Fiberboard is an engineered wood product made from wood chips and a binder. It is used for siding, sound insulation, and furnishings. It is made by grinding wood chips to generate long cellulose fibers mixed with a binder. It can be formaldehyde-free and is available in home improvement stores.
Fiberboard is an engineered wood product made from wood chips and a binder. The fibers of the wood align to create a tight, uniform network that is minimally susceptible to movement and swelling in humid conditions and sudden changes in temperature. Many products can be made from this material, including custom components. It’s also known as medium-density fiberboard, to distinguish it from a related material called particleboard, which is less dense. On the other end of the scale, Masonite or hardboard is a stronger product.
To make this product, wood chips are ground to generate long cellulose fibers. Technically, other cellulosic materials can be used to make fiberboard, but wood is usually preferred. This is mixed with a binder which can act to glue them together into a solid mass. Historically, formaldehyde-based glues were commonly chosen. Concerns about environmental sustainability and human health have led some manufacturers to use alternatives for safer products.
One use for fiberboard is in siding, in which case it can be protected with a layer of sealant. It can be applied under shingles, siding and other materials on the side of a house or in the first layer of a roof. In addition, the material offers excellent sound insulation. The specially engineered materials are designed for use in soundproofing and similar applications where people want to deaden sound or reduce sound transmission. Shared walls in apartment buildings, for example, can benefit from a layer of fiberboard so neighbors can’t hear each other.
Even the furnishings can be made with this material. It is not very attractive and wood veneers can be added to make it less visible. Fiberboard can also be used as a base for projects that will be upholstered or otherwise covered; some car components, such as the rear window trays, have a base made with this product, for example. It cuts and shapes easily, holds its shape well and should not deform under varying weather and temperature conditions, making it highly suitable for these applications.
Home improvement stores may carry fiberboard sheets, typically offering a range of products for different applications. When selecting a product it is important to consider the intended use and any extra features that may be desired, such as a layer of drop cloths to protect the upholstery. If it is to be used indoors, it may be advisable to purchase a formaldehyde-free product to limit toxic gas emissions.
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