What is Chipboard? 4 Important Facts

Anyone in a business that utilizes different stocks of paper knows that the types, colors, and weights of paper are seemingly endless. There really is paper for just about everything.

Chipboard is one paper stock that is widely misunderstood. Paper converting experts receive a lot of questions about its use and application. People often reach out wanting to order chipboard for a particular project, before really understanding this type of paper or how to best use it.

So, what is chipboard? Essentially, it’s a thick paper that is usually made from 100 percent recycled fiber. Unlike many other paper stocks that are categorized on a weight basis, chipboard is unique in that it’s categorized on its thickness. In fact, thanks to its durability, chipboard is often used to make sticks of dynamite!

Chipboard is a very versatile paper stock that can be converted for a variety of uses, from industrial and commercial to crafting and hobbies. Here are four important facts about chipboard:

1. It isn’t the same as cardboard. While chipboard is very similar to cardboard, it is not corrugated like cardboard. Therefore, it’s not hollow internally like cardboard is.  
2. There are many different densities. Chipboard ranges widely in thickness. The backside of a legal pad of paper is one common example of lower-density chipboard, while hardback book covers are an example of a thicker density. Floor board, which is used to protect floor surfaces from paint, mud, water, driven machinery, foot traffic, blunt force impacts and more, is an example of one of the highest-density types of this paper stock. It can be used to protect a variety of surfaces and thus is extremely useful around all types of job sites.
3. It’s used to make floors, furniture, and countertops. In addition to acting as floorboard for protection, chipboard can also be used to make permanent surfaces, including flooring, countertops, and furniture. The thickest forms of chipboard are made by bonding small pieces of wood — rather than paper — together, and are therefore extremely durable. Chipboard provides an affordable alternative to wood and concrete. In the construction of furniture, it can be covered with veneer or laminate, and it’s much less expensive than solid wood.
4. It’s a great crafting and scrapbooking tool. There is no end to the way chipboard can be used for creative projects and crafting. In scrapbooking, it can be used to create thickness and texture on pages, or to create cut-outs including letters and shapes. It can also be used on its own to make picture frames or other decorations. Because it is more sturdy than construction paper and more dense than cardboard, it can also be painted on or covered with paper or fabric. There are endless ways chipboard can help you bring your projects to life.

Interested in learning more about whether or not chipboard is the best paper stock for your project? Oren International has chipboard experts in house to help you find the exact product that is best suited for your needs. Contact us today.