Particleboard cut list optimizer
Particleboard (chipboard) is an inexpensive panel made from wood chips and resin. It is used for shelving, countertop substrates and cabinet boxes that will be covered with laminate or veneer.
Parts
| Label | Length in | Width in | Qty | Grain | Remove |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Stock sheets
| Name | Length in | Width in | Qty | Grain | Price | Remove |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
1 sheet, 19% waste, 9 of 9 parts placed.
You need: 1 × 3/4 in Particleboard (96″ × 48″)
Cut sequence (12 cuts)
- Rip 30″ from the 96″ × 48″ piece
- Crosscut 29″ from the 96″ × 30″ piece
- Crosscut 12″ from the 66 7/8″ × 30″ piece
- Crosscut 11 1/4″ from the 54 3/4″ × 30″ piece
- Crosscut 11 1/4″ from the 43 3/8″ × 30″ piece
- Rip 29 3/4″ from the 32″ × 30″ piece
- Crosscut 14 7/8″ from the 32″ × 29 3/4″ piece
- Crosscut 14 7/8″ from the 17″ × 29 3/4″ piece
- Rip 11″ from the 96″ × 17 7/8″ piece
- Crosscut 28 1/2″ from the 96″ × 11″ piece
- Crosscut 28 1/2″ from the 67 3/8″ × 11″ piece
- Crosscut 28 1/2″ from the 38 3/4″ × 11″ piece
Every cut goes straight through the piece. Distances are measured from the top or left edge of the piece as drawn; the kerf is on the waste side of each line.
Reusable offcuts (2)
- 96″ × 6 3/4″
- 10 1/8″ × 11″
Particleboard thickness: nominal vs actual
| Sold as | Typical actual | Metric |
|---|---|---|
| 1/2 in | 0.5 in | 12 mm |
| 5/8 in | 0.625 in | 16 mm |
| 3/4 in | 0.75 in | 18 mm |
| 1 1/8 in | 1.125 in | 28 mm |
Thicknesses vary by mill and batch. Measure your own sheets with calipers before cutting dados, rabbets or setting joinery.
Particleboard has no grain, so parts can be rotated freely and yields are usually excellent. It is heavy for its strength — a 3/4-inch 4×8 sheet weighs roughly 80–90 lb — and holds screws poorly near edges, so plan joinery with confirmat screws, cam fittings or glued dowels.
Shelves sag under load: 3/4-inch particleboard shelves should span no more than about 24–30 inches. If your cut list has longer shelves, add a center support or switch to plywood.
Keep particleboard dry. Water makes it swell permanently, so seal cut edges in kitchens and bathrooms and keep panels off concrete floors while you store them.
Sheet weight
| Typical density | 38–45 lb/ft³ (609–721 kg/m³) |
|---|---|
| 3/4 in 4×8 sheet | 76–90 lb (34–41 kg) |
| Grain | No — parts rotate freely |
Cutting particleboard
Carbide-tipped blade with 40–60 teeth; particleboard is abrasive, so expect carbide to dull faster than with solid wood. Measure your blade's kerf and enter it in the optimizer — see saw kerf explained — and follow the cut sequence from how to break down a sheet of plywood.
FAQ
How much does a sheet of particleboard weigh?
A 3/4 in 4×8 sheet weighs roughly 76–90 lb (34–41 kg), based on a typical density of 38–45 lb/ft³. Check the supplier's data for your exact product.
Does particleboard have a grain direction?
No. Particleboard is uniform in every direction, so parts can be rotated freely — which usually improves yield.
What blade should I use to cut particleboard?
Carbide-tipped blade with 40–60 teeth; particleboard is abrasive, so expect carbide to dull faster than with solid wood.