Hardboard

Hardboard, which may sometimes be called high-density fiberboard, is a type of engineered wood that resembles real wood without investing too much money. In a layman’s definition, a hardboard is reconstructed, recycled wood.

It is engineered from wood leftovers glued using resin and compressed under high temperatures and intense pressure. This construction makes it highly versatile for domestic and commercial applications.

What Are Hardboard Sheets?

Hardboard sheets are wood panels made to be rigid, dense, and lightweight. The sheets are often used for furniture backing, floor covering, cabinetry, and more. 

They are known for being durable when used correctly, with one smooth side and one textured for easier handling. It can also be painted and cut to size, supporting custom and DIY projects.

What Is Hardboard Used For?

Hardboard is incredibly versatile and is widely used in the following applications:

• Construction Industry –  On construction sites, you’ll see hardboard flooring, wall sheathing, roof underlayment, wall linings, wall panels, wall claddings, display panels, and structural bracing.
• Furniture Backing – Hardboard is widely used to make furniture backing (drawers, dust stops, bed headboards, room dividers, cabinet tops, exteriors for cupboards, desktops, and doors). The face makes finishing easy for uniform surfaces.
• The Auto Industry – In some cases, hardboard is used inside vehicles and caravan interiors, dashboards, back window decks, door panels, and roof panels.
• Retail Industry – Hardboard works well in shopfitting, signs, and displays. It takes vinyl, paint, printing, etc., well, and can be cut, shaped, and perforated for use as mounting boards or display surfaces.
• Packaging and Protection – Used to package or protect goods, especially fragile items, during transport. It can also temporarily cover floors or countertops while renovations or construction happen to prevent damage. 
• Arts/Crafts – Because it is easy to shape, cut, or laminate, hardboard is popular for crafts, signage, frame backings, display panels, tool boards, pegboards, etc.

Types of Hardboard

There are several types of hardboard, each with a tweak to its construction that fits specific uses. Let’s examine them:

• Standard hardboard – Non structural, interior use. E1 formaldehyde level. Hardboard sizes include 2440 × 1220mm and 1220 × 610mm. They are mostly FSC® / pine / recycled wood species.
• Perforated hardboard/ pegboard-style – Hardboard with regularly spaced holes. They are used in workshops, tool boards, garages, organising tools, pegboards, storage walls, display panels, etc.
• Oil tempered hardboard – Oil-tempered hardboard increases its durability and hardness, with some level of resistance to wear/impact. You can get it in perforated and non-perforated options, depending on usage.
• Species specific/ Fibre type variants – Boards are made with different species sometimes, such as pine, eucalyptus, etc. Crucial for when appearance, colour, texture, or supply/sustainability matter. 

You can also get options with equal face finish on both sides, (high-density) grade, and thin hardboard options.

Advantages of Hardboard

Here are the advantages of hardboard:

• Environmentally friendly
  Unlike real wood, hardboard is considered environmentally friendly. The material is made from leftover wood and fibres, reducing the need to harvest forests.

• Affordable
  Hardboard is inexpensive compared to real wood. This is because it is made from waste wood products. Besides, it can last for many years due to its protective finish.

• Easy to work with
  There is uniformity in the weight and density of the hardboard. It is also available in varying sizes. It is easy to work with and install, saving time and labour costs for professionals and DIYers.

• Durable
  Hardboard is quite durable and strong for its recommended applications. It is made to EN 622-2 specifications and performs well in its class of mechanical strength, swelling, thickness, and performance in general.

• Available in various styles and sizes
  Hardboard comes in different styles, sizes, shades, and textures. Unlike real wood, customisation is much easier. You can get large panels and varying finishes, including finished, pre-finished, or unfinished hardboard. Unfinished panels take stain and paint well for added customisation. The hardboard is consistent, though some could have minor surface defects.

Disadvantages of Hardboard

The following are the disadvantages of hardboard:

• Hardboard products are prone to moisture uptake and, therefore, are not ideal for outdoor applications.
• They are not as durable as their counterparts, such as Plywood or MDF.
• Hardboard construction components and furniture require regular inspection and maintenance.

You don’t have to spend more on buying solid wood for your projects. Hardboard is a perfect substitute for wood and will last for a long time if well-maintained.

Why Choose Our Hardboard?

Shop at Sheet Materials Wholesale for unbeatable value and performance. Our hardboard sheets are FSC®-certified and compliant with E1 formaldehyde emissions, guaranteeing ethical sourcing and low emissions.

Both 3 mm and 6 mm standard grades give you a smooth face to work with for further customisation and square edges, ideal for cabinet backs, drawer bottoms, or decorative panels.

Enjoy fast UK delivery, bulk discounts, and short lead times for quality hardboard at trade prices.

Buy hardboard sheets from us today and enjoy free UK delivery on bulk orders and responsive support from our sheet materials experts!

FAQs

How is hardboard made?

Hardboard is made from fine wood fibres that are shaped into a mat and pressed under high pressure and heat to activate the wood’s lignin, which naturally binds the fibres. Some additives are used to make the final product even denser.

How thick is hardboard?

Hardboard can be bought in varying thicknesses, with the standard being 3 mm to 3.2 mm, which is about ⅛ inch. However, some options can be almost twice as thick, up to 6mm in some cases.

How do I install a hardboard wall panel?

1. After inspecting the walls and room for damage, cracks, or imperfections, start measuring the space and gather supplies (construction-grade adhesive, a caulking gun, sandpaper, a tape measure, and nails/screws).
2. Use the panels to measure out how they will be affixed to the wall before you start applying the adhesive.
3. Press the panels firmly against the wall, and once in place, fix them with the nails or screws, ensuring they are flush with the board.