What is pressboard?

Think of pressboard as the “cardboard’s tougher cousin.” It is an engineered material often found in budget-friendly or ready-to-assemble (RTA) furniture.

Unlike plywood or solid wood, pressboard isn’t actually made of wood timber. It is primarily made from recycled paper scraps and cellulose fibers. Manufacturers take that paper waste, mix it with strong glues, and crush it under extreme heat and pressure. The result is a dense, smooth, and stiff panel.

Where you’ll see it?
Because it is cheap and lightweight, manufacturers use it for the parts of the cabinet that don’t need to hold much weight typically the thin back panel of a cabinet or the bottom of a light-duty drawer.

Don’t confuse the terms:

• Pressboard: Made from paper fibers.
• Pressed Wood: Made from wood scraps and sawdust (similar to particleboard but denser).

Note: While modern pressboard is decent for what it is, it is not structural material. It’s great for a smooth paint finish, but it doesn’t hold screws very well.

FAQ

Is pressboard real wood?

No. It is an engineered composite made from paper fibers and resin. It doesn’t have any natural grain or structural strength like solid wood or plywood.

Pressboard vs. Plywood: What’s the difference?

• Plywood is built from layers of real wood veneers glued together. It is strong, holds screws tightly, and resists moisture well. It’s what you want for cabinet boxes.
• Pressboard is compressed paper. It is smoother and cheaper, but it will sag if you put heavy weight on it and swells up quickly if it gets wet.

Is MDF the same thing?

No, though they look similar.

• MDF (Medium-Density Fiberboard) is made from fine wood fibers. It is heavy, super dense, and great for painted cabinet doors.
• Pressboard is less dense and made from paper. MDF is a step up in quality and durability compared to pressboard.