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Standard particle board was originally made in late 19th century Germany, then produced commercially around the Second World War.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
We're expanding our collaborative mission by launching DB Intelligence, an exclusive market research advisory panel. Built environment professionals can now get paid to share their expertise on industry trends, products and services.
Panel members receive direct financial incentives for participating in research projects like short surveys, 1-2-1 interviews and focus groups. Register today to shape the future of the construction sector.
Planning condition discharge in England and Wales
A brief exoplanation from a building compliance expert, with further links.
Overheating guidance and tools for building designers
Guidance for dealing with element of building fabric control that have increasing importance.
Shading for housing, a design guide
From the Good Homes Alliance and British Blind and Shutter Association.
UK Standard Skills Classification (SSC)
A shared framework for describing skills needs.
Social media ban consultation comes to close
CIOB urges UK Government to consider social media’s role in careers guidance in ban debate.
The latest of eight Skills England apprenticeship units
The addition of battery manufacturing welcomed by ECA with a warning about the risks of fast-tracked apprenticeship units.
Building Control Independent Panel final report
A precis of a key report led by Dame Hackitt with full recommendations and link to the government response.
Building Safety recap April, 2026
A short and longer run-through of the month, with links to further information and sources.
CIAT May 2026 briefing.
From medieval scribes to modern word art.
ECA welcomes crackdown on late payment and push for clean energy, whilst CIOB seek fixed cladding removal timeframes.
Cyber Security in the Built Environment
Protecting projects, data, and digital assets: A CIOB Academy TIS.
Managing competence in the built environment
ITFG publishes new industry guide on how to meet the ICC principles.
The UK's campaign to reduce noise pollution: Mythbusting, articles and topic guides.