Composite Panel Association: Innovative Products for a Sustainable FutureHardboard is used in a variety of applications including furniture components, wall paneling, moulded door skins, underlayment and perforated boards.
Hardboard is a composite panel manufactured primarily from inter-felted ligno-cellulosic fibers consolidated under heat and pressure. Other materials may be added during the manufacturing process to improve certain properties, such as resistance to abrasion and moisture, and to increase strength and durability.
Hardboard has a uniform thickness, density and appearance and has no grain. It resists marring, scuffing and abrasion, as well as changes in temperature and humidity. Hardboard can be cut, routed, shaped and drilled with standard woodworking tools. In addition, hardboard can be securely glued or fastened with screws, staples or nails. Hardboard panels can be laminated with paper overlays, plastic laminates and veneers.
The American National Standard for Basic Hardboard (ANSI A135.4) is the North American industry standard. It classifies hardboard by thickness and physical properties, and includes five classes: Tempered, Standard, Service-Tempered, Service and Industrialite.
The American National Standard for Prefinished Hardboard Paneling (ANSI A135.5) establishes the property requirements for dimensional tolerances and moisture content, along with resistance to abrasion, fading, heat, humidity, scrape, steam and stain. Requirements for washability, gloss, workmanship and flame spread are also specified.
Available from the association bookstore:
ANSI Engineered Wood Siding Standard
ANSI Prefinished Hardboard Paneling Standard
Available for download:
Basic Hardboard Products Technical Bulletin [PDF]
Maintenance Tips for Engineered Wood Siding Technical Bulletin [PDF]
