Particle board is a popular building material used in almost every construction project. It is extensively used in the production of all types of furniture, flooring underlayment, countertops, panelling, and partition structures. Particle boards are gaining popularity due to its versatility, easy availability and less cost. They are sometimes used as an alternative to plywood or medium density fiberboard to lower down the construction cost.
Overview of Particle Board
Particle board is an engineered wood product made from waste products like wood chips, sawdust, and wood shavings. The wood chips are glued together under heat and pressure to form boards and sheets. It is one of the most environment-friendly materials as it uses waste material effectively. As particle board is made from wood waste it is not very expensive as compared to medium density fiberboard. It is also called chipboard or low-density fiberboard (LDF).
Particle boards have less density and can hence warp or break while handling. Also particle board has low resistance to moisture as it swells in presence of moisture. With the advent of veneers and laminates, particle boards have become stronger and more durable. Apart from plain particle boards, laminated particle boards are also now available, in which a layer of laminate is fixed to its surface. This makes the particle boards attractive aesthetically apart from life and strength. Veneered particle board is used when there is requirement of aesthetics of natural wood along with low costs.
In residential construction, particle board is used in furniture like shelves, beds, wardrobes, side tables, television units. In dry climate areas modular kitchen cabinets made from particle boards are used. In office furniture, it is used in making computer tables, shelves, drawers, etc.
The general size of particle boards is 2449 x 1219 mm (8’x4’). The boards are available in different thicknesses such as 9 mm, 11 mm, 12 mm, 17 mm, 18 mm, and 25 mm.
The cost of particle boards depends upon its type and dimensions. Its cost ranges approximately from INR 25/sq.ft. to INR 60/sq.ft.
Particle boards are manufactured by many local companies as well as by some big companies. Some standard manufacturers in India are Novopan, Kitply, Archidply, Century Prelam, Action-Tesa, ASIS India, etc.
Some standard manufacturers of particle boards in India are:
