2. Hardboard
Made by mixing wood fibres
together with water and
resin glue then hot pressing
into sheets.
Hardboard is not very
strong.
Usually supported on timber
frames.
Common thickness 3.2mm
S.Watson
3. MDF:- medium density
fibreboard
Manufactured similar to
hardboard.
Compressed under greater
pressure, therefore much
stronger.
MDF is a cheap material.
Strong.
Easily shaped and finished.
Ideal for all types of
furniture making and interior
joinery.
Common thickness
S.Watson
6,8,10,12,15,18,20,25,30
mm
4. Plywood
Plies of wood are glued
together in layers.
The grain of each ply are
laid at right angles to the
next.
This makes the ply strong in
both directions.
Ideal for lightweight box
construction.
Cabinet backs and drawer
bottoms.
Common thickness 4,6,9,12
mm S.Watson
5. Blockboard and Laminboard
Strips of softwood are
sandwiched between two
plies.
Strips are narrower for
laminboard.
The outer faces of veneer
have the grain running at
right angles to the strips.
Common thickness 18mm
S.Watson
6. Chipboard
Chips of wood are glued
together under heat and
pressure.
Plastic laminate faced
chipboard is widely used for
worktops, shelves and
furniture making.
Common thickness 18mm
S.Watson
