A brand name, no longer manufactured, for hardboard (or HDF--High Density Fiberboard) most often used as finish stage flooring and platform riser facings. Available in many thicknesses, and 1/8" and 1/4" are common in theatre construction, and either Un-tempered, or Tempered, on both or one side. The latter is probably the most common, and is easily identified by the crosshatch 'window screen' texture on the back resulting from the tempering rollers.
Generic "hardboard" (aka 'meso') has virtually no strength or rigidity, but is inexpensive, takes paint well, and provides a nice uniform surface for acting or dancing. It will swell-up and flake apart if it gets wet. Generic "hardboard" is a soft material technically known as ANSI Class 0 Hardboard. This is all they stock at most lumber stores. If you want a tougher product you usually have to special order it. Hardboard is available in 5 ANSI Classes (0-4), and it is the ANSI Class 3 and 4 products that are typically more appropriate for use as stage floors.
The Masonite company now specializes solely in doors made from composite materials.
One, albeit very expensive, replacement/improvement is Stagelam. Other materials include Medite II, Medite FR (fire resistant), and Plyron.
A replacement for Masonite as a stage surface, Duron and Duron WR, have also been discontinued.
Also see this post: http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/f...tml#post142673.
Generic "hardboard" (aka 'meso') has virtually no strength or rigidity, but is inexpensive, takes paint well, and provides a nice uniform surface for acting or dancing. It will swell-up and flake apart if it gets wet. Generic "hardboard" is a soft material technically known as ANSI Class 0 Hardboard. This is all they stock at most lumber stores. If you want a tougher product you usually have to special order it. Hardboard is available in 5 ANSI Classes (0-4), and it is the ANSI Class 3 and 4 products that are typically more appropriate for use as stage floors.
The Masonite company now specializes solely in doors made from composite materials.
One, albeit very expensive, replacement/improvement is Stagelam. Other materials include Medite II, Medite FR (fire resistant), and Plyron.
A replacement for Masonite as a stage surface, Duron and Duron WR, have also been discontinued.
Also see this post: http://www.controlbooth.com/forums/f...tml#post142673.
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