fibreboards

Fibreboard is an engineered wood product made from wood fibers bonded together with a resin and formed under heat and pressure into flat panels. The fibers are typically derived from softwood or hardwood sources and may be processed from recycled or reclaimed materials. The manufacturing process creates a uniform panel with controlled density and thickness, suitable for a range of interior applications. Fibreboards are produced in several grades, with density being the main differentiator.

The most common fibreboard types are medium-density fibreboard (MDF) and high-density fibreboard (HDF). MDF offers smooth surfaces and good machinability, making it widely used for furniture, cabinetry, and interior millwork. HDF is denser and harder, often used as a substrate for durable panels, including flooring and certain exterior facades when properly finished. There are also lower-density varieties and insulating boards that are used for wall and roof panels. The density and composition influence strength, screw-holding capacity, surface hardness, and suitability for finishes.

Applications and finishes vary by type. Fibreboards can be veneered, laminated, or painted. They serve as cores for doors, panels, shelving, and as substrates for decorative laminates. They are valued for flat, uniform surfaces, dimensional stability, and relatively low cost compared with solid timber. Adhesives used in manufacture can include urea-formaldehyde, melamine-formaldehyde, or other resins, and emissions depend on the resin system and standards in force.

Limitations include moisture sensitivity; fibreboard can swell or deform if exposed to water without protective sealing. Exterior-grade boards exist but require appropriate weatherproofing and sealing. Proper installation and suitable fasteners help maximize performance in finished constructions.