"Ugh- its PARTICLE BOARD!"
Like a creature from the deep, this mythical particle board was the Boogey Man to my Jonathan Adler. Other children abhorred broccoli and dentists visits ( both of which, coincidentally, I enjoyed)- I hated particle board.
Funny thing is, except for the knowledge that "Particle Board is BAD"- I really didn't know what it was. So for you- dear reader, I researched. And here is what I found ( courtesy of Wikipedia):
Particle board, or particleboard, (or chipboard in the UK, Australia and some other countries) is an engineered wood product manufactured from wood particles, such as wood chips, sawmill shavings, or even saw dust, and a synthetic resin or other suitable binder, which is pressed and extruded. Particleboard is a composite material. Particleboard is cheaper, denser and more uniform than conventional wood and plywood and is substituted for them when appearance and strength are less important than cost. However, particleboard can be made more attractive by painting or the use of wood veneers that are glued onto surfaces that will be visible. A major disadvantage of particleboard is that it is very prone to expansion and discoloration due to moisture, particularly when it is not covered with paint or another sealer.
So, you see, dear reader, particle board isn't all bad. Its cheaper and sometimes more resilient than solid wood. But buyer beware! That perfect piece you find in Pottery Barn, or West Elm, and definitely Ikea could be particle board. While cost effective and strong, particle board isn't built to last. So if you are just starting out, furnishing your first place, particle board furniture can be an attractive and cost effective way to go. But if you are looking for longer term, major pieces, you definitely want to consider going for solid wood for its durability and long term value.
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