On any given day, saw mills and other wood processing factories generate a significant amount of scrap material. Most of these wood shavings and piles of sawdust are sent to landfills or incinerated, but some of this material ends up as an engineered product called particle board. Particle board is an inexpensive alternative to solid wood paneling or boards. It is primarily intended for interior projects in which appearance and durability are not a priority.

If you were to examine a section of particle board, you would most likely notice a lack of grain. Particle board is produced by combining sawdust and other waste wood with a special resin. This slurry of wood chips and glue is then pressed through an extrusion machine to form long sheets of particle board. Customized saws cut these sheets into various sizes according to the needs of the customer. Manufacturers of inexpensive home furnishings such as shelving, entertainment centers and bookcases often use particle board for their do-it-yourself kits.

Although unfinished particle board bears little resemblance to traditional hardwoods, producers often add a thin veneer of real wood to improve its appearance. Particle board can also be painted or laminated. One of the things particle board cannot handle, however, is exposure to moisture. This is why few if any outdoor projects feature particle board.

Water causes particle board to stain and warp, which can seriously limit its use in home products. Particle board can be used as subflooring, but only if it fits snugly enough to form a moisture barrier. Once particle board become wet, it loses much of its tensile strength. A woman's high-heeled shoe could cause damage.

Particle board also has some positive aspects. Waste wood materials can be recycled to form a useful product, and consumers can purchase inexpensive alternatives to high-end cabinets and shelves. Depending on the manufacturer and the quality of the resin, particle board can be surprisingly durable. Particle board may not be able to withstand stress as well as hardwood products, but it performs well enough for light duty projects such as closet shelving or portable cabinetry.