Chipboard Flooring FAQs

In the flooring business, the choice of sub-floor (meaning the material underneath the actual choice of flooring such as wooden, laminate or vinyl) is a vitally important one for a number of reasons. Chipboard is one such option, offered right here at Theo’s Timber Ltd.

Extraordinarily versatile and understated by many, T&G chipboard flooring is among the most commonly used sheet materials across the globe. It provides convenient and affordable solutions for diverse building and DIY needs. But what is chipboard exactly, and what can you use it for when building?

Sometimes referred to as Low-Density Fibreboard or Particle Board, a chipboard is created by combining tiny wood particles using epoxy resin. The resultant mixture then gets pressed together in deep pressure and heat to create a rigid board that typically features a smooth surface.

The Low-Density Fibreboard comes in varying densities meant to satisfy varying needs and uses. Standard densities are low, medium, and high-density chipboards. Low-density chipboards are not only soft but also reasonably pliable. On the other hand, high-density chipboards are more rigid and intended for heavy-duty applications.

The product is an effective, affordable and durable type of flooring that provides an attractive finish to any room in the home. It’s a product made from recycled materials and can come pre-finished or unfinished so you can stain it personally to get your desired look. Chipboard flooring is easily installed with or without adhesives but it may require additional finishing techniques if you choose not to use glue. It comes in sheets and planks in thicknesses ranging from 6mm up to 25mm – but why would you want chipboard flooring over another option?

Let’s look at some of the most frequently asked questions for those companies considering utilising it.

What Is Chipboard Flooring?

Generally speaking, chipboard flooring, sometimes also known as particle board, is a collection of wood chippings (chips, shavings or sawdust) from parts of forests that don’t see much use. These chippings are bound together with a synthetic resin or another relevant binder to form boards. Theo’s Timber Ltd. offers three different types which cater to the different needs of businesses.

Is Chipboard Suitable For Flooring?

Yes, for a number of reasons.

• It’s easy to lay
• It’s safe
• It is budget-friendly
• It is smooth and consistent
• Easy to cover

What Are The Advantages of Chipboard Flooring?

– Chipboard flooring can be a suitable alternative to traditional timber, rock and concrete tiles in many commercial applications;

– It has the feel of solid wood but has an attractive low price point when compared with similar products; and,

– It is also available in different thicknesses to increase the durability of the product.

Why Use Chipboard Flooring?

Chipboard is a seasoned wood product which has been manufactured for many years and is an established material used in the construction industry.

The density of the chipboard gets to determine how it’s used. Typically, chipboards are used for all sorts of decorating and interior building projects. As such, it’s not feasible to use them outside. Chipboards having high-density grades are often used for different things such as:

• Building insulation
• Kitchen worktops (applicable to chipboards coated with melamine)
• Flatpack furniture (if it’s covered with veneer)
• Primary structures of the cabinets found in the kitchen
• Flooring as well as flooring insulation

Lower density or the softer chipboards are mainly used for:

• Packaging
• Inner elements of furniture, e.g., wardrobe backs and drawer bottoms
• Sound absorption and deadening, e.g., flooring, music venue walls, and speakers
• Interior home accents such as mouldings and trims around doors and windows

– It acts as an insulator board absorbing sound from foot traffic above and below.

– Chipboard is easy to install, with good mechanical interlock between boards and there are anti slip properties built into chipboard giving safe floors to use.

– Chipboard comes in an ever increasing range of woods, colours and finishes enabling chipboards designer look or natural finish to blend in with almost any interior design scheme.

How Thick is Chipboard Flooring?

Theo’s Timber Ltd’s T&G chipboard flooring is 605mm thick.

Is Chipboard Stronger Than Plywood?

No, but there are a number of other advantages to choosing chipboard, such as price, smoothness of surface and environmental friendliness.

Can I Replace Floorboards With Chipboard?

Yes, as long as you ensure the particular chipboard you opt for suits your needs and you follow the instructions for laying it carefully.

What Is The Best Chipboard Flooring?

P5 chipboard flooring. This is moisture resistant and easy to install. You’ll also get more bang for your buck with chips board than with hardwoods as you use less of the product per span in order to make up the desired finish.

What Is P5 Chipboard Flooring?

P5 chipboard flooring is T&G chipboard flooring grade. This means it’s moisture resistant, easy to install and has additional strength to regular chipboard flooring. Theo’s Timber stocks P5, boasting slots for easy interlocking. In addition, another version which comes in peel clean form, keeps edges clean thanks to a convenient tear-off plastic strip.

Can Chipboard Be Used Outside?

Chipboard flooring can be used both inside and outside. However, it is not advisable to leave chipboard exposed to the elements outdoors for long periods of time if being installed on a structure without a roof etc.

What Is Chipboard Flooring Made Of?

While chipboard is structurally very similar to MDF (medium-density fiberboard), chipboard has some key differences. It contains more recycled materials, such as recycled fibres from softwood trees or recycled office waste paper with a low percentage of wood fibers mixed in. This gives chipboard its characteristic cross-hatched pattern, which does not affect its structural integrity at all but simply provides aesthetic appeal. Some chipboards also contain recycled plastics that could have come from any

Catering to all your timber based needs, Theo’s Timber is a family-owned, high-quality wholesale merchant based in Manchester, serving clients all over the North West, UK. You can order all your materials on our website and choose local delivery or collection for your convenience. Visit us today to learn more about us, view our wide range of products and contact us for further information and assistance.