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One of the most important considerations in any home improvement project is what type of material you want to use for your flooring. There are many options out there, each with its own benefits and drawbacks. If you are torn between two, plywood vs particle board wee can help you out by comparing the two best options.
The main comparison between plywood and particle board is the price. Particle board is much cheaper than plywood, making it a popular choice for budget-conscious homeowners. However, plywood is much more durable and will last longer. If you are looking for a material that will stand up to wear and tear, plywood is the better choice.
Another consideration is the look of the material. Plywood has a more natural look and can be stained or painted to match your décor. Particle board has a more synthetic look and is available in a limited number of colors.
Finally, you need to think about the installation process. Plywood is more difficult to install than particle board and requires special tools. Particle board is much easier to install and can be done by a novice.
What Is Plywood?
Plywood is a sheet of combined layers made from thin sheets of wood that are glued together and pressed into one solid piece. This makes it more durable than other types of flooring, which can be prone to dents and scratches over time.
What Is Plywood Made Of?
Typically plywood is made up of three layers.
1. The Top Layer, Or The ‘Face’
It consists of tightly arranged wood veneers that form a smooth surface. This side usually has visible grain patterns and may show knots where branches used to be located on the tree which serve as natural blemishes.
2. The Middle Layer, The Core Or ‘Backing’
It is typically made out of inexpensive wood or plywood.
3. The Last Layer or The Backer
It consists of a material that helps to prevent warping and moisture damage such as honeycomb paper.
RELATED: Plywood vs Solid Wood: An In-Depth Comparison
Uses Of Plywood
Plywood can be used for many different applications.
- Its durability makes it great for flooring.
- On cabinets.
- On furniture.
- Depending on the type of plywood you use it can be a good choice for counter tops, wall sheathing or even siding.
Types Of Plywood
There are two main kinds of plywood:
1. Natural Plywood
Natural plywood comes from the same tree, but the layers are turned 90 degrees for a more uniform look.
Types Of Natural Plywood
The following are the types of natural plywood.
- Mahogany
- Pine
- Oak
Uses Of Natural Plywood
- Construction
- Furniture
- Cooking
- Paper industry
Pros
- Strong
- Durable
- Attractive
- Does not split easily
Cons
- Can be damaged by moisture
- Attacks by pests
2. Engineered Plywood
This type of plywood uses different types of wood to create unique patterns that can range from very plain to intricate designs.
Types Of Engineered Plywood
The following are the various types of engineered plywood:
- Plywood
- Particleboard
- Veneered wood
Uses Of Engineered Plywood
It can be used to make;
- Kitchen cabinets
- Furniture
- Jewellery box
Pros
Below are some of the advantages of engineered plywood.
- It is cheap
- It is stable compared to natural plywood
- It is compatible
- Smoothly polished
Cons
- Can be heavy
- Highly affected by extreme weather conditions
Pros and Cons of Plywood
Pros
- Its durability makes it suitable for high-traffic areas. The fact that plywood is made up of several layers means that if one part gets damaged, the whole sheet won’t need to be replaced (unlike other types of flooring). It can also help protect your subfloor.
- The natural grain of plywood means that it can be very attractive. Many people love this type of flooring because its rustic look matches the room’s decor or other features.
Cons
- Installation is somewhat difficult, especially if you are working with a large area. Each sheet is made up of multiple layers, so it can be difficult to align the seams.
- Plywood is not very water resistant , so if you are putting in a wet area (such as an outdoor patio) or want to install flooring over your subfloor this may not be the best option for you.
RELATED: Is Particle Board Stronger Than Plywood?
How To Maintain Plywood
- Be sure to check for and fix any leaks as soon as they occur.
- Consider installing a moisture barrier or waterproofing materials underneath your plywood flooring if you have a wet area. This will help prevent water damage that can cause the wood to warp or swell over time.
- Since it is not very resistant to stains, try using an all-purpose cleaner to remove any dirt or stains. You can also use products that are specifically made for wood floors.
- If your plywood starts to show signs of scratches or dents, you can sand it down and reapply a new stain.
What Is Particle Board?
Particleboard, also known as chipboard or composite wood panels, is made of sawdust and scraps glued together with resin. This makes it cheaper than plywood but less durable because the glue can wear out over time.
Types of Particle Board
There are three main types of particle board:
1. High-Density Fiberboard (HDF).
This type of particleboard is made up mostly of wood scraps and sawdust. It’s very strong, but also heavy due to its density.
Uses Of Particle Boards
It can be used to make;
- Kitchen cabinets
- Furniture
- Shelves
Pros
- Durable
- Relatively cheap
- Moisture resistant
Cons
- Not strong
- Not waterproof
2. Medium-Density Fiberboard (MDF).
It has a denser composition than HDF with fewer air pockets making it easier to work with.
Uses
It can be used to make;
- Flooring
- Cabinets
- Furniture
Pros
- It is cheap
- Strong
- Smooth
Cons
- Weaker than wood
- Can crack easily
3. Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
This is similar to MDF but has a smoother surface and fewer pinholes. It also contains more resin than other types of particle board so it’s often used in outdoor applications because it can withstand the elements better.
Uses Of OSB
This type of Particleboard is generally used for:
- Flooring
- Construction
- Furniture
Pros
- Cheap
- It is versatile
- Strong
Cons
- It is very heavy
- Affected by water damages
Pros And Cons of Particle Board
Pros
- It does not hold screws as well.
- It can crack if it gets too wet, so you should use a sealant when using in bathrooms or kitchens.
- It’s easier to cut and drill into.
- It weighs less than plywood, making it lighter weight for moving.
Cons
- It does not hold screws as well.
- It can crack if it gets too wet, so you should use a sealant when using in bathrooms or kitchens.
- You should also be careful about drilling into this type of flooring because it has more pinholes than plywood and nails can become loose over time causing the floor to squeak.
How To Maintain Particle Board
- Clean with a damp cloth or vacuum.
- This type of flooring is easy to maintain because you can use the same tools for laminate and other types of wood floors.
- To clean, wipe your surface down regularly using warm water mixed with mild dish soap. Scrub any scuff marks but avoid saturating it if possible.
- For more stubborn marks, use a gentle scrub brush and soap made for wood floors. Rinse with warm water and dry immediately to avoid warping or bubbling.
- Avoid using commercial cleaners even those made for laminate or hardwood floors because they can damage the surface.
Related Post: Particle Board Vs Plywood Vs MDF
Factors To Consider When Choosing Between Particle Board and Plywood: Particle Board Vs Plywood
You should consider several factors when choosing the best flooring for your home.
1. Long Term Durability
The most important factor to consider is how long-term durability impacts your decision. If you want something you can count on to last, plywood may be better than particle board because it’s more resistant to warping, shrinking, or swelling.
2. Cost
Another thing to consider is how much the flooring costs you. While plywood may be more expensive than particle board in some cases, it’s also a better long-term investment because it doesn’t need to be replaced as often since its natural durability makes it less likely to warp, shrink or swell over time.
3. Ease of Installation
You also need to consider how easy it will be to install the flooring you choose as well as any additional costs that may come with it. Plywood is a more difficult type of flooring to install because its multiple layers can make alignment trickier, but if your subfloor needs repairing or replacing it’s a good choice because it can be glued directly to the existing surface.
4. Water Resistance
Another important factor is water resistance. If you are putting in flooring for a wet area, such as an outdoor patio or bathroom, plywood may not be your best option since it handles moisture poorly and can warp, swell or shrink over time. Particleboard, on the other hand, is made of sawdust and resin which makes it more resistant to water.
5. Quality of The Surface
You also need to consider how good the surface of each type looks. Plywood’s smooth finish is better for ceilings and walls than particleboard because it can get scratched or dented, whereas particleboard has a rougher texture that may be harder to clean but more resistant against damage.
6. Quality of The Material
You should also consider the quality of the material that each flooring is made out of. Plywood may be more expensive than particle board but it’s a better investment because its natural durability makes it less likely to warp, swell or shrink over time.
Related Post: Particle Board Vs Plywood Cabinets: Strength, Use, Cost and More
One-On-One Comparison: Plywood Vs Particle Board
Plywood
- Durable
- Attractive
- Water-resistant.
- Heavy.
- Withstands high traffic areas and subflooring without difficulty.
Particle Board
- Lightweight.
- It is cheaper.
- More resistant to water than plywood, making it suitable for wet areas like bathrooms or kitchens (if sealed).
- Can be difficult if drilling into the surface because of its composition and air pockets.
- Works well in low-traffic areas where you don’t need a lot of durability.
- Easier to install.
Advantages Of Plywood Over Particle Board
- Plywood is more durable than particleboard.
- It can last for decades without showing significant signs of wear or tear, whereas particle boards can begin to show dents and scratches after only a few years under the right circumstances.
- Aesthetically, plywood is more appealing.
- It has a natural grain that can add character to any room in your home.
- Many people prefer this look over particleboard because it fits with their décor and other features in the room better than particle board does.
Downsides Of Plywood Over Particle Board
- Plywood is more expensive than particleboard. However, it may be worth the extra cost for some people because of its durability and aesthetic appeal.
- Particleboard can be very cheap depending on where you purchase it from. If you are on a strict budget, particleboard may be the better option for you because it can help keep your costs down.
- Some people do not like the idea of permanently altering their flooring by staining plywood or installing other types of flooring that cannot easily be removed if necessary. This is why some renters opt to install particle boards in their homes instead.
Advantages Of Particle Board Over Plywood
- Due to its composition, particleboard has many advantages that should be considered before using in your home.
- It’s a lighter weight for moving. This can be beneficial when you are renting a new place and need to move out without having to hire movers. It may also help if you have some disabilities or other conditions preventing you from doing the heavy lifting.
- It’s cheaper than plywood. If you are on a strict budget, particleboard may be the better option for you because it can help keep your costs down.
- Particleboard is easier to cut and drill into which means that screws don’t hold as well in this type of flooring.
Disadvantages Of Particle Board Over Plywood
- It does not hold screws as well.
- It can crack if it gets too wet, so you should use a sealant when using in bathrooms or kitchens.
- You should also be careful about drilling into this type of flooring because it has more pinholes than plywood and nails can become loose over time causing the floor to squeak.
- It’s more difficult to work with especially if you’re cutting or drilling into it.
- If particleboard gets wet, it swells up leaving your furniture feeling bumpy/uneven which is not comfortable underfoot. This can also cause your furniture to shift and move around.
FAQs
Particle Board Vs Plywood Cabinet Boxes, Which One Is Low Cost?
Plywood is better than particle board because it is more durable and attractive. Particle board is cheaper, but it is not as durable or water-resistant. If you’re looking for a low cost option, particle board may be the best choice for you.
Plywood Vs Particle Board Strength?
Plywood is stronger than particle board.
Which One Should I Go for Between Plywood Vs Particle Board Subfloor?
Plywood is better than particle board because it is more durable, attractive, and water-resistant. Particle board is cheaper and easier to install, but it is not as durable or water-resistant. If you’re looking for a low cost option, particle board may be the best choice for you.
What Is the Difference Between Plywood and Particle Board?
Plywood is a type of wood that is made up of several layers of thin wood veneers. Particle board is a type of wood that is made up of sawdust or wood chips that are glued together.
Which Is Better, Plywood or Particle Board?
Plywood is better than particle board because it is more durable, attractive, and water-resistant. Particle board is cheaper and easier to install, but it is not as durable or water-resistant.
Which Is More Expensive, Plywood or Particle Board?
Plywood is more expensive than particle board.
Which Is Easier to Install, Plywood or Particle Board?
Particle board is easier to install than plywood.
Which Is More Water Resistant, Plywood or Particle Board?
Plywood is more water resistant than particle board.
Which Is More Durable, Plywood or Particle Board?
Plywood is more durable than particle board.
Which Is Better for High Traffic Areas, Plywood or Particle Board?
Plywood is better for high traffic areas than particle board.
OSB Vs Plywood Vs Particle Board Which Is Stronger?
Plywood is stronger than particle board. OSB is a type of wood that is made up of several layers of thin wood veneers. Particle board is a type of wood that is made up of sawdust or wood chips that are glued together. If you’re looking for a low cost option, particle board may be the best choice for you. However, it’s not as strong as plywood or OSB.
Conclusion
Plywood is the best choice for flooring if you’re looking for something durable that will last a long time. It’s also more attractive and water-resistant than particle board, making it a good choice for high traffic areas or sub flooring. However, plywood is more expensive and difficult to install than particle board.
If you’re looking for a cheaper option that’s easier to install, particle board may be the best choice for you. However, it’s not as durable or water-resistant as plywood, so it’s not a good choice for high traffic areas or wet areas like kitchens or bathrooms.
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