Particleboard, MDF and Laminate are generally used as shelves in Pallet Rack Shelving, Long Span Shelving and Rivet Shelving. The different products all have different properties and finding the right product will depend on your individual circumstances.

Particleboard (or Chipboard) is a composite wood product generally manufactured from wood chips, shavings and saw dust. The chips, shavings and saw dusts are combined with a binding agent and compressed into a sheet. These sheets can come in large sizes they can be cut down to fit almost any shelving application. This is the cheapest form timber sheeting and is not as strong as MDF.

MDF (or Medium Density Fibreboard) is a similar product to Particleboard, however it often uses residuals from denser timber such as Hardwood. MDF is formed when the residual wood fibres of the hardwood are combined with a binding agent and compressed uses high temperature. These sheets can come in large sizes they can be cut down to fit almost any shelving application. MDF is more expensive, denser and stronger than Particleboard as well as having a smoother finish.

Laminated timber sheeting usually uses either Particleboard or MDF as the main support. A Plastic Resin is usually fixed to one or both sides of the sheet. Laminate essentially seals the face of the timber sheeting giving it improved moisture resistant properties. Laminate is is available in a large range of colours and finishes and is perfect for companies wanting to minimise dust in their workplace.

These product will be resistant to small amounts of moisture. However prolonged exposure to moisture causes the small pieces of wood to swell and essentially cause the sheet to break apart. An alternative product for timber sheeting and Board Support Bars is Mesh Decks. Mesh Decks are a steel mesh with support bars welded to the underside. To view information on Mesh Decks please CLICK HERE.