Particleboard (chipboard) is made from wood chips and sawdust bonded with resin and pressed into a panel. Density is typically 650–750 kg/m³. It is the most common carcass material in volume cabinetry because it is flat, consistent and cheap.
Why it dominates carcass work
A carcass panel needs to be flat, dimensionally stable and able to hold a hinge screw. Particleboard does all three at the lowest cost per square metre, and it takes melamine facing without a separate substrate. That combination is why most flat-pack and project kitchens use it.
It is also consistent: a 3-layer board (fine surface, coarse core, fine surface) machines predictably, so a factory can set up once and run thousands of panels without variation.
| Application | Verdict | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Carcass panels, dry rooms | Adequate | Flat, stable, cost-effective |
| Shelves up to 900 mm | Adequate at 18 mm | Beyond that, sag becomes visible |
| Door and drawer fronts | Not recommended | Edge cannot be machined cleanly |
| Wet areas | Only MR grade | Standard board fails at the edge |
| Structural or exposed edges | No | Edge screw holding is weak |
The two weaknesses
Edge screw holding. The core is coarse, so a screw into the panel edge strips easily. This is why carcass joints use cam-and-dowel or confirmat rather than plain screws, and why hinges rely on a mounting plate spread over the face.
Water. Standard particleboard swells at the edge and does not recover. A leak under a sink does not stain the board — it destroys the bottom panel within days. MR grade slows this but does not prevent it; sealed edges and a properly fitted sink base are what actually protect the cabinet.
How to specify it properly
Three items: thickness (16 or 18 mm), grade (standard or MR), and facing (melamine, veneer or raw for painting). Add the formaldehyde class — E1 minimum, E0 or CARB P2 where the market requires it.
Also ask for the density. Two boards at the same thickness can differ by 100 kg/m³, and the lighter one will sag sooner on long shelves. A density of 700 kg/m³ and above is a reasonable floor for carcass work.
Frequently asked questions
Is particleboard strong enough for kitchen cabinets?
For carcass panels in dry rooms, yes. It is not suitable for door fronts, exposed shelves without support, or any application where the panel edge takes load.
What is the difference between particleboard and MDF?
Particleboard is made of chips, MDF of fibres. MDF is denser, machines more cleanly and costs more. Particleboard is flatter per dollar and adequate for boxes.
How much weight can a particleboard shelf hold?
An 18 mm shelf at 900 mm span holds typical kitchen loads without visible sag. Beyond 900 mm, add a mid support or use a thicker board — the failure is gradual and only visible once it has happened.
Does MR particleboard stop water damage?
It delays it. MR board uses moisture-resistant resin, but an unsealed edge will still swell. Sealed edges and good installation matter more than the grade label.
