Hardboard

Hardboard is a dense, smooth-surfaced panel product manufactured from compressed wood fibres, available at Windsor Plywood. Standard hardboard is used for cabinet backs, drawer bottoms, underlayment, and template material. Tempered hardboard has been treated with oil and heat-cured for a harder, more moisture-resistant surface.

Features

• Dense, smooth surface -- excellent for cabinet backs, drawer bottoms, and templates
• Standard hardboard for general interior applications
• Tempered hardboard -- harder, more moisture-resistant surface for demanding applications
• No added adhesives in manufacture -- suits applications requiring clean air
• Smooth one face (S1S) or smooth two faces (S2S) depending on product

Specifications

Common Uses

Hardboard is used for cabinet backs, drawer bottoms, furniture backs, concrete form lining, floor underlayment, and template material. The smooth, consistent surface and low cost make it a standard material in cabinetry production and general woodworking.

Pro Tips

• Use 1/4" hardboard for cabinet backs and drawer bottoms in residential cabinetry -- 1/8" is too thin for most cabinetry applications and can flex under load.
• Acclimate hardboard sheets in the installation space for 24-48 hours before installing -- hardboard absorbs moisture and can buckle if installed without acclimation.
• Cut hardboard with a fine-tooth blade to minimize chipping on the smooth face.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the difference between standard and tempered hardboard?
Standard hardboard is manufactured from compressed wood fibre and is used for interior applications. Tempered hardboard has been treated with a linseed oil bath and heat-cured, which hardens the surface and improves moisture resistance. Tempered hardboard is darker in colour.

Can I use hardboard for concrete forming?
Tempered hardboard is sometimes used as a lining in concrete forms where a smooth concrete surface is required. Apply a form release agent before each pour.