Hardboard (or high-density fiberboard) is a synthetic or engineered wood product. It is made from chips of softwood logs that are mixed with binding agents and hardened to form a pulp. This pulp is run through hot presses to form hardboard. There are various types of hardboard, including oil-tempered, service grade, medium, standard, veneer surfaced, tempered, plastic-faced, perforated and embossed. Hardboards are abrasion, scuffing, marring, humidity and temperature resistant and used in residential, commercial and industrial applications.
Step One
Furniture - Hardboard is used to make furniture components for commercial and household furniture like beds, cabinet panels, room dividers, siding, exteriors of television cases, bottoms of drawers, school desktops, electronic component cabinets, dust stops, general purpose backing, cabinet tops and doors. Smooth-faced hardboard panels are covered with a material such as vinyl or painted and used as interior decorative paneling or exterior siding.
Step Two
Construction - Hardboard is used for wall sheathing in timber construction, underlying for roofs, floors (decks and sub-flooring) and exterior and exterior wall claddings. Unfinished hardboard panels are perforated with holes as used as pegboards in garages, laundry rooms and workshops. They are used as display panels and to hang tools, keys and other equipment. Hardboard behaves as insulation panels when fixed on bricks, concrete and other structural materials. Hardboard insulation reflects sound but prevent energy from escaping. Masonite is a type of hardboard that has high water and impact resistance, superior strength and high durability. It makes wall linings for wet areas, stage floors, boat building, bench surfaces and exterior doors. White-cote is a highly durable, high-density and long-lasting hardboard that is finished with two layers of paint. Its building applications include stand linings, construction linings, wardrobe linings and structural bracing. Pegboard is a type of hardboard that is used as ventilation panels.
Step Three
Auto Industry - Hardboard products are molded and steamed to form various shapes. The auto industry commonly uses molded products to make dashboards, decks for the back windows and roof and door panels. Hardboard panels make skins for raised panel doors and vehicle interior insulation. They also make interiors for recreational vehicles, automobiles and mobile homes.
Step Four
Packaging and Other - Hardboard is used in the packaging industry to make containers for fragile pieces, equipment and food. Shoe heels are made with hardwood. Other uses include jigsaw puzzles and toys, dry-erase boards and chalkboards, advertising signs and billboards and shop displays and shopfittings.