masonite

Masonite is a type of hardboard, an engineered wood product made from wood fibers that are defibrated, mixed with a resin binder, formed into a mat, and then steamed and pressed at high temperature to create dense, smooth panels. It was developed by William H. Mason in the 1920s and quickly became widely used in construction and furniture.

Manufacture and properties: Hardboard Masonite is produced from compressed wood fibers that create a dense, uniform sheet with a smooth surface. The panels are strong and dimensionally stable, easy to paint or veneer, and available in various thicknesses. However, Masonite is relatively moisture-sensitive and can swell, warp, or degrade when exposed to prolonged wet conditions without proper protection.

Uses: Masonite has been used for interior applications such as wall panels, ceilings, and cabinet components, as well as for flooring underlayment and some furniture parts. Masonite-brand doors—often referred to simply as Masonite doors—have been a prominent product line, including both interior and exterior door designs. In some periods, exterior siding and other architectural products were marketed under Masonite branding, though moisture resistance and weathering requirements have limited long-term outdoor use for certain formulations.

Corporate and legacy: The Masonite brand evolved into Masonite International Corporation, a major manufacturer of doors and architectural products worldwide. The term masonite is frequently used generically to describe hardboard products, though it originally referred to the specific Masonite company’s hardboard and related products.

Overall, Masonite denotes a dense hardboard material developed for versatile interior applications, valued for its smooth finish and workability, with performance strongly influenced by moisture exposure and protective finishing.