the guidelines, and separate the board apart once done.

What is a fire board?

A fire board is an engineered construction material made to resist fire and heat, slowing the spread of flames in a building. They have fire-resistant additives like glass fibres and gypsum to perform as intended while offering structural integrity.

How do you fix a fireboard to a wall?

Typically, adhesive is used, in dabs or as a continuous layer, depending on the type and then fireboards are pressed into place. As always, measure twice, cut once. Remember to leave an appropriate gap for expansion. When the glue sets, use a countersunk screw to mechanically hold the boards in place, with appropriate gaps.