Why is hardboard cheap?

Hardboard is inexpensive primarily due to its manufacturing process, which involves compressing wood fibers under high heat and pressure, utilizing waste materials from other wood products. This efficient use of resources reduces production costs. Additionally, hardboard is less labor-intensive to produce compared to solid wood or other engineered wood products, further lowering its price. Its affordability makes it a popular choice for a variety of applications, despite being less durable than higher-end materials.