Corrugated Cardboard (Engineered Wood Fiber)
Pinus spp. / Picea spp. / Betula spp. (constituent pulp) • Engineered
Grain Pattern
Non-directional fiber mesh with visible horizontal structural fluting underneath a flat-sawn appearance linerboard
Color Description
Natural kraft brown; heartwood/sapwood distinction is absent due to the pulping process. Features a matte luster and tends to fade/yellow with UV exposure.
Hardness Rating
N/A (Very Soft); Material is a paper-based product composed of wood pulp fibers
Durability Rating
Non-durable; extremely susceptible to moisture, humidity, rot, and insect damage
Common Uses
Packaging, shipping containers, temporary structural modeling, and insulation components
Geographic Origin
Global production; predominantly sourced from softwoods in North America, Europe, and Russia
Market Value & Sustainability
Estimated Market Value
Negligible; approximately $0.05 to $0.15 per square foot depending on wall thickness (single vs. double wall)
Wood Age Estimate
Contemporary; likely manufactured within the last 1-3 years based on minimal oxidation and modern linerboard texture
Sustainability Status
Highly sustainable; widely recyclable, frequently made from FSC-certified recycled content
Workability
Easily cut with utility knives or shears; glues exceptionally well with PVA or hot melt; poor screw-holding capability
Notable Features
Features a sandwich construction with a fluted medium between two linerboards for high strength-to-weight ratio; highly combustible
Finish Recommendations
Generally not finished; however, can accept acrylic paints, wax coatings for light moisture resistance, or spray adhesives
Identification Confidence
High; the visible linear ridges (fluting telegraphing) and the characteristic kraft-brown fibrous texture are definitive for corrugated cardboard