Blockboard is manufactured using core of softwood strips which might be up to 25mm wide. These softwood strips are positioned edge to edge and sandwiched between veneers of hardwood. Blockboards are similar to plywood and better than particle board and medium density fiberboard (MDF). Blockboards have excellent dimensional stability (even despite exposure to humidity), and offers high level of resistance to warping or twisting.
The grades of blockboards are represented by the symbols which are given below:
Grade and Type Symbol
- MR Grade, Decorative Type MR-DEC
- MR Grade, Commercial Type MR-COM
- BWP Grade, Decorative Type BWP-DEC
- BWP Grade, Commercial Type BWP-COM
Block boards standard sizes available in the market are given below:
In mm In feet
2440 x 1220 8′ x 4′
2140 x 1220 7′ x 4′
2140 x 920 7′ x 3′
1830 x 1220 6′ x 4′
1830 x 920 6′ x 3′
Blockboards are not considered to be suitable for outdoor applications because the glues utilised are mostly interior glues. While using of blockboards for making pieces of furniture like doors or tables, it is of immense significance to make sure that the core runs lengthways with a view to achieve maximum strength. Blockboards are an ideal construction material to make shelves, doors, panelling and partitions.
Generally, there are two principal grades of blockboard available
- MR Grade (Moisture Resistant) and
- BWP or BWR Grade (Boiling Water Proof or Boiling Water Resistant)
Table of Contents
MR Grade:
MR grade blockboards find their applications mostly in internal areas that include door core, partition, paneling and ceiling, etc. Some very special moisture resistant glues are utilized in their manufacturing process. These boards are also known as interior grade blockboards.
BWP or BWR Grade:
BWP grade blockboards are engineered by making use of resins that have high levels of resistance to boiling water. These boards are heavily used for application in prefabricated homes, coaches for railways, bodies of buses, kitchens, etc. Here, they are likely to be exposed to high humidity levels, proving them ideal for external use. BWP grade blockboards are also known as exterior grade blockboards.
Advantages of Blockboards:
- Much lighter in weight when compared to plywood.
- Easily transported to the end location
- Cheaper than plywood, lowering the cost of interiors
- Stiffer and more resistant to bending in the middle
- Majorly used for making long pieces (i.e. > 5 feet) of furniture
There are companies that manufacture waterproof block board in India apart from the above variants, making them available through their strong dealer presence across the country.
