Think Lightweight is an innovative product that’s goal is to replace heavier, harder wood material products with lightweight, more adaptable, and stronger hollowcore panel solutions. Lightweight structures increase performance and save money by reducing initial and on-going costs, while also offering other efficiency advantages.

Think Lightweight hollowcore panels are very different than dealing with monolithic materials such as solid wood or Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). The principle idea of a monolithic material is the thicker the product, the stronger it is. However, this comes at the cost of weight and the material to make up that thickness. With Think Lightweight hollowcore technology, combinations of materials are selected based on their own individual mechanical properties to achieve a lighter product, while maintaining thickness and strength simultaneously. The central core layer can be made of a lighter weight, less expensive material. In most cases it no longer carries the in-plane stresses like that of a monolithic material. The central core gives bi-directional cross-member behaviors in the transverse direction, which alleviate stress. This is where the weight and cost savings advantage comes from. This is not unlike the concept of truss engineering in arches, bridges and honeycombs.

Why should you Think Lightweight?

• Weight Reduction
• Strength to Weight Ratio
• Cost-effectiveness
• Ease of Handling
• Creativity
• Stability and Consistency

See below for Think Lightweight products offered at Metro Hardwoods.

• 85% reduced weight compared to plywood, particleboard and MDF
• Easily apply face materials (veneer, laminate, and coatings)
• Finish with a variety of edge options
• Rigid face material supports selected methods of attachment
• Optional skin thicknesses are available

Thicknesses Available: 3/4″, 1″, 1-1/2″, 1-3/4″, 2″
Custom Sizes Available

• This material has been proved to be a great design solution for many applications where strong, lightweight and thick panels are required
• Easily apply face materials (veneer, laminate, and coatings)
• Finish with a variety of edge options
• Rigid face material supports selected methods of attachment
• Optional skin thicknesses are available

Thicknesses Available: 3/4″, 1″, 1-1/2″, 1-3/4″, 2″
Custom Sizes Available

• A cost-effective tackable material made from 98% recycled materials that makes a high-performance stable panel
• Its smooth and water-resistant surface is excellent for laminating, paint finishes, and fabric wrapping

Thicknesses Available: 1/2″
Custom Sizes Available

• High-density structural core takes lightweight panels to the next level
• Easily apply face materials (veneer, laminate, and coatings)
• Finish with a variety of edge options
• Rigid face material supports selected methods of attachment
• Optional skin thicknesses are available

Thicknesses Available: 3/4″, 1″, 1-1/2″, 1-3/4″, 2″
Custom Sizes Available

• This extremely lightweight material has very good rigidity and strength values
• Easily apply face materials (veneer, laminate, and coatings)
• Finish with a variety of edge options
• Rigid face material supports selected methods of attachment
• Optional skin thicknesses are available

Thicknesses Available: 1/2″, 3/4″, 1″, 1-1/2″, 1-3/4″, 2″
Custom Sizes Available

• This unique material has a design principle that gives a high strength to weight ratio with the advantages of great impact resistance and low thickness swelling
• Easily apply face materials (veneer, laminate, and coatings)
• Finish with a variety of edge options
• Rigid face material supports selected methods of attachment
• Optional skin thicknesses are available

Thicknesses Available: 1-3/8″, 1-5/8″, 1-3/4″, 2″, 2-1/4″
Custom Sizes Available