particleboard

Particleboard is an engineered wood panel made from wood particles—chips, shavings, or fiber—bonded with adhesives such as urea-formaldehyde, phenol-formaldehyde, or melamine-formaldehyde resins. The particles are mixed with resin, formed into mats, and pressed under heat. The panels are then sanded and conditioned to a uniform thickness. Particleboard is produced in densities from low to high, affecting strength and screw-holding capacity. It is inexpensive and often uses recycled wood fibers.

Compared with solid wood, plywood, or MDF, particleboard has lower strength and stiffness and poorer screw-holding. It is susceptible to moisture; when wet it swells and may warp, so it is typically sealed, veneered, or finished with laminates. Edges are usually banded for durability. Finishes include laminates, veneer, or painted coatings.

Uses include inexpensive furniture, cabinetry, countertops underlayment, and interior wall panels. It serves as a substrate for laminates or as a core material in composite panels.

Environmental considerations focus on formaldehyde emissions from resins. Standards such as European E1, CARB Phase 2, and TSCA Title VI regulate emissions. Modern resins reduce emissions, and many products use recycled wood. Particleboard offers low cost and uniform surfaces but requires proper moisture control and finishing.