How is particle board different from MDF, HDF, and plywood?

Particle board is also known as chipboard which is a type of engineered wood product made from wood chips, sawmill shavings, and sawdust, along with resin or binder that is pressed together through compressing using heat and pressure. Particle board finds application especially in making of cabinets, furniture and in construction-oriented products.

MDF differently from particle board is produced using wood fibers that have been broken down and combined with resin or binder which may be stuck together by heat and pressure – this makes it have a much smoother texture as compared to particle board hence most appropriate for painting finishes or other decorative purposes; other engineered wood products include medium density fiberboard which has its own distinctive qualities.


Plywood, on the other hand, is made of thin layers of wood veneer, known as laminates, which are glued together so that each layer is at right angles to the next layer. Such a design creates strength and stability and achieves the excellent position of plywood as a building material for everyday use, including furniture floors and walls. By difference, particleboard is usually the cheapest option of the four, making it a popular choice for budget projects. Additionally, MDF and HDF have smoother surfaces, which makes them suitable for finishes such as painting and veneering.