Chipboard vs. Plywood — What's the Difference?
By Tayyaba Rehman & Maham Liaqat — Updated on April 5, 2024
Chipboard is a cost-effective material made from compressed wood particles, ideal for interior use. Plywood, stronger and more durable, consists of thin wood layers glued together, suitable for both indoor and outdoor applications.
Difference Between Chipboard and Plywood
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Chipboard is made from compressed wood particles or chips, bound together with synthetic resin and formed into sheets. This process makes chipboard an affordable, albeit less durable, material mainly used for furniture, flooring underlay, and decorative projects. Plywood, on the other hand, is constructed by gluing together thin layers of wood veneer, with each layer's grain oriented perpendicular to the adjacent layers. This cross-graining technique significantly enhances plywood's strength and resistance to warping, making it a versatile material for both indoor and outdoor uses.
While chipboard offers an economical solution for various interior applications, its performance is inferior to plywood in terms of strength and moisture resistance. Chipboard tends to swell and break down when exposed to water, making it unsuitable for outdoor use or in areas prone to humidity. Plywood, however, is engineered to withstand moisture better than chipboard, thanks to its layered structure and the use of waterproof adhesives in many of its varieties. This makes plywood a reliable option for outdoor projects, bathroom and kitchen areas, and anywhere where the material might be exposed to water.
In terms of aesthetics, chipboard has a uniform texture and appearance, which can be easily covered with veneers, laminates, or paints to create a visually appealing surface. Its smoothness and consistency make it a popular choice for cabinetry and furniture projects that require a seamless finish.
Plywood also offers a visually appealing wood grain pattern, with the option to choose from various wood species for the outer veneers, providing natural beauty along with strength. The visible layers on the edges of plywood can be considered a design feature or covered with trim or veneer for a more polished look.
Comparison Chart
Composition
Compressed wood particles
Layers of wood veneer
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Durability
Less durable, prone to damage from moisture
Highly durable, resistant to warping
Use
Mainly indoor, non-structural applications
Suitable for indoor and outdoor, structural projects
Cost
Generally less expensive
More expensive, varies with quality
Aesthetic
Uniform texture, can be easily finished
Natural wood grain, aesthetically versatile
Compare with Definitions
Chipboard
A material made from wood chips and resin.
The bookshelf is made from chipboard, making it lightweight yet sturdy.
Plywood
Suitable for a wide range of applications.
Plywood is used in everything from boats to residential flooring.
Chipboard
Used for furniture and cabinetry.
We chose chipboard for our kitchen cabinets because it's cost-effective.
Plywood
Made from layers of wood veneer.
The strength of this plywood makes it perfect for outdoor furniture.
Chipboard
Light and easy to manipulate.
I easily cut the chipboard to size for my project.
Plywood
Resistant to cracking, splitting, and warping.
Despite the humidity, the plywood showed no signs of warping.
Chipboard
Not resistant to moisture.
The chipboard flooring must be protected from water spills.
Plywood
Available in various grades and types.
For the bathroom remodel, we used marine-grade plywood.
Chipboard
Affordable wood product.
Chipboard is a popular choice for DIY enthusiasts due to its low
Plywood
More expensive than chipboard.
We opted for plywood for its durability, despite the higher cost.
Chipboard
A pasteboard made from discarded paper.
Plywood
Plywood is a material manufactured from thin layers or "plies" of wood veneer that are glued together with adjacent layers having their wood grain rotated up to 90 degrees to one another. It is an engineered wood from the family of manufactured boards which include medium-density fibreboard (MDF), oriented strand board (OSB) and particle board (chipboard).
Chipboard
A building material made from wood chips compressed and bound with synthetic resin.
Plywood
A structural material made of layers of wood glued together, usually with the grains of adjoining layers at right angles to each other.
Chipboard
A cheap hard material made from wood chips that are pressed together and bound with synthetic resin.
Plywood
(uncountable) Construction material supplied in sheets, and made of three or more layers of wood veneer glued together, laid up with alternating layers having their grain perpendicular to each other.
After the hurricane there was a severe regional shortage of plywood, especially exterior plywood.
Chipboard
A cheap hard material made from wood chips that are pressed together and bound with synthetic resin
Plywood
(countable) A specific grade or type of this construction material.
We stock exterior plywoods, interior plywoods, and furniture plywoods.
Plywood
(transitive) To fit or block up with plywood.
Plywood
A laminate made of thin layers of wood
Common Curiosities
Can plywood be used outdoors?
Yes, plywood can be used outdoors, especially types specifically designed for exterior use.
Can plywood be painted or stained?
Yes, plywood can be both painted and stained to enhance its appearance.
Is chipboard cheaper than plywood?
Yes, chipboard is generally cheaper than plywood.
What is chipboard commonly used for?
Chipboard is commonly used for furniture, cabinetry, and flooring underlay.
What finishes can be applied to chipboard?
Veneers, laminates, and paints can be applied to chipboard for a finished look.
Can I use plywood for structural applications?
Yes, plywood is commonly used in structural applications due to its strength and stability.
What is the main advantage of chipboard?
The main advantage of chipboard is its cost-effectiveness for interior applications.
Is chipboard water-resistant?
No, chipboard is not water-resistant and can swell when exposed to moisture.
What makes plywood stronger than chipboard?
The cross-grained layering of wood veneers makes plywood stronger and more resistant to warping than chipboard.
How are plywood sheets made?
Plywood sheets are made by gluing together multiple layers of wood veneer, with the grain of each layer perpendicular to the previous.
How can I tell if plywood is of good quality?
Good quality plywood should have uniform layers without gaps, minimal knots, and a smooth surface.
Can I use chipboard for outdoor projects?
No, chipboard is not suitable for outdoor projects due to its poor moisture resistance.
How do I protect chipboard from moisture?
Seal chipboard surfaces with a suitable sealant or choose moisture-resistant grades for areas prone to humidity.
Is all plywood waterproof?
Not all plywood is waterproof, but exterior-grade plywood is made with waterproof adhesives.
Are there different types of plywood for specific uses?
Yes, there are various types of plywood, including marine, structural, and decorative, each suited for specific uses.
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Written by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
Co-written by
Maham Liaqat
