Industrial Plastic Shapes has recently introduced Constructaboard to the cabinetry and joinery market, mainly in the kitchen and bathroom industries.

Constructaboard is a lightweight polymer sheet that has a foam core structure and an extremely hard surface. IPS developed Constructaboard by consulting closely with both clients and the manufacturer to produce a board that delivers many benefits that traditional materials may be unable to replicate.

Constructaboard has excellent thermal and sound insulation properties, it will not absorb moisture or rot, it is fire retardant, non-toxic and resists insect infestation. It is a lightweight product compared to many other board products, but has very good impact and flexural strength and can be painted and edge banded.

IPS' customer base indicated surface hardness was crucial; Constructaboard was developed with a surface hardness that is superior to similar products in the market place. This extra hard surface will minimise the risk of damage to the product while also strongly enhancing the material’s screw-holding properties. Constructaboard can be both nailed and screw-fixed, or can use other assembly techniques involving the use of adhesives, cam-locks and clamping.

Given the moisture-resistant properties of Constructaboard, IPS mainly supplies the material into the manufacture of water-resistant kitchens and vanities, but the potential applications are unlimited. Another more recent application is in the production of engineered stone and ceramic kitchen benchtops, where the bench-top material is laminated onto the Constructaboard with the use of a specially formulated adhesive again developed in conjunction with the glue manufacturer and the clients. In this application, thicker gauges such as 19mm and 25mm are required. The end result is a completely waterproof bench top.

Overall, Constructaboard is an extremely versatile building product, particularly where moisture-resistance, lightweight and fire retardance are important. IPS carries the material in 2440 x 1220mm sheets in 10mm, 12mm, 16mm, 19mm and 25mm thickness. Current stock is in white only, however colours can be available for significant volumes. The material can also be painted to achieve any desired colour.