Particleboard is very common. It is also called chipboard or flakeboard. It is made up of small pieces of wood. The wood bonds together; it makes a very hard material.

Particleboard comes in different sizes. Some pieces are as small as 3/8 inch wide, while some boards are as long as 12 feet.

The board may or may not have a plastic covering. If it does, the cover is referred to as a laminate; it makes the board stronger. The plastic also costs less than half the price of normal plywood. It is just right for some projects. One of these is kitchen counters; it does not twist or warp if it gets wet.