Particle board is composed of wood particles combined with resins and adhesives.

It can contain one layer or several layers. It utilizes wood particles and byproducts that would otherwise be discarded as waste. Yet, the resins and adhesives used in particle board often contain formaldehyde, a volatile organic compound (VOC) that can contribute to indoor air pollution and health concerns. This chemicals make particle boards non-biodegradable and difficult to recycle.

Particle boards are very similar to MDF. They mainly differ in the size and types of wood fibers: MDF comprises smaller wood particles in the uniformed size. Also, particle board has coarse surface compared to MDF. Particleboard is lighter when compared to MDF in the same size. All in all, MDF is a bit more durable.

More sustainable alternatives are: Wheatboard, Breathaboard, cork