The Best Way to Cut Hardboard

A crosscut saw is the best tool for making straight cuts in hardboard.

Hardboard is a type of high-density fiberboard made out of exploded wood fibers that are highly compressed. Much harder than particleboard, its closest cousin, hardboard is used as a construction as well as a furniture material. According to the Composite Panel Association, the best way to cut hardboard into the appropriate-sized panels is with a saw. Once the basic size is cut out, finer shaping and styling cuts can be made with a variety of carpenter's tools.

Things You'll Need

• Crosscut saw
• Coping saw
• Compass saw
• Carpenter's plane
• Beveling tool
• Sandpaper
• Scoring tool
• Twist drill
• Brace tool

Instructions

1. Make straight cuts in hardwood with a crosscut saw.

2. Make irregular-shaped or curved edge cuts on hardboard panels with a coping saw or compass saw.

3. Carve and shape beveled edges, rounded corners or other finer design elements with a carpenter's plane, beveling tool or sandpaper.

4. Cut patterns or designs into the surface of the hardboard panel with a scoring tool.

5. Drill holes into a hardboard panel with a twist drill or with a brace tool.

Tips & Warnings

• After you make a cut in hardboard, finish the rough edges by sanding them with fine-grit sandpaper.

• If you are cutting large amounts of fiberboard, or must finish the job quickly, use a power saw.

• Always clamp your hardboard panel in place before cutting it.

• Use long, steady strokes when cutting with a saw or carpenter's plane.

• Make sure that your tools are sharp before using them.

References

• Composite Panel Association: Recommendations for Application of General-Purpose Construction Panels