Comparison of Solid Wood To Particleboard
Particleboard’s selling points compared to solid timber are its low cost, its availability in large flat sheets, and its ability to be decorated with all kinds of overlays.
Solid wood has structural advantages over particleboard. It is stronger, particularly in tension (as required for horizontal spans), allowing it to support greater weights. Unless adequately braced or built with thick material, particleboard shelves will visibly sag over time (or snap near the fasteners).
Screw fasteners should be installed with caution, taking into account the specific mechanical properties of particleboard. Otherwise, these will not provide the correct holding power, over time. There is a tendency, for improperly installed screws to strip the material into which they are inserted. For example, over-torquing a screw will, over time, lead to premature failure of the material. The tolerance to over-torquing is less for particleboard as compared to ply- or solid wood. Portions of the particleboard may "blow out" when subjected to excessive tension stress. In part, this arises from the lack of elasticity in particleboard resins as compared to the long strands and compressible voids contained in solid wood, a feature that, while preserved in the manufacture of plywood, is compromised in particleboard.
The strength of particleboard, in the context of application and cost, can offer advantages over solid wood when the cost is virtually the sole consideration. In cabinet carcase construction, relatively thick particleboard is used (typically ¾"), particularly in the sidewalls to support compressive loads of countertops and appliances, where its lower cost and adequate strength make it a frequent choice.
Solid wood is much more durable than particleboard: for example, damage to solid wood can be repaired by removing and replacing damaged material, then refinishing using known wood treatments, that can be matched. Since particleboard is typically faced with by a non-wood veneer, it is practically impossible to match the original finish. In addition, damage to particleboard is typified by structural failure and exposure of sizable jagged faults. Damage to particleboard is therefore normally impossible to repair effectively, that is without too obvious traces, usually requiring replacement of the whole damaged part(s).
The reduced durability of particleboard furniture is a consequence of reduced strength in tension. This drawback contributes to damage when furniture is carelessly handled, or dragged. Whenever possible therefore, the furniture should be disassembled into smaller components, easily handled by one person, to eliminate the possibility of damage in transit.
Furniture makers often cover particleboard with real or imitation veneers, in an effort to simulate the look of solid wood.
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—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
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