When it comes to HDHMR boards in India, Action Tesa is a name that often stands out. Action Tesa (a brand of Balaji Action Buildwell Ltd.) was a pioneer in introducing HDHMR boards in the Indian market and has aggressively promoted them as a “replacement for plywood”. In this review, we’ll delve into the qualities of Action Tesa’s HDHMR board, its pros and cons, and whether it’s worth investing in for your home or project.
Brand Background & Product Overview
Action Tesa is known for engineered wood panels like MDF, particle board, and HDHMR. They launched HDHMR boards around 2011–2012 and have since positioned them as a premium product for furniture making. Notably, Action Tesa HDHMR is made using hardwood fibers (mainly eucalyptus) and advanced German pressing technology (ContiRoll press) to achieve high density and uniformity. The company markets several advantages:
· “True Replacement of Plywood”: Action Tesa claims its HDHMR is tougher than any available plywood in the market and highly moisture resistant. This is a bold statement, essentially suggesting you can use their HDHMR anywhere you would use plywood, even in heavy-duty or moisture-prone areas.
· Density & Strength: Because it’s made from hardwood, Action Tesa HDHMR has very high density. The uniform, compact core gives it excellent routing characteristics (good for carving or CNC work). Carpenters often notice the heft of an Action Tesa board – a testament to its density. This translates into sturdy furniture that doesn’t flex or wobble easily.
· Moisture, Borer & Termite Resistance: The brand emphasizes that their HDHMR is highly moisture resistant, making it suitable for extreme humid conditions or coastal areas. It’s also advertised as Termite & Borer proof, which is a huge plus in Indian conditions where termite infestations can destroy woodwork. These features make Action Tesa boards popular for kitchens, bathrooms, and ground-floor installations where dampness can be an issue.
· Pre-Laminated Options: Action Tesa not only sells plain HDHMR boards but also pre-laminated HDHMR in various finishes. These come ready with a factory-pressed laminate on one or both faces. Customers like this because it saves time – no need for separate laminates or polish on site, and factory lamination quality is often superior. It also saves cost on finishing and time, as the company points out.
· Environmental Angle: Interestingly, Action Tesa brands its HDHMR as a “Green HARA Board” – claiming it’s eco-friendly since eucalyptus can be grown quickly and yields multiple crops. They highlight using plantation wood and agro-waste, which indeed reduces reliance on old forest timber. So for environmentally conscious buyers, this is a nice note.
Performance & User Experience
Is Action Tesa HDHMR as good as they claim? Let’s break down performance aspects and see feedback:
· Moisture Test: Users and carpenters have put Action Tesa HDHMR to the test in kitchens and even by soaking edges in water. Overall, it performs excellently in high moisture – cabinets made from it do not swell or delaminate with regular kitchen use or seasonal humidity. It’s not completely waterproof (if you submerge it, it can absorb water over time), but in everyday scenarios like kitchen spills or bathroom humidity, it stays unaffected. Many carpenters report being impressed that shutters under the sink (a high-moisture spot) show no swelling over years when made of Action Tesa HDHMR, whereas even “marine” plywood might show slight delamination at edges. This confirms the brand’s moisture-resistant claims are valid.
· Strength & Workability: Action Tesa’s board is heavy and feels solid. Carpenters note that it requires good quality tools to cut cleanly (due to the density), but it holds screws extremely well. There’s consensus that furniture made with it is very sturdy. For instance, large wardrobe doors made of Action Tesa HDHMR hang true without warping, and the hinges remain tightly fitted (thanks to the dense core). If you try to drive a screw into it, you’ll feel the resistance – indicating how compact the material is. The routing feedback is also positive: for CNC-cut designs (jali patterns, etc.), Action Tesa HDHMR gives clean edges, making it popular for decorative panels too.
· Termite Resistance: It’s hard to “see” this benefit immediately, but anecdotal feedback from regions prone to termites (like some parts of Delhi, Mumbai, etc.) is that Action Tesa HDHMR indeed hasn’t had termite issues, whereas local plywood sometimes did. The company’s chemical treatment seems effective – no reports of termite infestation in genuine Action Tesa HDHMR boards could be found in our research. This is a big relief for homeowners because termite damage can be severe and costly to fix. Action Tesa even added unique QR-coded security stickers to each board to ensure customers get genuine product and not a substandard fake (more on this later).
· Finish Quality: Action Tesa HDHMR has a very smooth surface that takes laminates and paint nicely. Those who have painted it (for example, using Duco or PU paint for a glossy finish) report that the finish comes out excellent, similar to painting on MDF but with the advantage that it won’t absorb moisture from the paint. The edges need sealing (like any engineered board) but once done, you can’t tell the difference between a painted MDF and painted HDHMR surface – except you know the HDHMR will survive longer in moisture. The pre-laminated boards offered by Action Tesa have also been praised: they come out of the factory with no bubbling or warping, and the laminate adhesion is very good. It’s basically ready-to-use for making cabinets, saving labor. This convenience and quality control is a plus point often mentioned by contractors.
Customer Feedback and Reviews
Customer satisfaction for Action Tesa HDHMR is generally high. Many interior designers and homeowners have shared positive experiences. Here are a few highlights:
· “Action Tesa HDHMR Board’s quality is excellent. Highly recommend to all,” says one customer review on McCoyMart. This is a common sentiment – users are happy with the robustness of the boards.
· Another buyer noted, “It’s a reliable choice for high-quality board materials. Happy with this purchase,” giving a 4/5 rating. The slight ding from a perfect score might come from cost, but quality-wise they are satisfied.
· “My go-to choice for quality boards,” says a carpenter in feedback, indicating they prefer working with Action Tesa’s material for premium projects. Professionals often choose it when clients demand longevity.
· Average ratings for Action Tesa HDHMR on vendor sites hover around 4.5 to 5 stars, with praises for durability and finish. For instance, across 5 reviews on one platform, it scored 4.6/5, which is excellent in the building material category.
· One thing some users mention is the price: Action Tesa HDHMR is priced at the higher end. For example, a 16mm thick 8×4 sheet might cost roughly ₹3,300–₹3,500 per sheet (as of recent market rates). This is more expensive than local MDF or cheap plywood, so a few cost-sensitive buyers feel it’s pricey. However, most agree that “you get what you pay for” – the quality justifies the cost, especially when you consider longevity and fewer issues later.
Unique Selling Points of Action Tesa HDHMR
· Warranty: Action Tesa offers warranties on its boards. Typically, a 10-year warranty is provided on HDHMR boards against manufacturing defects. This demonstrates confidence by the brand and is a safety net for customers (few plywood brands offer such warranties). Knowing that your board is under warranty gives peace of mind that it’s a quality product.
· Innovation – Boilo and Beyond: Action Tesa hasn’t stopped at HDHMR. They introduced “Boilo” – a BWP grade HDF board with fire-retardant properties. The fact that they are innovating and launching new products indicates a commitment to quality and technology. Boilo is like an extreme version of HDHMR (boiling waterproof and fire-rated) and has also been well received. This ecosystem of products means if you trust Action Tesa, you have solutions for various needs.
· Holistic Security Stickers (Authenticity): The company found that due to popularity, some unscrupulous dealers were selling fake boards under the Action Tesa name. In response, Action Tesa became the first in the industry to introduce a QR-code based security sticker on each board. You can scan the QR code via their app or a generic scanner to verify that the board is genuine and see details/certifications. This is a big plus for consumers as you can be sure you’re getting the real deal (and thus the real performance). It shows the brand’s proactive stance on maintaining quality and customer trust. Always look for that sticker when buying Action Tesa HDHMR.
Is It Worth It?
Considering the above points, Action Tesa HDHMR boards are indeed “worth it” if you prioritize quality and durability. They live up to their promises in terms of strength and moisture resistance, which are the key reasons to use HDHMR in the first place. The brand has established credibility among professionals – being “the first choice of architects and interior designers” for such engineered boards.
Situations where it’s worth every rupee: If you’re building a modular kitchen, a bathroom vanity, or furniture in a high-moisture area, using Action Tesa HDHMR will likely save you headaches later. The extra money spent means you won’t have swelling panels or termite damage, and your furniture will feel solid. It’s also worth it for premium furniture pieces – say a TV unit with intricate CNC patterns – where the stability of the board ensures a flawless finish and longevity.
Any downsides? The only notable con is cost and weight: - Cost: It is more expensive than alternatives like regular MDF or even some plywood. If you are on a tight budget for a dry area, you might consider cheaper MDF. But if the application demands HDHMR properties, most find the cost justified. Remember, inferior or fake boards might come cheaper but won’t perform the same; with Action Tesa you know you’re paying for genuine quality.
- Weight: HDHMR boards are heavy. Action Tesa’s board, being hardwood-based, is particularly hefty. This means handling and installation require more effort. For example, wall-mounting a large HDHMR cabinet will need strong support because the board itself adds to the weight load (HDHMR is ~50% heavier than an equivalent plywood cabinet). However, weight is a byproduct of density, which is why it’s so strong – so it’s a trade-off.
Verdict: If you want peace of mind and long-term value, Action Tesa HDHMR is worth it. The consensus among experts is that these boards “have revolutionized interiors by replacing plywood across India with excellent performance”. Many have switched to using HDHMR for practically everything indoors. Given the positive feedback, strong track record, and the brand’s quality focus (warranty, authenticity measures), Action Tesa HDHMR board stands out as a top choice. It might cost a bit more upfront, but considering it could easily last 10-15+ years without issues, it’s an investment in quality.
In conclusion, Action Tesa HDHMR Board delivers on its promises – toughness, moisture resistance, and convenience – making it worth it for homeowners and professionals who don’t want to compromise on durability.
Disclaimer: This article is generated using AI-assisted research and is intended for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, readers are advised to verify all technical, pricing, and brand-specific details with official sources. hdhmr.in is not liable for any decisions made based on this content.
