All you need to know about sheet materials

Sheet materials come in handy for both internal and external structural/ non-structural applications. These materials are virtually found everywhere in your home- in your sitting room, kitchen, bedroom, study room, roof, floor, etc.

Whether you need sheet materials for insulation or general use, there are many suppliers offering varying types of sheet materials; all you need is give your specifications and quality that you need, and your construction/renovation needs would be met.

That aside. If you are reading this, the most feasible reason is you wanted to learn more about sheet materials before you can create an order for your project. Well, that’s what Sheet Materials Wholesale wants to dive into and enlighten you about.

Remember, with the right information; you can make the right choices that you won’t regret later when you have spent colossal amounts of money buying the wrong ones. What an irreversible mess!

In this guide, you will know what sheet materials are and learn about the main types of sheet materials available in the market today. Take a gander.

What are sheet materials?

In a layman’s language, sheet materials are structural and non-structural boards manufactured from timber (both solid and recycled) using different kinds of adhesives.

Sheet materials are quite versatile and are predominantly utilized in:

• Roofing;
• Wall sheathing;
• Furniture manufacturing;
• Floor application.

The main types of sheet materials

Typically, the choice of sheet material you require is determined by the individual project specification. For example, some sheets are fire-retardant such as FR MDF (mostly used in public buildings where fire retardant boards are a requirement), while others are moisture-resistant such a Grooved MDF sheets and are used in parts that are prone to moisture such as kitchen and bathroom.

Others have greater load-bearing, e.g., hardwood plywood, and are used for projects that require strong materials while others are needed for decorative purposes such as Pinboard.

Let’s take a peek at each sheet material.

Plywood

Most people know about plywood, and why not? These boards have existed for the last 200 years. The structural strength evident in the laminated design makes plywood a high load-bearing sheet material and therefore they are ideal for applications that need strong material.

The sheets are resistant to fire, water, chemicals, and impact. They are mostly utilized in marine applications, floor applications, cladding, furniture making, and concrete formwork.

Medium density fibreboard

Popularly known as MDF, these are also quite common sheet materials. They are known for their cost-effectiveness and durability. They have a smooth surface, and that makes them easy to paint and also cut. These properties make MDF ideal for furniture production, decorative projects, and carpentry.

OSB boards

OSB or Oriented Sterling Board is the best alternative to plywood thanks to its cost-effectiveness. It is predominantly utilized in construction as well as DIY projects in roofing, sheathing, and flooring applications. It exists in different sizes and thicknesses.

Chipboard

Also called Low-density fibreboard or Oriented particleboard, the chipboard sheet is predominantly used in construction works. It is a common utilized in decorative and interior building projects.

However, it has varying uses. Some sheets are suitable for furniture making, while others are suitable for interior fittings where they are not exposed to moisture.

Hardboard

Also called high-density fibreboard, hardboard is engineered from exploded wood chips/ particles bonded together with resin under high pressure and temperature. The result is a high strength board.

Hardboard can be used in several applications ranging from furniture making to industrial construction, where it is mostly used as a floor protector.

Conclusion

There are various types of sheet materials, and your choice is typically determined by the purpose and where you want to use it. This information will come in handy when picking on the right sheet material to use in your upcoming home improvement project.