What is Polystyrene Foam Board and How is it Used

Polystyrene foam board is a versatile and widely used material in various industries. It's a type of extruded polystyrene foam (XPS) that's lightweight and easy to shape.

This material is made from a mixture of polystyrene and air, which creates a rigid foam board. It's a popular choice for insulation due to its high thermal resistance and low weight.

Polystyrene foam board is often used in construction, packaging, and craft projects. Its unique properties make it suitable for a range of applications, from building insulation to crafting decorative items.

One of the key benefits of polystyrene foam board is its ability to be cut and shaped easily with a utility knife or saw. This makes it a convenient material for DIY projects and crafting.

Polystyrene foam board is a versatile material widely used in various industries.

Its excellent insulating properties make it a popular choice for contractors and architects.

This board is made from expanded polystyrene (EPS), which offers significant thermal resistance.

Polystyrene foam board is also eco-friendly, a plus for those looking for a more sustainable option.

It's lightweight, making it easy to manipulate and work with.

This board is highly functional, making it an ideal choice for a wide range of applications.

Polystyrene foam board is cost-effective, a bonus for those on a budget.

Polystyrene foam board is a lightweight material that's easy to handle and transport, making it a great choice for construction and design projects. Its lightweight nature can save time in these processes.

Polystyrene foam board provides excellent thermal insulation, helping to maintain temperature control and improve energy efficiency. This makes it an outstanding insulation product in homes and hot tub covers.

The material is also eco-friendly, with many manufacturers producing recyclable polystyrene foam boards, making it a sustainable choice. Some types of polystyrene foam are designed to resist moisture, preventing mold growth and enhancing durability in wet conditions.

Here are some common uses for polystyrene foam board:

Polystyrene foam board is a versatile material, and understanding its different types can help you choose the right one for your needs. There are four main types available in the market.

Standard Polystyrene Foam Board is the most commonly used type, ideal for insulation and general construction use. It's a great all-purpose option.

Graphite-Enhanced Polystyrene offers improved thermal performance, making it suitable for energy-efficient buildings. This type is perfect for those looking to reduce energy consumption.

High-Density Polystyrene Foam Board is known for its increased strength and insulation capabilities, making it perfect for applications that require robust support. It's a great choice for heavy-duty projects.

Water-Resistant Polystyrene Foam Board is designed to resist moisture, making it an excellent choice for outdoor settings or areas exposed to water. This type is perfect for projects that will be exposed to the elements.

Polystyrene foam board is a versatile material with a wide range of applications. It's a great choice for insulation, providing outstanding thermal insulation and improving energy efficiency.

Polystyrene foam board is also incredibly lightweight, making it easy to handle and transport, which can save time in construction or design processes.

Its unique closed-cell structure offers excellent resistance against moisture and water vapor, preventing mold growth and enhancing durability in wet conditions.

Polystyrene foam board is surprisingly strong, making it suitable for various uses, including construction, modeling, insulation, arts and crafts, and even cake interiors/dummies.

Here are some of the specific applications of polystyrene foam board:

Polystyrene foam board is also available in different thicknesses, ranging from 1" to 8", making it suitable for various projects and needs. The prices vary depending on the thickness and density, with sheets being more affordable than 4-packs.

Polystyrene foam board can be easily cut into any desired shape, making it ideal for custom projects and designs.

It's also worth noting that polystyrene foam board has a tolerance of ±1/8" on the thickness and ±3" for length and width, so it's essential to check the specifications before ordering.

Polystyrene foam board has several benefits, including its lightweight and easy-to-cut properties, making it a great option for crafting and DIY projects. It's also relatively inexpensive compared to other materials.

One of the biggest advantages of polystyrene foam board is its durability, with a lifespan of up to 10 years when properly maintained. This means it can withstand regular use and exposure to the elements.

It's also a good insulator, reducing heat transfer and keeping things cool or warm depending on the application. This makes it a popular choice for architectural models and displays.

However, it's not suitable for outdoor use in extreme weather conditions, as it can break down and become brittle. It's best used in indoor settings where it can be protected from the elements.

Polystyrene foam board is also a fire hazard, so it's not recommended for use in areas where open flames are present. This includes kitchens, fireplaces, and other areas where heat sources are common.

Polystyrene foam board has a multitude of specialized uses, particularly in the realm of crafting and art. It's incredibly versatile.

Its lightweight and rigid properties make it perfect for creating three-dimensional models and sculptures, allowing artists to add intricate details and textures with ease. This is especially useful for students and hobbyists working on projects that require precision and control.

Foam board is also a popular choice for display and presentation purposes, as it can be easily cut and shaped to fit any design or layout. Its smooth surface makes it ideal for mounting photographs, artwork, and other visual elements.

In the world of architecture and design, foam board is used to create scale models and prototypes of buildings and structures, allowing architects and engineers to visualize and test their ideas before committing to a full-scale design. This helps to save time and resources.

Its affordability and availability make it an attractive option for DIY projects and home decor, where a more rustic or textured look is desired.

STYROFOAM is a registered trademark of the DuPont, covering a range of extruded polystyrene building products used for insulation in construction.

Typical homes lose up to 35% of their heat through un-insulated walls, which is a significant amount considering nearly 25% of a home's wall is made up of studs that are not insulated.

Adding insulation to your home's exterior under new siding can help meet U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) insulation recommendations, as well as state and local codes.

ProBoard Goes Beyond Energy Savings by leveling the wall under new siding, providing a consistent and stable base for siding to be installed smooth and straight.

Termite infestation can be deterred with a built-in termite control agent in ProBoard, which is an added benefit of using this product.

The product is protected by a Lifetime Transferrable product warranty, one of the strongest in the industry, covering r-value retention, moisture absorption, and structural integrity.

Universal Foam Products is a supplier of EPS and extruded polystyrene products, so it's clear they have expertise in both.

The main question is, which one is right for your project? At Universal Foam Products, they only deal with EPS and extruded polystyrene products, so it's a matter of choosing the right one.

You have two options: STYROFOAM or EPS.