The material and finishes you choose for your cabinetry are what determine the look and durability of your kitchen. When faced with a wide variety of options, it can be hard indeed to make the right choice! Knowing the pros and cons of each material option can help you to make informed choices for your home décor.
In this article, we tell you all about the pre-laminated particle board. What is it made of? Is it cost-effective and durable? Why is this one of the most popularly used core materials for kitchen cabinetry? Read on to know more!
How it’s Made:
Let’s start with what goes into the making of pre-laminated particle board. Also called chipboard, particleboard is an engineered wood product that is manufactured by compressing wooden chips, sawdust and wood shavings and using a resin binder to hold the particles together. As it uses up waste by-products from the manufacture of plywood, it can be considered to be sustainable and is far more cost-effective than other boards.
Particleboards can be finished with thin sheets of veneer or laminate to give it a better appearance and make it last longer. These are called pre-veneered or pre-laminated particle boards.
These boards are commonly available in sizes of 9 feet x 6 feet, 9 feet x 3 feet, 8 feet x 6 feet, and 8 feet x 4 feet and in thicknesses that range from 9 mm to 25 mm. Pre-laminated boards are available in suede and matt finishes.
Grades of Particleboard
Pre-laminated particleboard is available in many different grades, with the most popular grades being Industrial grade (M2 and M3) which is used in cabinets and furniture and Commercial grade (MS) which is used in panelling and cabinets of lower quality. Countertop grade (M2) is used as the core material in post-formed countertops and the tabletops of office workstations. The cheapest grade is Shop grade which is used for commercial and retail applications.
Pros and Cons of Pre-Laminated Particle Board
So, what are the advantages and disadvantages of using pre-laminate particle board in your home interiors?
Pros
- Cost benefits: Particleboard is the most cost-effective core material for your cabinetry. If you are on a tight budget this is the best material choice, and you will get significant savings over using other engineered woods or solid wood.
- Eco-friendly: Particleboard utilises all the by-products of the manufacture of other engineered woods, saving them from the landfill. This makes it an environmentally friendly product.
- Aesthetic appearance: Particleboards are finished with laminates or veneers and are available in a variety of colours and wood finishes.
- Lightweight: Particleboards is significantly less heavy than other boards and this allows for ease of transport and use.
- Acoustic properties: Particleboards have acoustic properties, which makes them very well suited to make soundproof wall panelling and in false ceilings.
Cons
- Safety concerns during manufacture and use: During the manufacture and sawing of particleboard, fine dust and chemicals are released which can be hazardous to factory workers as well as carpenters.
- Chemical resins: Resins like amino-formaldehyde or phenolic resins are often used during manufacture to bind the particles together and enhance the water-resistance properties. Formaldehyde-based resins will leach toxins into the air over time, and these can be very harmful in large doses. Look for ‘Green’ boards that are also available at a higher cost and use non-formaldehyde-based bonding products.
- Absorption of moisture: A major disadvantage of particleboard is that it absorbs water and expands, losing its strength and dimensional stability. It cannot be used outdoors for this reason. If it is used in kitchens and bathrooms, care should be taken to ensure that all the sides are completely sealed and there is no exposed surface of the core material. If durability is a top priority for you, then waterproof boards should be used for the lower kitchen cabinets, especially those that are close to the sink, dishwasher or laundry, or for areas in the utility balcony.
- Strength and durability: Compared to other materials, particleboard has low strength and durability. Furniture and cabinets made out of particle board cannot withstand very rough use or heavy wear and tear. Again, as its load-bearing capacity is on the lower side, shelves will not be able to bear heavy weights.
- Screw holding capacity: As the cross-section of the board is soft and brittle, there is limited capacity to hold screws.
- Stains easily: The unfinished board stains easily, and therefore to prevent any damage it should be stored under dry and clean conditions only.
Final Verdict
If you are looking for a core material that will withstand rough use and last for many years without getting chipped or damaged, then particle board should ideally not be your first choice. Plywood, MDF or solid wood are the better options in these respects, but they do also come with a considerably higher price tag.
Carpenters are not always able to seal the sides of particleboards well, which is a must in order to prevent damage through absorption of moisture. However, if you are getting your cabinetry completely manufactured in the factory using high-end machines, fittings and finishes, then shutters made using particle board will be perfectly sealed and finished and can last for a good many years.
Ready to make your final decision? For the widest range of designs and finishes that will give you the best value for your money, come to HomeLane! We’re available for an online chat anytime.
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