Essex Board. A highly compacted board which can be used as a substitute for Plywood/Hardboard in making Pelmets

Although not widely known, Essex Board has been in use in large workrooms for many years:

• Essex Board is a highly compacted board made from many strips of paper layered to produce a lightweight alternative to MDF with a smooth surface unlike plywood
• Lighter than ply or hardboard and easier to handle it provides less weight to hang from the pelmet board
• Can be scored with a sharp blade, allowing for bending for hinged returns/shaping around bay windows. Can be used in circular bays where it will not split in the bend
• Can be easily cut with a jigsaw or Stanley knife, leaving a smooth cutting edge unlike plywood which tends to splinter. Consequently does not require the cut edge to be cleaned with sandpaper, and does not leave a pile of sawdust
• The cut edge is softer than a plywood edge and is easier to stitch against, using a bowed upholsterer’s needle
• Essex Board can also be stapled into using the appropriate 4mm length staple
• Essex Board will not bow in humid conditions.
• Sourced in the UK

Separate units of the pelmet can be hinged together with a strip of lining soaked in Copydex, or alternatively a heavy duty wide tape. It can also be jointed in the same manner to manufacture pelmets longer than the length in which the board is supplied. Generally it is then padded out with interlining or wadding to form a soft face of the pelmet, whilst also covering the hinges.

To view the Essex Board section in our online catalogue click here