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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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
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 RehmanSara 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 SaeedHuma 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.
