facebook pixel

Particleboard

glossary term icon Credits

Definition

An engineered wood product used in construction projects and composed of wood chips, sawmill shavings, and/or sawdust and a suitable binding agent, such as resin.

Things you need to know

Oriented strand board (OSB) is very similar, but offers more strength as it uses machined wood flakes. Particle board has more uniformity and is denser than wood and plywood. It will not bow or warp like the latter. However, it may swell and lose stability if exposed to water. Laminate and veneer are common finishes.

Also known as

Particle Board, Chipboard

Cost Considerations

Particle board is cheaper than plywood. Custom closet systems made of particle board may run from as little as $75 for a prepackaged kit to $600 for a custom-designed laminate version with drawers and other additional features.

Costs vary greatly by region (and even by zip code). To get free estimates from local contractors, please indicate yours.