How to Repair Damaged Particle Board

Particle board is a low-density form of fiberboard that is constructed from scraps of wood, sawdust, paper products and then a binder is added. This mixture is then pressed into a form and particle board is the finished result. Years ago, particle board was flimsy and it broke easily. With new manufacturing techniques and added products particle board is now much stronger. Particle board is used as a wall covering, floor or as furniture. Despite particle board being stronger it can still chip or break. There is no reason to replace the particle board as it can be fixed with simple materials and a little time and this article will show you how.

Step 1 - Assess the Damage

The type of damage done to the particle board will determine the correct route to repairing it. If there is any piece of particle board still attached due to the veneer then do not remove it. Leaving the piece hanging will allow you to fit it in place easier than if it is apart. If there is a full piece missing then hold the largest piece up to the spot where it broke off from. Do your best to fit it in place. Gather up any surrounding chunks of particle board but discard anything that is too small.

Step 2 - Affix the Broken Piece

If the piece is still attached to the particle board then fit it in place to determine how well it fits. Fill the glue injector with the wood glue and apply glue to the particle board where the piece broke from as well as the piece that broke off. Wait several minutes for the wood glue to get tacky and press the pieces in place. Use tape to secure heavier pieces in place. This is especially important when trying to fix a desk or other type of furniture but not to fix floors and walls. Force the pieces together so they get the best fit as well as to help the glue set quickly.

Step 3 - Secure the Piece

Wood glue takes a long time to set and whatever the label says is the drying time always double it. You can never control the humidity or moisture in the particle board which can greatly affect the drying time of the wood glue. You will want to wrap the particle board and the broken piece with plastic wrap. This has to be done because the wood glue will not attach to the plastic wrap. Place the wooden block you have on top of the plastic wrap. Center the wooden block over the piece that broke and the main particle board it broke from and then clamp them together. This will keep the 2 pieces together long enough for the wood glue to cure and dry. If you are repairing a floor piece then place a piece of plastic wrap over the floor and brace a heavy block on top of the area.