Puitlaastplaat

Puitlaastplaat, also called particle board, is an engineered wood product made from wood particles such as shavings, chips or sawdust that are bound together with a synthetic resin or other binder. The mixture is formed under heat and pressure to create a dense, flat sheet. The wood particles are typically a by-product of sawmilling and other wood processing.

Common binders include urea‑formaldehyde or phenol‑formaldehyde resins, sometimes isocyanate-based adhesives. To improve moisture resistance, wax or additional resins may be added. Densities typically range from about 500 to 900 kg/m3, with higher densities used for load‑bearing or flooring applications. Standard boards are often specified as moisture‑resistant (MR) or fire‑retardant (FR) grades, and there are low‑formaldehyde variants (E0, E1 in some markets).

Puitlaastplaat has a smooth, uniform surface that can be veneered, laminated or painted. It machines easily and holds screws well when edges are prepared. However, it is generally weaker and more prone to swelling and edge swelling than solid wood when exposed to moisture; exposure to water should be avoided or properly sealed. It is widely used in furniture production, cabinetry, interior panelling and as a substrate for countertops, floors (as an underlayment in some cases) and laminated panels.

Because it uses wood by‑products and resins, puitlaastplaat offers a cost‑effective use of wood resources but can release formaldehyde from adhesives, particularly in older products. Markets increasingly supply boards with reduced formaldehyde emissions. End‑of‑life disposal or recycling options vary by local regulations.