Chipboard, which is also called particle board in some places, is made from small pieces of timber obtained by shredding waste or recycled wood.
The wood chips are mixed with a liquid plastic, which hardens when it is heated under pressure. The resulting sheets may be coated with wood veneer or another plastic.
Chipboard is an extremely useful man-made material. A veneered surface is widely used for flat-pack furniture and work surfaces. It can be used for kitchen tops which are laminated with melamine and fire doors.
Our high-density chipboard is often used as the carcass for kitchen units and worktops and flooring. This type of chipboard is hardwearing, rigid and heavy.
There are exterior grades of chipboard available but most are only suitable for internal use.
We offer an efficient and reliable bonding service (along with our other great range of services).
To find out more about boards that we can bond to, click the link below. Or, find out more about our bonding service.
Chipboard is made from wood chips, shavings, sawdust, sawmill waste, or even recycled wood particles. They are mixed with a synthetic resin adhesive, and then formed into layers and compressed under high heat and pressure to create rigid, flat sheets. This manufacturing process allows chipboard to make efficient use of wood waste and recycled resources.
Chipboard is a highly cost-effective wood-based panel, making it popular for large-scale and budget-conscious projects, in both commercial and residential settings. It has a consistent density and flat surface, which makes it easy to laminate, veneer, or finish with melamine coatings. Its uniform composition also makes it free of any natural defects, providing predictable performance in furniture and interior applications.
Chipboard also offers reasonable strength and good screw-holding performance when fixings are used correctly. The density of the chipboard directly impacts its screw-holding strength. We rigorously test our chipboard to ensure it meets the highest standards for various fastening methods.
Chipboard is available in several grades designed for different uses:
Standard chipboard: Intended for dry, indoor environments.
Moisture-resistant (MR) chipboard: Manufactured with moisture-repellent resins to reduce swelling in humid conditions.
Fire-retardant chipboard: Treated to improve fire resistance and meet specific building regulations.
Exterior-grade chipboard: Specially engineered for limited exposure to moisture, though it's important to note that it does still require protection and maintenance to remain durable in exterior applications.
Each type is selected based on environmental conditions and performance requirements.
Chipboard is commonly used in interior construction, furniture manufacturing, cabinet making and flooring applications.
Common uses include furniture carcasses, shelving units, wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, internal fittings, walls, and office furniture. Chipboard loft panels can be used as ceiling linings.
Its affordability and versatility make it a staple material in the furniture industry.
Chipboard flooring is suitable as an underlay for carpet, laminate, vinyl, linoleum, and engineered wood. For tiled floors, an additional tile backer board or suitable overlay is usually required.
One of the main disadvantages of chipboard is its vulnerability to moisture. If exposed to water or high humidity without proper sealing, it can swell, weaken, and lose structural integrity. Chipboard is also heavier than some alternative engineered wood products, such as MDF in certain thicknesses, and has lower load-bearing strength compared to plywood. Additionally, once damaged, it is difficult to repair and does not refinish as well as solid wood.
Moisture-resistant chipboard is manufactured using specially formulated resins that slow down water absorption and reduce swelling when exposed to humidity. This makes it suitable for areas such as kitchens, utility rooms, and bathrooms where occasional moisture is present. However, moisture resistance is not the same as waterproof and chipboard should not be exposed to standing water or prolonged wet conditions.
When using chipboard for shelving, always ensure proper edge banding to prevent moisture absorption and swelling. We offer a range of edge banding solutions tailored to your installation needs.
While some specialised exterior-grade chipboard exists, the majority of chipboard products are designed and intended for indoor use only, due to their susceptibility to moisture damage.
Chipboard is suitable for painting in decorative or low-wear applications, provided the surface is properly sealed first. Because chipboard is porous and absorbs moisture easily, unprepared surfaces can soak up paint unevenly, resulting in a rough or blotchy finish.
We offer in house cutting services so you can ensure that your chipboard sheets are the right size for your project.