Differences between plywood and chipboard and fiberboard

The range of finishing and building materials allows you to choose the ideal option depending on the scope of use. Innovative technologies have resulted in a rich variety of raw materials and processing methods. Each product has specific technical and operational characteristics. Let's take a closer look at the differences between plywood and chipboard and fiberboard.

To compare several product options, you need to characterize each of them and identify the features.

This abbreviation stands for chipboard. The material is made from production waste, which is obtained from the processing of expensive wood, and cheap species are also used. After drying, cleaning and other processing, raw materials are obtained. It is crushed and mixed with special solutions. The resulting material is passed through a press and exposed to high temperatures. The formed sheets differ in texture and other characteristics.

Laminated boards (laminated chipboard) are widely used. To level the horizontal surface, use raw sheets. And also waterproof plates are widely used.

The second name of this material is hardboard. The abbreviation stands for “fibreboard”. This product belongs to the Economy Class category... Basically, a hard type of hardboard is used, which is made using the "wet" method. The raw materials used in production are prepared by grinding to the desired consistency. After that, special impurities and components are added. The resulting mass must be kept in a container, and then squeezed out with a press and processed with high temperature.

Fiberboard is divided into separate categories depending on density, hardness and face layer. To make the slabs moisture resistant, manufacturers use paraffin. Fiberboard sheets are often used for floor covering, while they cannot be used as a rough covering due to insufficient thickness. This type of building material is perfect for leveling the surface before installing parquet or linoleum. Some types of hardboard can be used as the main cladding. Choose dense and hard sheets that are painted after installation.

The comparative characteristics of each product presented on the market of building and finishing materials clearly demonstrates what is common between the plates and what are the differences. To choose the most suitable option for a rough or final finish of a floor structure, it is necessary to take into account the main parameters of the product.

Safety for the environment and health - this parameter is one of the main ones. There is no exact answer to the question of which of the options is more environmentally friendly. It all depends on the quality of the product. The production process of wood-based panels must comply with certain norms and standards. These indicators are documented.

If in the manufacture of fiberboard from high-quality and selected raw materials, the material will not pose even the slightest threat. The second type became the cause of controversy among specialists.The fact is that formaldehyde resins are used for gluing the boards. Because of this, particleboard is considered more harmful than fiberboard.

This characteristic depends on the density and structure of the sheets. The areas of application of fiberboard and particleboard differ. Compressed chip sheets are thicker and stronger. Fibreboards are not used for leveling voids due to their flexural instability.

The indicator of width and length for the above two materials practically does not differ. The difference lies in the thickness. DPS boards, which are used for horizontal surfaces, have a thickness of 16 to 22 millimeters. Such sheets will withstand increased stress without problems.

The thinnest material among other types of wood products (plywood, DPS, etc.) is hardboard. Its maximum thickness reaches 7 millimeters. The average is 3.2 millimeters. Thicker material is naturally heavier when compared to thinner sheets.

The area of ​​use of wood-based panels is varied. Particleboard and fiberboard have long found their application in the manufacture of furniture. Manufacturers use this product because of its easy handling and affordable price. Some are attracted by the neat and aesthetic appearance of the material. Despite these advantages, chipboard and fiberboard are significantly inferior in strength to natural wood. Budget furniture is made of pressed material.

To give furniture a more expressive and attractive appearance, experts use coloring compounds and synthetic coatings. Models made of sheets that imitate natural raw materials are very popular. And also fiberboard and particleboard have found their application in the production of acoustics, including subwoofers. The sheets have the required strength and low weight. The result is a practical, lightweight musical equipment.

Some types of chipboard are actively used in construction. They make reliable interior partitions that can be made by hand and installed without the help of specialists. Above, we noted that the slabs have also found their use as an additional floor covering. The back walls of furniture and drawers are often made of fiberboard. The use of slabs reduces the cost of the finished product and its lids. Fiber sheets are used for finishing loggias and balconies. With their help, you can insulate the location or close it from prying eyes.

The owners of private houses have also paid attention to wood-based building material. It is used as additional thermal insulation. Light and practical temporary structures are obtained from the sheets, which will definitely come in handy in a vegetable garden or garden.

There is no exact answer to the question of which of the above materials is the best. Each option has specific features that you need to refer to when choosing. Before you go to the store of building and finishing materials, you need to decide on the purpose of the wood-based panels. One option is better for horizontal surfaces, the other is a practical choice for flooring. To make the right choice, you need to familiarize yourself with the features of each option.

It is imperative to pay attention to the following criteria:

• strength;
• thickness;
• height and width;
• composition;
• appearance (color, texture, imitation of another coating);
• moisture resistance;
• price.

When choosing a material for the floor, the following features should be considered:

• when using ceramic tiles, opt for chipboard; only sheets with a special impregnation from moisture and dampness are suitable, since only such plates will have the necessary technical and operational characteristics;
• hardboard perfectly demonstrated itself in combination with a wooden base; using sheets, you can level the horizontal surface, and then cover it with boards;
• if you have made a choice in favor of a "dry" screed, it is recommended to use chipboard;
• another practical and common duo is laminate and fiberboard.

See the following video for the differences between plywood and chipboard and fiberboard.