# Particleboard: Building Code Definition

> How the IBC 2009 define particleboard, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.

- Canonical: https://harth.build/resources/glossary/particleboard/
- Last updated: 2026-09-07
- Data source: Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

## Key facts

| Fact | Value |
| --- | --- |
| Defined in | IBC 2009 (2009 editions transcribed in this corpus) |
| Primary source | IBC 2009 Wood (model text, not a jurisdiction's adopted text) |
| Chapters using the term | 9 (counted across the codes hosted here) |
| Wording identical across codes | Single code (compare before citing one code's wording under another) |

## Direct answer

Particleboard is a defined term in the International Building Code (IBC) 2009, in Wood. The code's own words are: “A generic term for a panel primarily composed of cellulosic materials (usually wood), generally in the form of discrete pieces or particles, as distinguished from fibers. The cellulosic material is combined with synthetic resin or other suitable bonding system by a process in which the interparticle bond is created by the bonding system under heat …” No other I-Code in this corpus defines it, so the IBC 2009 definition is the one to work from. The term is used in 9 chapters of this corpus, most often in Wood (IBC 2009), Building Planning (IRC 2009), Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 2009). These pages transcribe the 2009 model text; verify the definition against the edition and amendments your authority having jurisdiction has adopted.

*Content and cited inputs reviewed by [Scott Barrington](https://nz.linkedin.com/in/barrington), Harth founder and architectural technology specialist · Published 2026-09-07 · Updated 2026-09-07.*

## What does this term mean?

**Particleboard** — IBC 2009, Wood:

> A generic term for a panel primarily composed of cellulosic materials (usually wood), generally in the form of discrete pieces or particles, as distinguished from fibers. The cellulosic material is combined with synthetic resin or other suitable bonding system by a process in which the interparticle bond is created by the bonding system under heat and pressure.

![Labeled code-term definition diagram: Particleboard: Building Code Definition](https://efwwel0vyt9vy5so.public.blob.vercel-storage.com/images/glossary/particleboard/diagram-1344.webp)

*How the IBC 2009 define particleboard, where the wording differs, and which chapters depend on the term.*

## What must be verified before using this guidance?

**Particleboard** is defined once in this corpus, in the [Wood](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/wood.md) chapter of the International Building Code (IBC) 2009:

> A generic term for a panel primarily composed of cellulosic materials (usually wood), generally in the form of discrete pieces or particles, as distinguished from fibers. The cellulosic material is combined with synthetic resin or other suitable bonding system by a process in which the interparticle bond is created by the bonding system under heat and pressure.

## Where particleboard is used in the code

The term appears in 9 chapters of the 2009 I-Codes hosted here. The chapters that lean on it hardest are the ones to read next.

| Chapter | Code | Mentions |
| --- | --- | --- |
| [Wood](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/wood.md) | IBC 2009 | 37 |
| [Building Planning](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/building-planning.md) | IRC 2009 | 12 |
| [Fire and Smoke Protection Features](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/fire-and-smoke-protection-features.md) | IBC 2009 | 8 |
| [Floors](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/floors.md) | IRC 2009 | 7 |
| [Wall Construction](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/wall-construction.md) | IRC 2009 | 5 |
| [Types of Construction](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/types-of-construction.md) | IBC 2009 | 4 |
| [Plastic](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/plastic.md) | IBC 2009 | 3 |
| [Definitions](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/definitions.md) | IBC 2009 | 1 |
| [Exterior Walls](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/exterior-walls.md) | IBC 2009 | 1 |

### The term in use

How the code actually writes about particleboard, quoted from the 2009 text hosted here:

> Particleboard shall be identified by the grade mark or certificate of inspection issued by an approved agency.

— [IBC 2009 §2303.1.7](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/wood.md)

> Draftstopping materials shall not be less than1/z-inch (12.7 mm) gypsum board, 3/s-inch (9.5 mm) wood structural panel, 3/s-inch (9.5 mm) particleboard, I-inch (2S-mm) nominal lumber, cement fiberboard, batts or blankets of mineral wool or glass fiber, or other approved materials adequately supported.

— [IBC 2009 §717.3.1](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/ibc-2009/fire-and-smoke-protection-features.md)

> Particleboard shall conform to ANSI A208.1 and shall be so identified by a grade mark or certificate of inspection issued by an approved agency.

— [IRC 2009 §R503.3.1](https://harth.build/resources/building-codes/us-states/maryland/irc-2009/floors.md)


## The terms particleboard is built out of

The definition above leans on 1 other defined term. Each carries its own code definition, and a local amendment to any of them changes what particleboard covers:

- **[System](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/system.md)** — IFC 2009: An assembly of equipment consisting of a tank, container or containers, appurtenances, pumps, compressors and connecting piping.

## Particleboard: what to open, and in what order

Every row is a document this term depends on. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) cover the middle rows.

| Check | Where | Confirmed |
| --- | --- | --- |
| Read the definition in the adopted IBC | Wood | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Wood (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Building Planning (IRC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Fire and Smoke Protection Features (IBC 2009) | |
| Re-check the requirement that uses it | Floors (IRC 2009) | |
| Confirm the dependent definition | System | |
| Local amendment to any of the above | Jurisdiction's amendment list | |

**A research aid, not a code determination.** The authority having jurisdiction decides which edition and which amendments apply.

## Where can you explore related guidance?

- [Explore all glossary guidance](https://harth.build/resources/glossary.md)
- [System: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/system.md)
- [Wood Structural Panel: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/wood-structural-panel.md)
- [Treated Wood: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/treated-wood.md)
- [Shear Wall: Building Code Definition](https://harth.build/resources/glossary/shear-wall.md)

## Sources and method

Definitions quoted from the 2009 International Codes as transcribed in this site's building-codes collection, with the source chapter linked for each quotation. Usage counts are computed over the chapters hosted here, one copy per code. The [ICC code library](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes) publishes the current model text and the [ICC adoption maps](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/) show which edition a jurisdiction has adopted; those sources control.

### Source links

- [codes.iccsafe.org](https://codes.iccsafe.org/codes)

- [iccsafe.org](https://www.iccsafe.org/advocacy/code-adoption-maps/)

## Frequently asked questions

### What is the code definition of particleboard?

The International Building Code (IBC) 2009 defines it in Wood as: “A generic term for a panel primarily composed of cellulosic materials (usually wood), generally in the form of discrete pieces or particles, as distinguished from fibers. The cellulosic material is combined with synthetic resin or other suitable bonding system by a process in which the interparticle bond is created by the bonding system under heat and pressure.” The 2009 model text is reproduced here; the definition that binds your project is the one in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted, as amended locally.

### Which parts of the code depend on particleboard?

In this corpus the term is used across 9 chapters, led by Wood in the IBC 2009. Those are the sections whose scope moves if the definition is amended locally, so read them together with Chapter 2 rather than on their own.

### What is a particleboard?

In the 2009 I-Codes hosted here it is a defined term rather than a description. The IBC 2009 states, in Wood: “A generic term for a panel primarily composed of cellulosic materials (usually wood), generally in the form of discrete pieces or particles, as distinguished from fibers. The cellulosic material is combined with synthetic resin or other suitable bonding system by a process in which the interparticle bond is created by the bonding system under heat …” It is defined in IBC 2009. Because it is a defined term, whatever the adopted edition says it means is what every section using it means — so check Chapter 2 of that edition and any local amendment before relying on this wording.

### What does IBC mean in building codes?

Building is a separate defined term. The IBC 2009 defines it as: “Any structure used or intended for supporting or sheltering any use or occupancy.” That is not the same as particleboard, which the IBC 2009 defines as “A generic term for a panel primarily composed of cellulosic materials (usually wood), generally in the form of discrete pieces or particles, as distinguished from fibers. The cellulosic material is combined with synthetic resin or other suitable bonding system by …” — read both before applying either, and confirm the wording in the edition your jurisdiction has adopted.

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