Specific weight of chipboard, types, characteristics, weight and density
Chipboard, or particleboard, is a board material made from wood particles. It has a fine structure and is used in construction, repair work and furniture production. Strict requirements apply to chipboard: first-grade boards should not have dark spots, cracks, breaks or other visible defects. In addition to appearance, chipboard must meet requirements for strength, elasticity, moisture resistance and formaldehyde content.
Types of chipboard and their physical characteristics
Chipboard is produced from shredded wood that is mixed with binding resin and pressed. Wood particles for boards can be prepared in different ways:
- flake chips;
- needle-like chips;
- square chips.
A coarser structure can make the board less resistant to chipping and cracking. To improve bonding between the particles, more resin is added, which usually increases chipboard density.
More environmentally oriented construction and furniture materials are now in demand, so manufacturers try to reduce the amount of binding resins. At the same time, lowering resin content can reduce board density and strength, so the characteristics of a particular sheet depend on the production technology.
Buyers often choose denser material: products made from it are stronger, hold fasteners better and can withstand repeated assembly. The drawback of dense chipboard is faster wear of cutting tools and greater difficulty in making clean cuts without chips.
Chipboard weight and density
| Chipboard thickness | Sheet size | Moisture content | Tolerance | Chipboard specific weight, kg/m³ | Application |
| 8 mm | 3060 x 1830 mm; 2750 x 1830 mm; 2440 x 1830 mm |
From 5% to 7% | Up to 0.5 mm | 650 - 850 | Construction and repair work: floors, ceilings, floor structures; furniture structures. |
| 10 mm | |||||
| 16 mm | |||||
| 18 mm | |||||
| 22 mm | |||||
| 25 mm | |||||
| 26 mm |
The typical specific weight of 16 mm and 18 mm chipboard is within 650 - 850 kg/m³, although deviations are possible depending on grade, moisture content, composition and production technology. The higher the sheet density, the stronger and heavier the material. For approximate calculations, a 16 mm chipboard sheet may be taken as about 58.7 kg, and an 18 mm sheet as about 71.4 kg, provided its size and density match the stated range.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the density of chipboard?
For standard chipboard, a common guide value is 650-850 kg/m³. The exact value depends on board grade, moisture content, binder composition and pressing technology.
How much does a 16 mm chipboard sheet weigh?
The article gives a guide value of about 58.7 kg for a 16 mm chipboard sheet with the stated size and density. If sheet format or density differs, the weight should be recalculated.
Why is denser chipboard heavier and harder to machine?
Higher density usually improves screw holding and strength, but it increases load on fittings and wears cutting tools faster during cutting.