softboard

Softboard is a term with several related meanings, most commonly referring to a lightweight, low-density fiberboard used in interior construction and a type of soft pinboard used for notices.

In construction, softboard (also known as wood fiberboard or fiberboard) is produced by compressing wood fibers or recycled cellulose with a binder to form a porous, lightweight panel. It has been used as interior wall lining, ceiling panels, and as a substrate for acoustic treatments due to its sound-absorbing properties. It is inexpensive and easy to install but has limitations: low moisture resistance, limited fire performance, and lower mechanical strength compared with harder fiberboards or plaster systems. Consequently, its use in new buildings has declined in many markets, being replaced by gypsum board, mineral wool boards, or higher-density fiberboard products, though it may still be found in retrofits, historic renovations, or specific acoustic applications.

The term softboard is also widely used in many regions to describe a bulletin or pin board made from soft fiberboard. These boards accept pins and tacks easily and are typically covered with fabric or vinyl for durability and aesthetics; they are common in schools, offices, and community spaces.

Production and quality vary by region and era, with formaldehyde-based binders and fire retardants used in some products. Proper installation and, where appropriate, moisture management are important to longevity.

See also: fiberboard, hardboard, pinboard, acoustic panel.