Hardboard
More information about Hardboard
What is hardboard?
Hardboard, also known as high-density fibreboard (HDF), is a rigid, engineered wood sheet that is highly versatile and hard-wearing. Hardboard is made from breaking down wood into fibres, combining them with a bonding agent and compressing them into hard, rigid sheets under high pressure. The result is an incredibly durable and dense sheet wood that is perfect for projects where structural support is needed.
A sheet of hardboard has various uses, such as furniture backing, cabinetry, flooring, construction, wall panelling, creative woodworking and more. Hardboard panels are lightweight but strong and offer excellent resistance to warping or splitting. It also has a smooth, uniform surface due to the compression process that can be enhanced with finishes such as laminate, melamine, paint or veneer.
Despite their high density and tough construction, hardboard sheets are very easy to work with and can be cut and drilled into with ease. We’ve got an excellent variety of 3mm hardboard sheets to browse through, with something for every project.
What types of hardboard sheets do we have available?
If you’re looking for hardboard for floors, furniture making or other general construction and DIY applications, our standard Hardboard Sheet 2440 x 1220 x 3.2mm is the perfect choice for many projects including hardboard flooring. It can be used for floor covering and levelling out older floorboards before placing laminate or carpet on top.
Or, if you’re after white hardboard sheets, we have White Faced Hardboard 2440 x 1220 x 3.2mm which features one smooth side that is painted white, making it perfect for building furniture and cabinets or wall panelling.
We’ve got an Oil Tempered Hardboard Sheet 2440 x 1220 x 3mm too, which is stronger and more resistant to moisture than standard hardboard.
If you’re looking for pegboard sheets, we’ve got a perforated hardboard sheet that features pre-punched, evenly spaced holes across the sheet. The Standard Hardboard Pegboard 2440 x 1220 x 3mm is a wooden pegboard perfect for organising tools and other items.
Get your hardboard panels at exclusive trade prices
You can order your hardboard sheets, as well as other sheet materials and timber supplies straight to your site with our free Click & Deliver service, or you can save time and order through Click & Collect and pick up at your local branch.
FAQs
How do I cut hardboard?
Hardboard can be cut with a hand saw or a power saw such as a circular saw or jigsaw, depending on the type of cut you need to make.
Can I paint hardboard with gloss, emulsion or latex paint?
You can paint hardboard with gloss paint, emulsion paint, and both latex and acrylic paints, but always prepare the surface properly with a suitable primer first to ensure a good finish.
Is hardboard waterproof?
Hardboard is not waterproof, but there are certain types that are water-repellent or have certain levels of water-resistance, particularly oil-tempered hardboard. When exposed to wet environments, hardboard is susceptible to swelling and damage.
Can hardboard be used outside?
It’s possible to use hardboard outside if it’s properly sealed and maintained for outdoor conditions, but it might be prone to damage and swelling over time if it absorbs moisture.
Can you tile over hardboard?
Hardboard is not a good material for tiling directly over as it’s prone to shrinking and swelling over time. Instead, use a levelling compound or tile backer board on top to act as a smooth, level surface for the tiles.
Can you plaster over hardboard?
It’s not a good idea to plaster hardboard, or any sheet wood, as you’re likely to get cracking over time. Instead, use plasterboard sheets.
Can you wallpaper over hardboard?
Hardboard is too porous to wallpaper directly over, but it can hold wallpaper if you prepare the surface by sanding it down and use a suitable primer to help the wallpaper stick to the wood.