Sheet Materials Allow You to Cover Large Areas with a Single Piece of Material

Sheet materials, such as plywood and composites, allow you to cover large areas with a single piece of material, short-cutting construction projects and creating a stronger structure by tying the frame together over a large area for stability. Sheet materials are also typically cheaper than traditional board lumber. Plywood Plywood is made from thin layers of actual wood grain pressed together to form sheets of consistent thickness. It ranges in quality from rough exterior plywood to the high-quality veneers of hardwood species in paneling and cabinetmaking. The main differences in plywood have to do with the veneers and the glue that hold them together. These sheets are rated from AA to E: AA being near perfect, E having visible faults in the surface and edges, on both faces. An X in the rating indicates the plywood is made with waterproof glues for exterior use. Medium Density Fiberboard Also known as MDF, medium density fiberboard is a fine wood grain particulate composite made in varying thicknesses. It is available raw, with two MDF faces, or faced with hardwood veneer or a plastic coating known as melamine. MDF is prized for its consistency and is machinable with routers, saws and other power tools. MDF weighs nearly twice as much as traditional plywood. It is also highly susceptible to moisture, so do not use it in exterior projects. Particle Board Products A less-refined cousin of MDF is particleboard. Particleboard is formed from sawdust and adhesive pressed into sheet form. It is available raw, or with melamine, or plastic printed laminate attached to its face. Rough particleboard, known as chipboard, or Oriented Strand Board, is a rough textured sheet made from larger chips of wood fiber. Oriented Strand Board has a higher strength rating than a comparable thickness of traditional plywood and is very resistant to moisture. Hardboard Hardboard panels are made from crushed wood fibers formed into sheets with steam, and heat pressed to create a very smooth surface texture. Hardboard panels are typically thin, and you can use them in places where you need a flexible sheet material. Hardboard is resistant to moisture and very strong. It takes paint well, and its smooth surface makes for a quality finish. Source:ehow.com