Graded density particle board
Graded density particle board is based on the same principle as three-layer particle board, just with coarser particles to the outer edges and a softwood centre. It makes a denser product than standard particle boards but lighter than three-layer particle boards, which is likely to have higher levels of resin.
Standard particle board was originally made in late 19th century Germany, then produced commercially around the Second World War. The earlier board products were often made using blood albumin glue, whilst later commercial products used phenolic resins, amino formaldehyde-, urea formaldehyde-, or urea melamine-based, today there are also particle board products that use glues with lesser environmental impacts. Graded density as well as three-layer particle boards were introduced some time later, as a method to reduce the volumes of glue and wood used, whilst retaining similar characteristics with a lighter board.
All particle boards comprise of a small chips and flakes of softwood of varying sizes and density that are impregnated with adhesive (usually amino formaldehyde-, urea formaldehyde-, or urea melamine-based) and subjected to high temperature(up to 220°C) and pressure (2-4MP). When cooled, the boards are cut and sanded, sold either as plain board or faced with laminate.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Adhesives.
- Blockboard.
- Cedar.
- Chipboard.
- Confederation of Timber Industries.
- Cross-laminated timber.
- Engineered bamboo.
- Glulam.
- Hardboard.
- Laminated veneer lumber LVL.
- Lime wood.
- Low-density fibreboard LDF.
- Medium density fibreboard - MDF.
- Modified wood.
- Oriented strand board.
- Particle board.
- Plywood.
- Single-layer particle board.
- Softwood.
- Timber.
- Timber construction for London.
- Timber preservation.
- Timber vs wood.
- Types of timber.
Featured articles and news
Homes, landlords. tenants and the new housing standards
What will it all mean?
The Architectural Technology podcast: Where it's AT
Catch-up on the latest episodes.
Edmundson Apprentice of the Year award 2026
Entries now open for this Electrical Contractors' Association award.
Traditional blue-grey slate from one of the oldest and largest UK slate quarries down in Cornwall.
There are plenty of sources with the potential to be redeveloped.
Change of use legislation breaths new life into buildings
A run down on Class MA of the General Permitted Development Order.
Solar generation in the historic environment
Success requires understanding each site in detail.
Level 6 Design, Construction and Management BSc
CIOB launches first-ever degree programme to develop the next generation of construction leaders.
Open for business as of April, with its 2026 prospectus and new pipeline of housing schemes.
The operational value of workforce health
Keeping projects moving. Incorporating unplanned absence and the importance of health, in operations.
A carbon case for indigenous slate
UK slate can offer clear embodied carbon advantages.
Costs and insolvencies mount for SMEs, despite growth
Construction sector under insolvency and wage bill pressure in part linked to National Insurance, says report.
The place for vitrified clay pipes in modern infrastructure
Why vitrified clay pipes are reclaiming their role in built projects.
Research by construction PR consultancy LMC published.
Roles and responsibilities of domestic clients
ACA Safety in Construction guide for domestic clients.
Fire door compliance in UK commercial buildings
Architect and manufacturer gives their low down.