Chipboard or particle board is an engineered wood composed of pressed fibers like paper, course sawdust and resin. It has many uses from notepad backings, business form holders, scrapbook embellishments and as sub-flooring material. Sub-flooring is essential because this it is where the decorative loft flooring such as carpets are laid. Read on to learn about the advantages and disadvantages of chipboard as a sub-floor material.
3 Types of Particle Board
The 3 main types of particle board consist of Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF), Oriented Strand Board (OSB) and the basic particle board. MDF is a material used for furniture making, speaker boxes and artificial panels and is characterized as heavy, even brown color and novisible fibers. Meanwhile, OSB is composed of larger wood strips while the basic particle board has smaller visible fibers. Basic particle board is usually installed as sub-floor material.
5 Benefits of Chipboard Explained
- Practical – Chipboard is easy to use, simple and fast to install, and ideal to use to any flooring including tiles, slate, carpet and vinyl.
- Economical This type of material is reasonably priced and provides another alternative to solid wood. As compared to a corrugated cardboard, chipboard are lesser priced for shipping and packing. Also, this type of sub-floor material functions as treatment for termites and fungus which is perfect for homes located in humid areas.
- Durable – It is made of sturdy material that can endure pressure and even protects shipping items. When used as a furniture material, the furniture product is secure and seamless.
- Looks Like Wood – Chipboard is aesthetically designed with its different finishes, wood-like features, superior class and without any kind of flaws on it.
- Environmentally Friendly – It is made from recycled materials such as wood chips, wood particles, sawmill or sawdust shavings and it comprises 70 percent of it. If the people choose to use chipboard instead of solid wood or corrugated there will also be lesser damage done to the forests.
Disadvantage
If you plan to purchase chipboard, make sure to check that it is properly sealed and away from wet areas. This type of sub-floor is vulnerable to damage and deformation when exposed to wet areas or to water. Once it is wet the particle board loses its strength and can be easily damaged. The reason behind this is that is has no natural shape because it is made of collective recycled wood pieces and do not hold well. It tends to split on joints and screws that come off also damages the board. Adhesives can also ruin the board.
Tips to Prevent Damage
When installing chipboard, place plywood over it before installing the decorative flooring (e.g. carpet) this will serve as an underlayment and will add thickness to the flooring. It will effectively protect the sub-floor for a longer-lasting and water resistant home material for your home or building. Remember never to use glue or adhesives when installing chipboard, use staples instead and you will have a guaranteed sturdier sub-floor.
Source: www.DoItYourself.com
