On Fri, 20 May 2005 14:52:20 +0100, Lars wrote:

What is the difference between hardboard and thin MDF (medium density
fibreboard)?

Not much. They're both fibreboards of similar density.

Hardboard is made by an older process. It's one sided and the density
varies so that the smooth side is more impact resistant than MDF and the
rough side is less impact resistant. If wetted, hardboard warps, MDF
expands and delaminates.

You can often interchange them.

In an earlier contribution to this discussion,
Lars wrote:

I will mention that I am in the UK in case the terms are different in
different countries.

What is the difference between hardboard and thin MDF (medium density
fibreboard)?

I know hardboard as usally being dark brown, about one-eighth inch
thich, shiny on one side, often criss-crossed on the rough side and
rather too easy to sanp if you bend it too far.

I went to get some hardboard from Focus and saw there was hardboard
and there was also some very similar-looking thin MDF board. In fact
I thought they had mis-shelved some stock and had put hardboard in
the MDF slot but the label on the sheet said MDF.

The MDF cost rather more than the hardboard.

What is the difference?

Hardboard has a hard smooth side and a soft corrugated side, and is not very
strong overall. MDF is much more homogeneous, stronger, less compressible,
and looks the same both sides.
--
Cheers,
Set Square
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"Set Square" wrote in message
Hardboard has a hard smooth side and a soft corrugated side, and is not
very
strong overall. MDF is much more homogeneous, stronger, less compressible,
and looks the same both sides.

You have to define stronger. There are differences in flexural, compressive
and shear strength. IMO, hardboard has better flex qualities.

In an earlier contribution to this discussion,
Edwin Pawlowski wrote:

"Set Square" wrote in message
Hardboard has a hard smooth side and a soft corrugated side, and is
not very
strong overall. MDF is much more homogeneous, stronger, less
compressible, and looks the same both sides.

You have to define stronger. There are differences in flexural,
compressive and shear strength. IMO, hardboard has better flex
qualities.

Agreed. I was thinking more of tensile and shear strength. It's easy to fold
and break hardboard over a hard edge - MDF puts up more of a fight.
--
Cheers,
Set Square
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"Set Square" wrote in message
...
You have to define stronger. There are differences in flexural,
compressive and shear strength. IMO, hardboard has better flex
qualities.

Agreed. I was thinking more of tensile and shear strength. It's easy to
fold
and break hardboard over a hard edge - MDF puts up more of a fight.

And which is best to use as an underlay for vinyl/laminate? I've always
thought hardboard ...





a

In an earlier contribution to this discussion,
al wrote:

"Set Square" wrote in message
...
You have to define stronger. There are differences in flexural,
compressive and shear strength. IMO, hardboard has better flex
qualities.

Agreed. I was thinking more of tensile and shear strength. It's easy
to fold
and break hardboard over a hard edge - MDF puts up more of a fight.

And which is best to use as an underlay for vinyl/laminate? I've
always thought hardboard ...

Hardboard is better as an underlay. It will deform on the underside to take
up irregularities in the sub-floor, whilst giving a pretty flat top surface.
MDF will bridge over irregularities, and feel springy when you walk on it.
--
Cheers,
Set Square
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