Plywood vs Hardboard: Which is Best?

Plywood and hardboard are two different types of wood products. Both are used for commercial and residential construction. Plywood is often used over hardboard because it is stronger, more water-resistant, and is widely available in most hardware stores.

Plywood can be used for any internal or external DIY project, including cabinet building, subfloors, wall panels, roof sheathing, and more. It finishes nicely (with paint, varnish, stain, or lacquer) and has a naturally smooth surface.

Hardboard is constructed differently and cannot be used outside. It is also difficult to use for the building of some cabinets, wardrobes, and cupboards, as the finish is only nice on one side. However, it has a high impact resistance, making it great for heavy-duty projects.

Keep reading to learn about plywood vs hardboard, including advantages, disadvantages, common uses, and which is best for different projects. 

What is Hardboard Plywood?

Hardboard (also known as HDF or high-density fibreboard) is a type of hardwood. 

Unlike plywood, which is made from thin wood veneers glued together, hardboard is made from exploded wood fibers compressed together using glue and heat. It has similar properties to MDF (medium density fibreboard), but with a higher density, harder surface, and stronger resistance to stress.

Tempered hardboard can be used externally without prior treatment because the glue used (to compress the exploded wood fibers together) is fully waterproof. 

The exterior is also coated with linseed oil and then baked, which promotes better water resistance. Untreated hardboard swells when used externally and therefore should not be used outside. 

Similarly to plywood, you can make hardboard waterproof using epoxy, waterproof sheeting, or paint. 

Is Hardboard and Plywood the Same?

No, hardboard (HDF) is not the same as plywood. Its construction, weight, strength, and stress resistance is different to plywood. 

HDF is like an upgraded version of MDF (medium density fibreboard). It offers better resistance to impact than both MDF and plywood for its weight. Despite its strength, plywood has more advantages for certain projects than hardboard and vice versa. 

The appearance of hardboard vs plywood is also different. Unlike plywood, which has a smooth wooden surface all the way around, hardboard has a smooth and glossy face and a textured wire mesh back. Additionally, it has a high density, which makes it stronger than most types of plywood. 

Hardboard is extremely thin compared to other plywood and fibreboards that can withstand the same weight. For example, a ¼ sheet of hardboard can withstand the same weight as a plywood sheet with a 1 ½ inch thickness.

What is Hardboard Used For?

Because of its high density and thin make-up, hardboard is mostly used for heavy-duty residential and commercial construction projects. 

Its common uses include cabinets, wall panels, sheeting, shelving, and furniture for corporate spaces, like hotel receptions, office spaces, and theatre seating areas. 

Tempered hardboard can be used externally, but, when untreated, hardboard should not be used externally for sheathing, shed building, or outdoor flooring. Most laminate flooring is also constructed using hardboard or HDF. 

Which is Better Plywood or Hardboard?

Both plywood and hardboard have their advantages and disadvantages. 

In terms of strength, hardboard is stronger than plywood for its density, thickness, and weight. Thinner sheets of hardboard can withstand more stress without bending than plywood. Hardboard is also coated with a resin-like wax product, which makes its surface harder, glossier, and inflexible.

When it comes to water resistance, most types of plywood are more waterproof than hardboard. Marine grade plywood is the most waterproof type of wood to use for external construction projects, like roof sheathing and shed building. 

HDF can be made waterproof when treated, but, if the boards are not sealed properly, particularly around cut edges, they will swell and lose their dexterity. 

Hardboard is generally more expensive than plywood because it has a higher density and is therefore considered better quality. It’s also less widely available in hardware stores compared to plywood. 

However, plywood costs vary depending on the type, grade, weight, and thickness. HDF usually costs around $15 per board, whereas plywood can cost between $12-$55 per standard sheet, and up to $120 for higher grade/thicker boards.

Is Hardboard Better Than MDF?

Hardboard (also known as high density fibreboard or HDF) is made using the same process as MDF (medium density fibreboard). 

However, hardboard is better than MDF in terms of strength, durability, and dexterity. Both wood products are not waterproof, but offer some level of water resistance. 

Because it’s not as strong or hardy, MDF is cheaper than HDF. The average MDF sheet costs around $10, whereas HDF costs around $15 per board.

Despite it being stronger, hardboard is a hard material and offers no flexibility. This can make its response to direct impact (like something heavy falling on the surface) worse than MDF, which has some flex. Its dexterity makes it a good material for surfaces with even pressure. 

Flexible MDF is better for the construction of curved surfaces (like doors, bars, wall panels, and reception desks) and flooring that experiences direct impact frequently. Flexible hardboard is not available. 

What is Stronger Than Hardboard?

Hardboard is the strongest type of engineered wood designed for construction projects. It has a high density and can withstand weights of up to 65 lbs per square foot, whereas the average plywood sheet holds between 5-50lbs per square foot. 

Few materials are considered stronger than hardboard, however, it depends on the use of the material. 

HDF has no flexibility, so it only responds well to even pressure rather than direct impact. Plywood and MDF have a high degree of flexibility, which make them better suited for subfloors, sheathing, and cabinets. 

Despite its high density, some types of plywood are stronger than hardboard and perform better for the construction of external outbuildings, like sheds. 

For example, Marine Grade plywood is stronger and better for heavy-duty construction compared with HDF. 

What are the Advantages of Hardboard?

• Is a strong material (stronger than MDF)
• Has a hard, glossy surface
• Is long-lasting, with a lifespan of up to 50 years
• Can be painted or varnished

What are the Disadvantages of Hardboard?

• Is not fully waterproof (unless treated with epoxy)
• Is only finished on one side (the back has a rough, wire mesh surface)
• Does not handle brute force or direct impact well
• Does not respond well to staining
• Only comes in limited sizes
• Swells when wet
• Is inflexible

What are the Advantages of Plywood?

• Is widely available in hardware stores
• Is easy to cut using a circular saw or table saw
• Responds well to painting, staining, varnishing, and lacquering
• Has a nice finish on all surfaces (front and back)
• Is durable, with a lifespan of up to 35 years
• Marine Grade plywood is fully waterproof and can be used externally
• Comes in different types, grades, materials, weights, and thicknesses

What are the Disadvantages of Plywood?

• Can be difficult to nail into
• Can chip when screwed into
• Cut edges need to be resealed to achieve a nice finish and prevent warping (from moisture entering the core veneer layers)
• Is heavier than hardboard

Hardboard vs Plywood: A Summary

Name/Question	Hardboard	Plywood
What is It?	Made from exploded wood fibers compressed together using glue and heat	Made from thin wood veneers glued together
How Strong is It?	Can withstand weights of up to 65 lbs per square foot, depending on the board size	Can hold between 5-50 lbs per square foot, and up to 170 lbs with thicker/larger sheets
How Heavy is It?	Lightweight material	Variable, can be lightweight or heavyweight depending on thickness
How Much Does It Cost?	Around $15 per standard board	Between $12-$55 per standard sheet, and up to $120 for higher grade/thicker boards
Is It Flexible?	No	Yes
Is it Water-Resistant?	Yes – but not waterproof and must be treated	Yes – when treated or if using Marine Grade plywood
How Long Does It Last?	Up to 50 years, depending on treatment, environment, and use	Up to 35 years, depending on treatment, environment, and use
Advantages	StrongLong-lastingHas a hard, glossy surfaceCan be painted or varnished	StrongDurableFlexibleHandles even pressureHas a nice finish on all sidesCan be painted, stained, varnished, or lacqueredWaterproof (Marine Grade or when coated with epoxy only)Available in various types, sizes, weights, and thicknesses
Disadvantages	Swells when wetInflexibleDoesn’t handle direct impact wellOnly has a nice finish on one sideDoesn’t respond well to stainingOnly available in limited types and sizes	Responds better to screws vs nailsCan be heavy, especially as thickness increasesCut edges need refinishing or sealing to prevent warping and an untidy finish