Sheet Materials
Eastwood Timber stocks many
types of sheet material products
- Plywood
- Melamine
- MDF
- Chipboard
- Insulation
- Hardwood
- Plasterboard
- Sterling Board/OSB Board
- EASIpanelTM
- Fire-rated Board
- Decorative Veneered
- Kitchen Worktops
Storing Boards
Boards should be stored upright, preferably clear
of the floor. Make sure they lean towards a wall
and cannot be accidentally pulled over. Support
thin boards with a thicker board at the back so
that they don't warp.
Choosing the right type of board
If you want a painted finish, a board with a
dense even texture, such as MDF, gives the best
finish. For unseen carcase work, such as kitchen
units and flooring, the most economical boards
are chipboard and OSB Board.
Board Sizes
It is usually cheapest to buy full size boards
(2440x1220mm). Eastwood Timber also
sell 600x1220mm and 900x1800mm sheets for convenience.
Standard thicknesses are 4,6, 9,12,15,18 and 25mm.
Specialist sizes also available to order - extra
large 1220x3050mm and 1525x3050mm.
Plywood - exterior grade
For garden projects or where moisture
may be a problem. Exterior grade WBP plywood
board is available in thicknesses from 3mm to
30mm. Plywoods need an edging strip to disguise
the striped appearance.
Marine plywood is made of water-resistant hardwood
veneers sandwiched with a very strong phenolic
glue where damage by water, steam, temperature
changes or mould may be a problem.
Melamine-faced chipboard
Chipboard which is coated with a thin
layer of plastic or melamine provides a decorative
cleanable surface, used for storage units in the
kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. The manufacturers
provide edging strip to hide the exposed edges.
Medium-density fibreboard (MDF)
Made up of fine particles bonded together with
resin. The close texture can be planed and shaped
with a router. The surface is smooth, making
it good for veneering or painting.
Unfaced Chipboard
One of the most economic boards for the DIYer.
However, chipboard is not as strong as plywood
and does not hold screws well.
Insulation Board
A board made from timber fibres which can be used
as either an insulating board against cold or
a soundproofing board.
Hardboard
This is produced by chopping up wood shavings
into tiny fibres, soaked in water. The mix is
then compressed and heated to form a board with
a uniform texture. It is sold in thicknesses
from 1.5 to 12mm. It can be used for the backs
of cabinets.
Plasterboard
Plasterboard is a flat seam of gypsum sandwiched
between stiff lining paper. It comes in several
different types and sizes and is ideal for many
uses including stud partition walls, ceilings
and loft lining. It can also be painted or decorated
directly onto the surface.
Sterling Board / OSB Board
A cheap board composed of large flakes or wood,
glued together to form a thick layer of shavings
lying parallel with the length of the board.
The result is a strong board which is often used
for shuttering by builders but may be used for
loft flooring and other DIY projects.
Fire-rated Board / Masterboard
A cement-based board for use behind gas fireplaces
and various other heat producing appliances around
the home.
Decorative Veneered Boards
A range of hardwood and softwood veneered boards
for many decorative uses in place of solid timber.
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