With the cost of living ever on the rise in today’s world, there always remains the need for affordable alternatives to conventional options wherever possible. When it comes to furniture, particle board is becoming an increasingly popular option for customers who are looking to revamp their interiors.
Also known as chipboard or low-density fireboard, particle board is made using the waste from wood products like sawdust and shavings, bound together with synthetic resin. Here is a detailed guide with everything you need to know about particle boards.
Types of particle boards
Now that you know what a particle board is, let’s have a look at some of its types.
Single Layer
This type of particle board is made using same-sized wood particles. The finished appearance and feel of a single-layered particle board can be rough and its durability is not very high.
Three Layer
Unlike its smaller counterpart, this type of particle board has a core layer for greater durability in between the face layers made of better-quality wood.
Veneered
As the name suggests, a veneered particle board has a layer of wooden veneer applied to its surface. This is a more aesthetically pleasing variety of this type of engineered wood.
Laminated
This type of particle board has a laminated layer on its surface of a desired colour or embossing. Just like veneered particle boards, this is also a popular choice among aesthetes.
Melamine
The most durable of the lot, melamine particle boards have a layer of melamine on their outer surface. Along with aesthetic appeal, this also ensures greater heat resistance.
Possible usage and scope
So what are particle boards used for? Is its scope limited only to furniture? Well, the use of particle boards goes much further than just furniture and can prove helpful in many other aspects of interior decoration.
Furniture
From tables and chairs to bookshelves and kitchen cabinets, the diverse properties of particle boards have something for every kind of furniture. You can choose from the wide variety of available particle boards the one that best suits your furniture needs and aesthetic taste.
Walls and floors
Particle boards are a much sought-after choice for making wall panels that can be stylized accordingly. Though not used for making floorboards, particle boards can be added as a protective layer to hardboard floors.
Doors
Doors often have a core made of particle board since its strength and structure suit the functionality perfectly.
Speaker shelves
Yes, we get it. Particle boards can be used for making shelves. But why specifically speaker shelves? Well, particle boards have this unique sound-absorbing feature that will surely be a significant upgrade to not just your interiors, but your audio experience as well!
Affordability and pricing
Owing to its structure, composition and manufacturing process, particle boards are cheaper than regular wooden ply used to make furniture. The pricing depends on the type of particle board being used.
The price can range anywhere from Rs 30 – 60 per sqft. Again, there are several factors that affect the price of engineered wood but it still remains a popular choice.
Why use particle boards for furniture?
There are several advantages of using particle boards for furniture. Here are some:
Affordability
A lot has been said about the cost-effectiveness of particle boards. Not only is particle board cheaper than solid wood, it is also priced lower than its other engineered wood counterparts such as HDF, MDF and plywood.
It is the go-to option for people looking for affordable ways to beautify their interiors without squandering exorbitant amounts of money or compromising on quality. Moreover, the aesthetic appeal is a cherry on top!
Easy maintenance
Not only do particle boards come cheap, but they also have really low maintenance costs. Caring for particle board furniture is a cakewalk, and if done correctly, it can extend its lifespan considerably.
Unlike solid wood, particle boards do not give in to humidity easily and have greater resistance. Nevertheless, like all wood products, it is important to prevent excessive moisture build up. As far as the cleaning is concerned, just gentle wiping with a damp cloth is more than enough.
Aesthetic appearance
Particle boards are available in various patterns, prints and colours. This allows consumers to choose what is most suitable to their taste. The stylistic aspect is one of the major reasons behind the soaring popularity of particle boards.
Environmental sustainability
Owing to their composition, particle boards take a very low toll on the environment. It is made using waste generated from woodwork like sawdust and shavings. Not only does this help in waste management, but also reduces the need for further deforestation to fulfil the demand for hardwood.
Competitors and alternatives
Despite all its advantages, it is important to remember that particle boards have their share of cons as well. They are not as durable and cannot be subjected to heavy or rough usage. Moreover, they are brittle and do not have a long lifespan.
Before you make a call, here are some alternatives to particle boards and how they compare with each other.
Plywood
This type of engineered wood is made by sticking together thin sheets of wood. It is more durable than particle boards. However, it is also priced higher than particle boards and has a rougher finish that might compromise on aesthetic considerations.
HDF
Unlike particle boards that are made with chips, shavings and sawdust, high-density fiberboard or HDF is made using wood pulp. Although it is priced higher than particle boards, it also offers much better durability and water resistance.
MDF
Medium-density fiberboards or MDF are more durable than particle boards and have a smoother finish. Moreover, it also offers greater water resistance and has the ability to hold greater loads. But it is also priced higher than particle boards and some of its components can pose environmental hazards.
FAQs
What are the advantages of using particle board in furniture?
Particle boards are easy to maintain, aesthetically pleasing and priced lower than its other engineered wood counterparts.
What maintenance do particle boards require?
Particle board furniture does not require any maintenance other than regular dusting and cleaning. This can be done using a damp cloth.
Is particle board better than plywood?
Despite being less durable than plywood, particle boards are cheaper and have a more aesthetically pleasing appearance.
What is the difference between particle board and HDF?
The difference between particle board and HDF lies in the composition. While the former are made using sawdust and wood shavings, the latter uses wood pulp.
What are some other uses of particle board?
Apart from furniture and interior decoration, particle boards are often used for packaging products for transport and making architectural models and similar projects.
Which is the best type of particle board?
Different types of particle boards have different things to offer. They vary greatly in durability and appearance. It is important to ensure which one suits your needs the best.
Is particle board environmentally safe?
Particle boards are environmentally sustainable as they are made using waste products and do not require further deforestation either.
| Got any questions or point of view on our article? We would love to hear from you. Write to our Editor-in-Chief Jhumur Ghosh at jhumur.ghosh1@housing.com |
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