Block board is made using a core of softwood strips that can be up to about 25mm wide. These softwood strips are laid edge to edge and sandwiched between hardwood veneers. Block board is similar to plywood and better than particle board and medium-density fiberboard (MDF). Block boards have excellent dimensional stability (even despite exposure to moisture) and offer a high level of resistance to warping or twisting.
The grades of the block boards are represented by the symbols given below:
Grade and Type symbol
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MR Grade, MR-DEC Decorative Type
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MR Grade, Commercial Type MR-COM
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Grade BWP, Decorative Type BWP-DEC
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BWP Grade, Commercial Type BWP-COM
The standard sizes of block boards available in the market are listed below:
in feet in mm
2440 x 1220 8′ x 4′
2140 x 1220 7′ x 4′
2140×920 7’x3′
1830×1220 6’x4′
1830×920 6’x3′
Block boards are not considered suitable for exterior applications because the glues used are primarily interior glues. When making use of blockboard to make furniture such as doors or tables, it is of great importance to ensure that the core runs lengthwise in order to achieve maximum strength. Block board is an ideal building material for making shelves, doors, panels, and partitions.
There are generally two main grades of blockboard available
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MR grade (moisture resistant) and
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BWP or BWR grade (boiling water proof or boiling water resistant)
1.MR grade:
MR grade block boards find their applications mainly in internal areas including door core, partition, panels and ceiling etc. Some very special moisture-resistant glues are used in its manufacturing process. These boards are also known as interior grade block boards.
2. BWP or BWR grade:
BWP grade block boards are designed using resins that have a high level of resistance to boiling water. These boards are widely used for their application in prefabricated houses, railway cars, bus and kitchen bodies, etc. Here, they are likely to be exposed to high levels of humidity, making them ideal for outside use. BWP grade block boards are also known as exterior grade block boards.
There are companies that make waterproof panels in india in addition to the above variants, making them available through its strong dealer presence across the country.
Advantages of Block Boards-
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Much lighter in weight compared to plywood.
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Easily transported to final location
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Cheaper than plywood, which lowers the cost of interiors.
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More rigid and resistant to bending in the middle.
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Mainly used to make long pieces (i.e. > 5 feet) of furniture
either the use of block board for cabinetsIt is highly recommended that they be used for furniture manufacturing where display thickness is required according to custom design requirements.
