The Types of Composite Lumber
Composite lumber products have several technical and physical advantages over ordinary or traditional lumber products. Because composite lumber can be made with smaller pieces of wood, less wood is needed to make composite lumber products, but the composite products can still be made to fit larger dimensions. Composite lumber is also lighter and often stronger than traditional wood products. Using fewer quantities of wood overall means that composite lumber is more environmentally friendly, so long as it is made with non-toxic chemicals. Does this Spark an idea?
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Plywood
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Plywood is manufactured from several layers of wood veneer that are glued together. Wood veneer is made up of thin sheets of traditional lumber. Plywood can be made to a variety of thicknesses, and can be made with layers of particle board in-between layers of traditional lumber. Plywood is a strong and durable wood product that is easily shaped for various designs.
Particle Board
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Particle board uses small chips and flakes of wood, that are then pressed together and joined with wood glue. Particle board can be used as a means of recycling old or smaller pieces of wood, as only small fragments are needed for its making. Particle board can be veneered with thin layers of plywood to provide extra strength or a more aesthetically pleasing appearance. Particle board is usually loosely pressed together, so it is not as durable as other types of composite lumber.
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Hardboard
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Hardboard takes wood chips from both soft and hardwoods. The wood chips are made into fibers that are then glued and pressed together. Hardboard can be made to a variety of woods, but it is the most densely packed of all of the types of composite lumber made from particles of fibers. Hardboard is easily shaped and can come in a variety of thicknesses. Hardboard cannot be used outdoors however, as it absorbs water.
Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)
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Medium density fiberboard (MDF) is similar to particle board, only the wood is broken down into individual fibres before it is glued together. MDF is often used as a substitute for rain forest woods, as they can be easily veneered, and still give the appearance and durability of many hardwoods and tropical woods. MDF is usually made from the leftovers of plantation thinnings. This makes MDF a very popular alternative for those concerned about environmental impact. MDF is more durable and denser than particle board, but is still relatively lightweight.
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