What is beaver boards?

Beaver boards were a popular type of wallboard or plasterboard used in the early 20th century for interior walls and ceilings. They were made from wood pulp fibers, usually from softwood trees like spruce or pine, and binder materials such as starch or clay, which were formed into sheets and dried. The resulting board was strong, light, and relatively easy to install, making it a popular choice for residential and commercial buildings.

Beaver boards were sold in standard sheets of various sizes and thicknesses, typically ranging from 3/8 inch to 3/4 inch. They were often covered with wallpaper, paint, or other decorative finishes. However, beaver boards had some drawbacks. They were prone to cracking, warping, and sagging over time, especially if exposed to moisture or humidity. Moreover, they contained asbestos, which can be harmful if inhaled.

With the introduction of more modern materials such as drywall, beaver boards fell out of use and are now considered obsolete. However, they remain a fascinating relic of early 20th-century construction technology.