Particle board vs. plywood

red devil

red devil

AC Members
Jan 7, 2003
796
3
18
Shenzhen, China
Visit site
This may sound like a dumb question..i know that particle board is not as water resistant as plywood but is particleboard as structurally strong as plywood? The plywood I have found in China is really weak but I have found particle board that is as strong as what I saw in the U.S.
 
As with anything you get what you pay for, but plywood should be stronger than particle board. Structurally speaking gluing lots of thin pieces of wood together makes for a very strong material. However with plywood it's all in the glue, cheap glue = weak product.

In Australia all the best plywood is labelled A-Bond (which refers to the glue used), which is a marine grade super strong product. Even the best made particle board can't match good quality plywood.
 
Plywood or OSB are your best bet. Stay away from particle board.
 
Plywood is definately stronger but I am against anyone saying that particle board cannot or should not be used for constructing stands. If designed properly and FULLY sealed, it can be used with no problems. I would not use it only for the reason that is hard to get any kind of finish on it unless you are using wood veneered particle board. What is better than particle board is MDF (medium density fiberboard). It finishes great, can be routed and bareley needs sanding if you use sharp tools. I am also against using 2x material in any kind of cabinet, aquarium stands included.
 
As a Cabinetmaker for the past 20 so years I have to side with plecosterone on this...raw p-board can be used, if the design is sound, and it is finished corectly...go with a laquer,or urathane base finish (latex and W/B acrylic are easy, but lack in moisture resistance)...
As for the original question...the majority of sheet goods in the chinese market are made with a luan core (philipaen mahogany)...although a softer hardwood, still a good choice...fairly stable, easy to work with, easy to finish...
I myself would still go with veneered MDF, but if it's what's available then use it.
 
red devil said:
This may sound like a dumb question..i know that particle board is not as water resistant as plywood but is particleboard as structurally strong as plywood? The plywood I have found in China is really weak but I have found particle board that is as strong as what I saw in the U.S.
Click to expand...

That's odd, from what I know most of the wood in the USA comes from China.
 
US imports the majority of lumber & plywood from Canada, followed by (surprisingly) Brazil, then China

Ironicly, We export the majority of our top grade hardwood lumber china, so they can sell it back to us as cheap furniture.
 
I am also against using 2x material in any kind of cabinet, aquarium stands include .
There is no problem using 2x for building stands,I have all 2x stands for my 55--75--100--and 180.The latter 2 stands are 2x frames covered with 3/4 birch ply and are over 10 yrs old.
 
I have had stands made of particle and plywood/2x4 and I don't recommend particle board due water damage.
 
You must log in or register to reply here.
AquariaCentral.com
Top Bottom