Hardboard
Hardboard is a generic name given to some of the early types of thin composite board product, that were a density of around 600 kg/m³, today these products might be referred to as MDF or HDF, though formally HDF tends to be significantly denser.
Hardboard is a thin sheet product, as low as around 3mm and up to 8mm, often used as a backboard for furniture, it is sometimes used as underlay for floor fit-outs but not for laminates (which require denser HDF products). It is a rigid and relatively cheap product but prone to damage by moisture and damp. As with any composite fibre product care should be taken when cutting and appropriate equipment used.
The production of composite board products generally uses one of two processes; a dry process and a wet/dry process. The former uses synthetic binders, often formaldehyde-based agents or glues, to bind the wood fibres under pressure. The latter might use steam and pressure along with increased levels of natural binders to glue or cement the wood fibres together to form a board. There are also a number of variations in between the two processes and the environmental impacts of the two types of process can be significant, so it is worthwhile asking about manufacturing details.
[edit] Related articles on Designing Buildings
- Adhesives.
- Blockboard.
- Cedar.
- Chipboard.
- Confederation of Timber Industries.
- Cross-laminated timber.
- Engineered bamboo.
- Glulam.
- Laminated veneer lumber LVL.
- Lime wood.
- Low-density fibreboard LDF.
- Medium density fibreboard - MDF.
- High-density fibreboard - HDF.
- Modified wood.
- Oriented strand board.
- Plywood.
- Softwood.
- Timber.
- Timber construction for London.
- Timber preservation.
- Timber vs wood.
- Types of timber.
Featured articles and news
Investors in People: CIOB achieves gold
Reflecting a commitment to employees and members.
Scratching beneath the surface; a guide to selection.
ECA 2024 Apprentice of the Year Award
Entries open for submission until May 31.
UK gov apprenticeship funding from April 2024
Brief summary the policy paper updated in March.
For the World Autism Awareness Month of April.
70+ experts appointed to public sector fire safety framework
The Fire Safety (FS2) Framework from LHC Procurement.
Project and programme management codes of practice
CIOB publications for built environment professionals.
The ECA Industry Awards 2024 now open !
Recognising the best in the electrotechnical industry.
Sustainable development concepts decade by decade.
The regenerative structural engineer
A call for design that will repair the natural world.
Buildings that mimic the restorative aspects found in nature.
CIAT publishes Principal Designer Competency Framework
For those considering applying for registration as a PD.
BSRIA Building Reg's guidance: The second staircase
An overview focusing on aspects which most affect the building services industry.
Design codes and pattern books
Harmonious proportions and golden sections.
Introducing or next Guest Editor Arun Baybars
Practising architect and design panel review member.
Quick summary by size, shape, test, material, use or bonding..