Hardboard is a dense wood sheet made from fine wood fibers that are compressed under high heat and pressure. It is used in construction and woodworking and comes in three types: service, standard, and tempered. It has a smooth surface and is strong, but is susceptible to moisture and can be difficult to sand and paint.
Hardboard is a composite wood product used in construction and woodworking. It is typically sold in 4′ by 8′ (1.2 to 2.4m) sheets and can range from 1/4″ to 1″ (6.35 to 25.4mm) thick. While similar in appearance to plywood or particleboard, hardboard is actually constructed very differently from these products. It is made up of fine wood fibers which are compacted under high levels of heat and pressure to form a very dense and hard sheet of wood. Due to the extreme levels of heat and pressure, it is not usually necessary to use adhesives or binders to hold the wood fibers together.
Builders can choose from three basic types of hardboard sheets. Service units are the cheapest, but they are also the least dense. Standard grade boards are the most used and tend to be smoother and more durable than service products. Tempered board is the strongest and most durable type of hardboard. They are coated with linseed oil and heated to increase their moisture resistance and durability, making them the best type for outdoor or moisture-prone applications.
Hardboard is used in a wide variety of building applications. It can be used to make floor underlayment, roofing or wall cladding. It is also a popular cladding or siding material, which is used to cover the exterior walls of a building. Many different types of furniture and cabinets are made with a hardboard base, which can be painted or covered with veneer sheets to create an attractive finish.
While hardboard is often more expensive than plywood or particleboard, it also offers many advantages over these products. It has a very smooth and even surface, free from marks, textures or wood grain. This smooth surface provides an excellent base for painting or staining, particularly in finished products such as furniture or upholstery. It is also known for its density and strength and its resistance to cracking or splitting.
This material also has several potential drawbacks that should be considered before installation. Like most wood products, hardboard is highly susceptible to moisture. Exposure to rain or moisture can cause the boards to swell or warp, which can distort their appearance and reduce their structural stability. Although temperate grades are more resistant to moisture, they should not be considered waterproof and should only be installed in conjunction with adequate moisture barriers.
Hardboard can be difficult to sand properly, in part due to its fiber-based construction. Panel edges are also prone to chipping or breaking and should be handled with care to minimize damage. Finally, buyers should be aware that tempered hardboard can be difficult to paint. Linseed oil which is added to increase moisture resistance also tends to prevent the paint from adhering to the surface.
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