If you are redoing the ceilings in your home, you might be wondering, can you use hardboard for ceiling? Getting the right material for your ceilings is critical because the wrong material will sag and could even be dangerous – so let’s find out more about this!
You can use hardboard for your ceilings, and a lot of people do this because it is fairly easy to install, and it’s reasonably cheap. It is also better than plywood because it often has a finished surface already in place, so you don’t need to sand and paint it. However, plywood is stronger than hardboard, and hardboard is not waterproof.
In this article, we will explore the benefits and drawbacks of using hardboard for your home’s ceilings. This will help you to decide whether it is right for your needs!
Should You Use Hardboard To Make A Ceiling?
Hardboard is a great material for ceilings in some ways, because it is relatively lightweight, doesn’t cost a fortune, and it’s generally rigid enough to be used overhead. Products that you use for the ceiling need to be able to support their own weight without sagging, and hardboard will do so – making it ideal for this purpose.
There are many advantages to using hardboard in this way, including:
- It is affordable: it is a lot cheaper than many other materials that might be used to create ceilings, including things like plywood. For many homeowners, this makes it a preferable choice because it is pretty budget-friendly, and it is probably one of the cheapest things you can use.
- It is durable: hardboard might be thin, but it is surprisingly strong and durable, and it will hold its own weight pretty well, especially if you attach it firmly to the supports. Badly attached hardboard may sag.
- It can look great: hardboard comes in many different styles, so you can select one that will suit the space well. Because the ceiling is above head height, few people will look closely, so you don’t need a perfect product in order to achieve a nice overall aesthetic.
- It’s insect-resistant: although hardboard is made of wood, it is not particularly attractive to the insects that usually attack wooden ceilings, which may make it an ideal option for you.
- It is reasonably environmentally friendly: hardboard is made from leftover wood, rather than from virgin materials, meaning that it is a great way of using up waste products and turning them into something useful. A real wooden ceiling might look nice, but it’s going to be very expensive and it’s not good for the planet, because it contributes to deforestation.
- It’s relatively easy to install: no ceiling is easy, but hardboard is sold in thin sheets that are fairly simple to maneuver into place. They are also reasonably lightweight, meaning that you may be able to install them without help, although you should be careful if you do this.
As you can see, hardboard has a lot of advantages, but there are some drawbacks that you need to be aware of too – so let’s explore these next.
What Are The Drawbacks Of Using Hardboard?
No product is perfect, and hardboard has some disadvantages too, including:
- It’s not likely to last brilliantly well: although it’s a relatively rigid material, there is a risk that it will sag over time. This may mean that you need to redo the ceiling much sooner than if you used more expensive but durable materials.
- It’s not as strong as plywood: strength may not matter much in ceilings, but you should still bear it in mind as a potential issue if you are trying to weigh up the two materials.
- It is not waterproof, so you should be careful about where you install it. Using hardboard in a humid kitchen or bathroom could quickly lead to warping and swelling, so this limits its usefulness in some situations. That said, there are treatments that can improve its ability to withstand water damage.
- It isn’t the prettiest option: although you can choose hardboard with a nice finish, plain hardboard will require decorating, and this can be a challenge because of the rough surface. You may find that you spend a long time on the finishing work.
As you can see, hardboard has some drawbacks too, so you should weigh up whether it is the right material before you buy it. Assess your other options and the price differences between the materials, and go from there. Remember too that you may need to replace a hardboard ceiling more quickly, which makes its low cost less attractive.
FAQs
Q: What material should I use for my ceiling?
A: Most people use drywall for their ceilings because it lasts well, can reduce noise, and helps to slow the spread of fires. If you are able to use drywall, this is probably a better option than either hardboard or plywood in most cases.
Q: Can you use hardboard for walls?
A: You can use hardboard for walls, but it is not a particularly durable material and you should weigh up other building options before you settle on it. Remember that it is not suitable anywhere that moisture is likely to be an issue, because it will absorb the water and swell up.
Q: Can plywood be used for ceilings?
A: Yes, plywood can be used for ceilings, and some people find it much easier to work with than hardboard. It may also look better and prove easier to decorate. However, you should bear in mind that it will be more expensive, because it is made of sheets of wood, rather than little particles.
Conclusion
Hardboard is used for ceilings in many different places, and it should work well in most cases. It is cheap, lightweight, easy to work with, and can be purchased with a decorative finish. However, you should be aware that it is probably not going to create a very long lasting ceiling, because it is a fairly low quality product overall.
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