Best Craft Hardboard of 2026

Ann Hale Avatar
Ann Hale
Last Updated: Jan 10, 2026

* We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation.

Craft Hardboard is a versatile and durable material that is perfect for a wide range of crafting projects. Made from compressed wood fibers, this hardboard is extremely strong and resistant to warping, making it ideal for use in many different applications. Whether you are creating signs, picture frames, or other decorative items, Craft Hardboard is the perfect choice for your project. With its smooth surface and easy-to-work-with nature, this hardboard is sure to become a staple in your crafting supplies. So why not give it a try and see the difference it can make in your next project?

At a Glance: Our Top Picks

Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel Cover #TOP 1
Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel
ftb score rating icon 9.8
Artlicious Hardboard 6 Pack Cover #TOP 2
Artlicious Hardboard 6 Pack
ftb score rating icon 9.7
Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Painting Panel Cover #TOP 3
Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Painting Panel
ftb score rating icon 9.5

Top 10 Craft Hardboard

#TOP 1

Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel

HB12
12" x 16"
Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel Cover
Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel: Museum Series Hardbord, 12" x 16", 1/8 Inch Flat Profile

Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel is a museum-quality hardbord that is highly versatile, ultra-stable, and made in the USA. It is the most stable substrate on the market for artwork, and is perfectly suited for all acrylic gessoes, specialty grounds, traditional gesso and oil primers. Additionally, it can be used as a support to mount watercolor papers, photographs, fabrics, prints and more.

What We Like
Museum-quality hardbord
Highly versatile painting surface
Stable support for mounting artwork
Ultra-stable
Made in the USA with unparalleled quality and craftsmanship
#TOP 2

Artlicious Hardboard 6 Pack

Parent
brown
9x12 inches
Artlicious Hardboard 6 Pack Cover
Artlicious - 9x12 Hardboard 6 Pack - Great Alternative to Canvas Panel Boards

The Artlicious Hardboard 6 Pack is a great alternative to canvas panel boards. This pack includes six 9x12 hardboards that are 1/8-inch thick. The hardboards provide long-term stability, making them the best substrate for your art. They have a resilient surface that can withstand years of use. You can use these hardboards as a painting surface, a mixing palette, a drawing board, or for taping down watercolor paper. With the Artlicious Hardboard, you have a versatile and durable option for your artistic needs.

What We Like
Long-term stability
Resilient surface
Versatile
#TOP 3

Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Painting Panel

HB09
9" x 12"
Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Painting Panel Cover
Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel: Museum Series Hardbord, 9" x 12", 1/8 Inch Flat Profile

The Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Painting Panel is a museum-quality, versatile painting surface that provides unparalleled support for your artwork. Made from premium, warp-resistant, FSC-Certified Hardbord, this panel prevents damage from warping. It is compatible with all acrylic gessoes, specialty grounds, traditional gesso, and oil primers. Additionally, it can be used as a support to mount various materials. This hardboard is ultra-stable and is the choice substrate for all Ampersand Museum Series coated panels. Made in the USA, it is the perfect choice for artists who want to deliver quality and craftsmanship in their artwork.

What We Like
Museum-quality, stable substrate
Versatile surface compatible with various mediums
Can be used as a support for mounting materials
Ultra-stable for long-lasting use
Proudly made in the USA
#TOP 4

Artlicious 1/8 inch Cardboard Sheets - 6 Pack

Parent
brown
11x14-6 Pack
Artlicious 1/8 inch Cardboard Sheets - 6 Pack Cover
Artlicious 1/8 inch (3mm) - 11 x 14 Cardboard Sheets - 6 Pack

Artlicious 1/8 inch Cardboard Sheets are perfect for various uses, such as illustration board, book board, and other crafts. These hardboard sheets provide stability, are lightweight, and durable, making them ideal for mixing paints, backing photos, or taping down watercolor paper. These large cardboard sheets are an economical alternative to pricey canvas panels and MDF boards. Each pack contains six 1/8" thick cardboard sheets in brown, providing the best value for your next creative project. If you have any questions or concerns, the customer support team is always happy to help.

What We Like
Economical alternative to pricey canvas panels and MDF boards
Lightweight yet resilient surface perfect for mixing paints, backing photos, or taping down watercolor paper
Great for various uses such as illustration board, book board, and other crafts
#TOP 5

Jack Richeson Medium Density Hardboard (6 pack)

69651216-06
Brown
12 x 16 inches
Jack Richeson Medium Density Hardboard (6 pack) Cover
Jack Richeson Medium Density Untempered Hardboard(6 pack) , 12x16

This bulk pack of 6 medium density untempered hardboards is perfect for craft projects. Made in the USA, these hardboards are sturdy and durable, providing a strong surface for painting, drawing, and other art applications.

What We Like
Durable and long-lasting
Bulk pack provides a great value
Made in the USA
#TOP 6

Ampersand Hardboard Painting Panel: Museum Series, 5x7, 3 Pack

HB05
5" x 7" 3-Pack
Ampersand Hardboard Painting Panel: Museum Series, 5x7, 3 Pack Cover
Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel: Museum Series Hardbord, 5" x 7" 3-Pack, 1/8 Inch Flat Profile

The Ampersand Art Supply Hardboard Wood Painting Panel: Museum Series is a high-quality, versatile substrate suitable for all acrylic gessoes, specialty grounds, traditional gesso, and oil primers. Its warp-resistant and FSC-Certified Hardbord will make sure your artwork is well-supported and prevents damage from warping, bowing, or movement. In addition to painting, it can be used to support mounting for watercolor papers, photographs, fabrics, prints, and more. Made in the USA with unparalleled quality and craftsmanship, Ampersand has been the leader in painting panels for over 25 years.

What We Like
Stable and durable surface for your artwork
Can be used with a variety of painting materials
Versatile support for mounting different types of artwork
#TOP 7

Jack Richeson Medium Density Hardboard

69650606-12
Brown
6x6 inches
Jack Richeson Medium Density Hardboard Cover
Jack Richeson Medium Density Untempered Hardboard(12 pack) , 6x6

Jack Richeson Hardboard 6x6 is a bulk pack of 12 medium density untempered hardboards, proudly made in the USA. Crafted by Jack Richeson, this hardboard is perfect for various crafting projects. The medium density provides a sturdy surface for painting, drawing, or crafting. With 12 pieces in a pack, you'll have an ample supply for your creative endeavors. Being made in the USA ensures quality and supports local craftsmanship.

What We Like
Bulk pack of 12
Medium density surface
Made in the USA
#TOP 8

Ampersand HB14 Hardboard Panel 14x18

Ampersand
14 x 18 in.
Ampersand HB14 Hardboard Panel 14x18 Cover
Ampersand HB14 Hardbord Panel, 14 X 18 in.

The Ampersand Hardboard Panel offers a sturdy surface that protects your artwork by preventing warping and blocking moisture. This means your creations stay flat and dry, giving you peace of mind while working. You can easily apply any type of commercial or handmade gesso to prepare the panel, allowing you to customize the texture to your liking. Inside the packaging, you'll find clear instructions on how to prime the panel properly, making it simple to get started. Additionally, this hardboard is perfect for mounting paper, providing a solid base for various art projects. Overall, it’s a versatile choice for artists seeking durability and flexibility.

What We Like
Warp-resistant surface
Moisture protection
Compatible with all gesso types
Clear priming instructions
Ideal for paper mounting
#TOP 9

Jack Richeson Hardboard Flat Panel 12x18

696503
12" × 18"
Jack Richeson Hardboard Flat Panel 12x18 Cover
Richeson Hardboard Flat Panel - 12" x 18", 1/8"

The Richeson Hardboard Panel is a versatile craft board sized at 12 by 18 inches, making it a convenient surface for various creative projects. Its 1/8-inch thickness offers a sturdy yet lightweight base, ideal for painting, drawing, or other craft activities where a smooth, firm surface is needed. As a product from Jack Richeson, a trusted brand in art supplies, this hardboard panel ensures quality and reliability for your artistic endeavors. Whether you're a hobbyist or a professional, this panel provides a practical and durable option for your crafting needs.

What We Like
Durable 1/8-inch thickness
Convenient 12" x 18" size
Trusted Jack Richeson brand
Suitable for various crafts
#TOP 10

Floortex Bubbalux Ultimate Craft Board 2mm

FCBU2030BK3
Midnight Black
Floortex Bubbalux Ultimate Craft Board 2mm Cover
Floortex Craftex Bubbalux Ultimate Craft Board, 2mm Thick, 3-Pack, Midnight Black, 3 Sheets, Large Size 20" x 30"

The Floortex Bubbalux Craft Board is a versatile material perfect for your craft, art, and hobby projects. You can easily heat it with a heat gun, hot water, or even a hair dryer to bend and shape it into 3D designs that hold their form once cooled. Its waterproof and weather-resistant qualities make it ideal for both indoor and outdoor use, giving you more freedom in your creations. Plus, it embosses beautifully, allowing you to add sharp, detailed designs that you can further decorate with paints, gilding powders, or pens. This board offers great flexibility and durability for your creative needs.

What We Like
Versatile for many projects
Heat moldable for 3D shapes
Waterproof and weather resistant
Excellent embossing quality
Buying Guide Image

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What is hardboard used for?

Hardboard has high density and high strength, which is a quality substitute for wood and is the commonly-used panel in building decoration and for furniture manufacturing. It is applied to many places such as dados, doors, roofs, partitions and furniture etc.

2. Is hardboard a hardwood?

Hardboard is awesome. Hardboard is a fiberboard like MDF but it is made out of EXPLODED wood fibers! This allows it to be much denser and therefore much stronger than MDF. The fibers in hardboard are usually compressed to around 65 pounds per cubic foot!

3. Is hardboard weather resistant?

Although hardboard does make for a decent material, one fallback that it has is that it is definitely not waterproof. Moreover, regular hardboard is not even really water-resistant at all.

Editor's Notes

During our craft hardboard research, we found 24 craft hardboard products and shortlisted 10 quality products. We collected and analyzed 20,551 customer reviews through our big data system to write the craft hardboard list. We found that most customers choose craft hardboard with an average price of $14.14.

The craft hardboard are available for purchase. We have researched hundreds of brands and picked the top brands of craft hardboard, including Ampersand Art Supply, Artlicious, Jack Richeson, Ampersand, Floortex. The seller of top 1 product has received honest feedback from 384 consumers with an average rating of 4.7.

Written by
Ann Hale Avatar

Ann Hale is a seamstress, pattern maker, and fashion designer with extensive sewing experience. She has worked in the fashion industry for over 10 years now after receiving Associates's Degree in fashion design in 2010. Also as a writer, she has many creative and unique insights when it comes to articles.