Fiberboard is a relatively new product, having only been introduced in the 1960s for making furniture, cabinets and other in-door essentials. Today it is used from everything from soundproofing to car-dashboards and panels. No one is credited as the inventor of Fiberboard, however, a similar product was created by William Mason in 1925 when he made what he called “Hardboard” out of scraps from a saw mill.

WHAT IS FIBERBOARD?

Fiberboard

Recycled wood used to make Fiberbaords

In a nutshell, Fiberboard is engineered wood. By that we mean that wood chips or fibers – even dust – usually from a saw-mill or even from old recycled wood are recombined after being mixed with other materials.

First these wood materials are cleaned of impurities. These are then steamed until they become fibers and then are combined with wax, synthetic resins, other material and adhesives before exposing them to high-pressure and heat so that the fibers recombine into a solid board. Laminates can then be added later to give the sheets a more “wood” look.

HOW DOES IT COMPARE TO REAL WOOD?

Technically it is real wood. But because it is engineered, it is possible to combine Fiberboard with chemicals to give it certain qualities such as fire retardation, waterproofing or even chemicals to strengthen the wood. But in general because Fiberboards are recombined:

  • They do not have the knots, cracks or “weak points” that regular wood would have. They are also more flexible.
  • They all come in the same manufactured size and shape – making it much easier to work with.
  • They do not breath i.e. contract or expand with heat or moisture as much as real wood does.
  • They may be designed to bind better with paint and adhesives.

On the con side, Fiberboard:

  • Does not take well to water and may warp or swell when exposed to it. Care must be taken to waterproof Fiberboard.
  • Has been criticized in the past for carrying chemicals in the rebinding process that may be slowly released into the environment. Current developments in technology makes this debatable.

LEARN MORE:

Watch the following videos to learn more about Fiberboards in MC Home Depot:

TENANTS:

Watch the following video to learn more about the tenant carrying Fiberboard in MC Home Depot: