Particleboard

In short

1. 01Particleboard is made of wood particles and glue, pressed under heat and pressure. It is the most common board for furniture carcasses.
2. 02It has three layers, with fine particles at the faces and coarser ones in the middle. So the face is smooth and strong, while the edge is softer and soaks up moisture more easily.
3. 03Melamine-faced board (MFC) has decor paper on both faces. Carcasses and many fronts are made from it.
4. 04Carcasses are most often made from 18 mm board, sometimes 19 mm. Backs are thinner and long shelves thicker.
5. 05The sheet size depends on the manufacturer, e.g. 2800 × 2070 mm. Check it before cutting, because the waste depends on it.
6. 06A screw holds well in the face of the board and less well in the edge. That is why joints into the edge use confirmat screws, dowels and cam fittings.
7. 07Particleboard cannot take constant moisture. Visible edges get edge tape and cut-outs are sealed.