Hardwood doesn't come in sheets unless you're talking about plywood. In that case, go to home depot and look for a sheet of either birch or red oak plywood.
Particle board looks like glued-together sawdust, which it is.
This may be tough to explain, but I'll try... Masonite is a mild brown color and is typically available in 1/8th, 1/4th and somewhat thicker when used for batten board house siding. Peg board is generally made of masonite. One side is quite smooth and even a bit glossy, while the other side generally has a cross hatched texture. The material is somewhat soft and a bit pliable. It is not very heavy in weight. The material will not do harm to a saw blade.
Particle board is made of coarse bits of wood particles like might come from a table saw with a coarse blade and are secured together with something much like a resin product. The color is much like a pine board might be. Typical thickness are 3/8th. 1/2, 5/8th, 3/4th and some thicker for special applications The material is brittle and will not stand much flexing. Thickness tends to be pretty uniform and both sides are quite smooth.. The material tends to be heavy in weight. Because of the material holding the particles together, it can do damage to a saw blade after extended cutting.
It is common to use particle board for the base of a counter top, but masonite would be too flexible.
At last resort... ask the clerk to show you the difference!
HomeOwnersHub website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here.
All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.