What is chipboard?

Chipboard, also called particleboard, is a sheet material made of wood particles bonded with synthetic resin, pressed into a flat panel and sanded smooth. It is cheap, dimensionally stable and flat, which is why it is widely used for furniture, kitchen carcasses, internal doors, wall linings and floor decking. It is made mainly from residual wood, recycled timber and forest thinnings. Standard chipboard has limited moisture resistance and is not suitable for exterior use. The Dutch term is spaanplaat.

Grades under EN 312

• P1: general purpose, dry conditions
• P2: interior fitments including furniture, dry conditions
• P3: non-load-bearing, humid conditions
• P4: load-bearing, dry conditions
• P5: load-bearing, humid conditions
• P6: heavy-duty load-bearing, dry conditions
• P7: heavy-duty load-bearing, humid conditions

In the UK, P5 tongue-and-groove boards in 18 mm and 22 mm thickness are the usual choice for floor decking over timber joists. Melamine-faced chipboard is common for furniture.

Application

1. Match the grade to the job. Floors on joists need a load-bearing grade; bathrooms and kitchens need a moisture-resistant one (P3 or P5).
2. Seal the edges. Cut edges absorb moisture quickly and swell. Finish them with edging tape, paint or sealant.
3. Fix it properly. Use chipboard screws, pre-drill near edges and keep a sensible edge distance. Screws that are repeatedly removed lose their grip.
4. Check the span. Choose the floor board thickness for your joist spacing from the manufacturer’s table.
5. Mind emissions. Choose boards with emission class E1 (0.1 ppm formaldehyde) or better, especially for bedrooms.

Common mistake: using standard P2 board in a wet area or as a subfloor. Once wet, it swells, mainly at the edges, and does not recover.

Related terms

• Sheet material
• MDF
• OSB board
• Hardboard
• Plywood
• Wood glue

Want to know more about building terms? Visit our knowledge base at fredsdiyplans.com.