What Kind of Particle Board Do I Use for a Laminate Countertop?

Single-Layer

• The most commonly used type of particle board for laminate countertops is a single-layer particle board. This particle board has one layer of wood particles pressure-squeezed and glued into a dense board. The board is slightly water-resistant and will not split like other multilayer boards. This particle board, however, cannot be painted, only laminated. Use a single-layer particle board for countertop that does not have a bar or other large overhang.

Graded-Density

• For countertops with bars or other large overhangs, a graded-density particle board is a solid choice. Created with three layers and graded together to transition between the layers, the board is strong, smooth on the top and bottom and commonly used for cabinetry and furniture components.

Cement-Bonded

• Sometimes water resistance is required in the countertop subsurface. For these tasks, the best particle board is a cement-bonded particle board. A cement-bonded particle board has the highest moisture resistance and is the strongest type of particle board. Cement-bonded particle boards work well for outdoor laminated countertops or countertops in high-humidity areas.

Alternatives

• While particle board technology is ever improving, no particle board will be as strong as even a plywood board. Keeping this in mind, it may be worth considering using a thick plywood board for countertops, bars and overhangs that undergo more use. The plywood can still be laminated just as easily as particle board, and plywood will last for much longer.