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Chipboard vs. Hardboard: What's the Difference?

Edited by Huma Saeed || By Sara Rehman || Updated on November 11, 2023
Chipboard is a type of engineered wood product made from wood chips and resin, while hardboard is a dense board made from compressed wood fibers.

Key Differences

Chipboard, also known as particle board, is made from wood chips, shavings, and sawdust bonded together with resin. Hardboard, on the other hand, is made by compressing wood fibers in a hot press to create a dense, rigid board.
Sara Rehman
Nov 11, 2023
Chipboard is generally lighter and less expensive but less durable than hardboard. While, hardboard is denser, offering more strength and resistance to wear and tear compared to chipboard.
Sara Rehman
Nov 11, 2023
The surface of chipboard is typically rough and not as smooth as hardboard, making it less ideal for painting or finishing. However, hardboard has a smooth surface, which can be easily painted or used for veneers.
Huma Saeed
Nov 11, 2023
Chipboard is often used for furniture, cabinetry, and as a substrate for countertops due to its low cost. Conversely, hardboard is preferred for more demanding applications like flooring underlayment, paneling, and backing for furniture and cabinets.
Sara Rehman
Nov 11, 2023
In terms of environmental impact, chipboard often utilizes recycled wood materials, while hardboard manufacturing involves a higher consumption of wood fibers but often avoids the use of additional binders or resins.
Sara Rehman
Nov 11, 2023
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Comparison Chart

Material Composition

Wood chips and resin
Compressed wood fibers
Sara Rehman
Nov 11, 2023

Density

Less dense
More dense
Sara Rehman
Nov 11, 2023

Surface Texture

Rougher surface
Smoother surface
Huma Saeed
Nov 11, 2023

Strength and Durability

Less strong and durable
More strong and durable
Harlon Moss
Nov 11, 2023

Common Uses

Furniture, cabinetry, substrates
Flooring underlayment, paneling, backing
Sara Rehman
Nov 11, 2023
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Chipboard and Hardboard Definitions

Chipboard

A board made from compressed wood chips and resin.
The bookshelf is made of chipboard.
Harlon Moss
Nov 11, 2023

Hardboard

A dense board made from compressed wood fibers.
The drawer's bottom is made of hardboard.
Janet White
Nov 11, 2023

Chipboard

Has a rough surface, not ideal for finishing.
The chipboard's texture was visible through the paint.
Sara Rehman
Nov 11, 2023

Hardboard

Has a smooth surface suitable for painting.
The artist used hardboard as a canvas for the painting.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 11, 2023

Chipboard

Used in budget-friendly furniture and cabinetry.
They chose chipboard for the kitchen cabinets due to its cost.
Janet White
Nov 11, 2023
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Hardboard

More durable compared to chipboard.
The hardboard shelves are more resistant to wear.
Harlon Moss
Nov 11, 2023

Chipboard

A less durable but affordable wood product.
The chipboard desk is lightweight but less sturdy.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 11, 2023

Hardboard

Ideal for applications needing strength and smoothness.
They used hardboard for the interior paneling.
Huma Saeed
Nov 11, 2023

Chipboard

Often incorporates recycled wood materials.
The chipboard used in this project is eco-friendly.
Huma Saeed
Nov 11, 2023

Hardboard

Often used in flooring underlayment and furniture backing.
The hardboard provided a sturdy base for the laminate flooring.
Sara Rehman
Nov 11, 2023

Chipboard

A pasteboard made from discarded paper.
Sara Rehman
Apr 17, 2023

Hardboard

A construction board made by compressing fibers of wood chips usually with a binder at a high temperature.
Sara Rehman
Apr 17, 2023

Chipboard

A building material made from wood chips compressed and bound with synthetic resin.
Sara Rehman
Apr 17, 2023

Hardboard

A high-density chipboard.
Sara Rehman
Apr 17, 2023

Chipboard

A cheap hard material made from wood chips that are pressed together and bound with synthetic resin.
Sara Rehman
Apr 17, 2023

Hardboard

A cheap hard material made from wood chips that are pressed together and bound with synthetic resin to form sheets, used in construction and various other purposes; - called also particle board and chipboard.
Sara Rehman
Apr 17, 2023

Chipboard

A cheap hard material made from wood chips that are pressed together and bound with synthetic resin
Sara Rehman
Apr 17, 2023

Hardboard

A cheap hard material made from wood chips that are pressed together and bound with synthetic resin
Sara Rehman
Apr 17, 2023

FAQs

Is chipboard waterproof?

No, it's susceptible to moisture damage.
Huma Saeed
Nov 11, 2023

What is hardboard used for?

Flooring underlayment, paneling, and furniture backing.
Sara Rehman
Nov 11, 2023

Can chipboard be painted?

Yes, but it requires preparation due to its rough surface.
Sara Rehman
Nov 11, 2023

Is hardboard expensive?

It's relatively inexpensive but costlier than chipboard.
Sara Rehman
Nov 11, 2023

What's the lifespan of chipboard furniture?

It varies but is generally shorter due to less durability.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 11, 2023

What is chipboard?

An engineered wood product made from wood chips and resin.
Sara Rehman
Nov 11, 2023

Can hardboard be used outdoors?

Not recommended, as it's not moisture-resistant.
Janet White
Nov 11, 2023

Is chipboard eco-friendly?

It can be, especially when made with recycled wood.
Harlon Moss
Nov 11, 2023

Is hardboard stronger than chipboard?

Yes, hardboard is generally denser and more durable.
Janet White
Nov 11, 2023

Does hardboard warp easily?

It's more resistant to warping compared to chipboard.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 11, 2023

Can you nail into hardboard?

Yes, but it requires care to avoid splitting.
Harlon Moss
Nov 11, 2023

Is hardboard safe for indoor use?

Generally, yes, especially if it's low in volatile organic compounds (VOCs).
Sara Rehman
Nov 11, 2023

Can hardboard be recycled?

Recycling options are limited due to its density and binding agents.
Sara Rehman
Nov 11, 2023

Does chipboard have a smooth surface?

No, its surface is typically rougher.
Sara Rehman
Nov 11, 2023

Are chipboard and hardboard resistant to pests?

Both are susceptible to pests like termites.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 11, 2023

What's the weight difference between chipboard and hardboard?

Chipboard is lighter than hardboard.
Aimie Carlson
Nov 11, 2023

Is chipboard good for shelving?

For light use, yes, but it's not as sturdy as hardboard.
Sara Rehman
Nov 11, 2023

Is hardboard suitable for crafting?

Yes, its smooth surface makes it good for painting and crafts.
Sara Rehman
Nov 11, 2023

How is hardboard made?

By compressing wood fibers in a hot press.
Harlon Moss
Nov 11, 2023

Can chipboard support heavy loads?

It's less suitable for heavy loads due to its lower density.
Janet White
Nov 11, 2023
About Author
Written by
Sara Rehman
Sara Rehman is a seasoned writer and editor with extensive experience at Difference Wiki. Holding a Master's degree in Information Technology, she combines her academic prowess with her passion for writing to deliver insightful and well-researched content.
Edited by
Huma Saeed
Huma is a renowned researcher acclaimed for her innovative work in Difference Wiki. Her dedication has led to key breakthroughs, establishing her prominence in academia. Her contributions continually inspire and guide her field.

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