Which material is typically used as backs of cupboards and drawer bottoms?

Hardboard is commonly utilized for the backs of cupboards and drawer bottoms because it is a dense, engineered wood product that provides strength and stability. Its smooth surface allows for a clean finish and easy painting or veneering, making it aesthetically pleasing when used in furniture. Hardboard is relatively inexpensive, lightweight, and has good resistance to bending, which makes it suitable for these applications where structural integrity is important but where the material does not need to bear significant weight.

In contrast, other materials like particle board and chipboard are used for different applications, often in the creation of the main structure of furniture, but they lack the same durability and moisture resistance that hardboard offers in these specific uses. Fiberglass, while strong and lightweight, is not typically utilized for interior furniture components like cupboard backs or drawer bottoms due to its cost and the specialized manufacturing processes required.