Chipboard

 
Characteristics

Particleboard is cheaper, denser and more uniform than conventional wood and plywood and is substituted for them when appearance and strength are less important than cost.  However, particleboard can be made more attractive by painting or the use of wood veneers that are glued onto surfaces that will be visible.  Though it is denser than conventional wood, it is the lightest and weakest type of fibreboard, except for insulation board.  

Particleboard is very prone to expansion and discolouration due to moisture, particularly when it is not covered with paint of another sealer.  Therefore, it is rarely used outdoors or places that have high levels of moisture.