Greenpanel HDWR vs Action Tesa HDHMR – Brand Showdown
Introduction
Action Tesa and Greenpanel are renowned names when it comes to engineered wood boards in India. Action Tesa pioneered the HDHMR (High Density High Moisture Resistant) board in the Indian market, aggressively marketing it as a plywood replacement. Greenpanel (part of the Greenply family) produces what it calls HDWR (High Density Water Resistant) boards, which are essentially its version of HDHMR. If you’re looking to buy HDHMR boards, these two brands will likely top your consideration list – Action Tesa known for innovation and market presence, and Greenpanel known for quality and eco-friendly focus.
This showdown compares Action Tesa HDHMR vs Greenpanel HDWR on key factors: - Technical specs (density, thickness range, etc.) - Moisture and termite resistance (any differences?) - Strength and performance (screw holding, durability) - Price points (who’s more affordable in 2025) - Brand-specific features (like Action’s anti-bacterial claims or Greenpanel’s eco credentials) - Warranties and customer support
By the end, you’ll have a clear view of which brand might suit your needs better, or if both are equally reliable. Given that both brands are well-respected, the differences are nuanced but could matter depending on your project priorities (cost vs features vs sustainability, for example).
Let’s start with a spec-for-spec comparison of their HDHMR boards.
Technical Specs & 2025 Price Comparison
Here’s a side-by-side look at Action Tesa’s standard HDHMR boards versus Greenpanel’s Club Grade HDWR boards:
Metric |
Action Tesa HDHMR |
Greenpanel HDWR (Club Grade) |
Density |
~780–850 kg/m³ (high density hardwood fiber board). |
~780–830 kg/m³ (high density; Greenpanel publishes slightly lower avg density). |
Thickness Range |
3 mm to 25 mm (plain); also offers 7–25 mm pre-laminated. Full range including 16.75 mm unique thickness. |
3 mm to 18 mm (plain & prelam). Currently doesn’t supply above 18 mm in HDWR. |
Standard Sheet Sizes |
8×4 ft, 8×6 ft in some variants; also 6×4 ft. Action Tesa HDHMR comes in larger 8×6 for certain thick boards. |
8×4 ft standard. (Primarily focuses on 2440×1220 mm; doesn’t widely offer 8×6 ft in HDWR as of now.) |
Moisture Resistance |
High – HDHMR by Action is marketed for humid areas, tested to not warp under high humidity. Also offers “Moisture Resistant Plus” variant (Moisture Resistance > standard MDF by 50%). |
High – Greenpanel’s HDWR is explicitly for wet areas, with water absorption <11% per internal tests. Both brands’ boards “tolerate high humidity without warping”. |
Termite/Borer Resistance |
Termite & borer proof, chemically treated. Also introduced unique QR-coded security to ensure genuine boards have these properties. |
Termite & borer resistant (fiber treated). Greenpanel highlights use of neem wood extracts in some literature for natural resistance. In general, performance is equivalent – pests avoid both boards. |
Fire Resistance |
Standard HDHMR is not fire-retardant, but Action Tesa has separate “Firewall” grade boards and Boilo variant for FR needs. |
Standard HDWR is not fire-retardant. Greenpanel doesn’t currently offer a fire-rated HDWR; focus is on moisture. |
Unique Features |
“ViroKill” Antibacterial additive in some boards (claims surface kills 99% bacteria – same tech as in their laminates). Also offers prelam in 200+ shades and a “4-times money back” promise on HDHMR if product fails against termites/water. |
Emphasis on eco-friendly manufacturing: uses renewable biomass energy in production, claims lower formaldehyde (E1/E0 options). Offers “E0 Club Grade HDWR” with very low emissions. Also has an anti-bacterial surface tech (Nanoblock) in premium grades, though less advertised than Action’s. |
Warranty |
Generally 10-year warranty on HDHMR boards. Recently, offering Lifetime warranty on select HDHMR ranges (with conditions) along with a 4x money-back guarantee if termites damage it. |
Officially, Greenpanel offers around 15-year warranty on Club Grade HDWR. No flashy money-back schemes, but solid warranty support via dealers. |
2025 Price (18 mm) |
~₹100–₹110 per sq.ft (₹3200–₹3520 per sheet) in many regions. Action Tesa is often at a premium ~5-10% higher than local brands; similar to Century’s pricing. |
~₹90–₹100 per sq.ft (₹2880–₹3200 per sheet). Tends to be slightly cheaper than Action Tesa for similar thickness (by ₹5-10/sq.ft). Greenpanel positions as “high quality at a bit lower price”. |
Prelaminated Price |
Adds ~₹10–₹15 per sq.ft over plain for factory laminates. So an 18mm prelam ~₹115-₹130/sq.ft depending on design. |
Similar range: +₹10–₹12 per sq.ft for prelam. E.g., 18mm prelam ~₹105-₹120/sq.ft. Both are comparable in prelam pricing. |
Analysis: The spec table shows that Action Tesa and Greenpanel HDHMR boards are more alike than different. Density is in the same ballpark – any minor difference (say Action’s upper range 850 vs Greenpanel 830 kg/m³) is negligible in practical use. Both offer excellent moisture resistance and termite-proof guarantees.
One notable difference: Max thickness – Action Tesa produces HDHMR up to 25 mm, whereas Greenpanel currently maxes at 18 mm in their Club HDWR line. So, if you need very thick panels (e.g., a 25 mm table top), Action has an edge by simply having that product. Greenpanel might plan thicker boards in future, but at present the 18 mm cap is a limit (though 18 mm suffices for most interior needs).
Pricing: Greenpanel’s HDWR is often a bit more affordable. For example, dealers might quote ₹100/sq.ft for Action Tesa 18mm, vs ₹95/sq.ft for Greenpanel 18mm – roughly a 5% difference. In some regions, the difference may be larger if Action’s brand premium is high. That said, both are premium brands, so both will cost more than local or unbranded HDHMR. It’s more about slight savings with Greenpanel for comparable quality.
Brand-specific features: Action Tesa heavily markets extras like antibacterial surfaces (ViroKill) and their generous warranty/money-back policies. Greenpanel emphasizes sustainability (using 100% renewable energy, plantation wood, etc.) and puts effort into making E0 low-emission boards for health. Depending on your priorities, these could sway you: - If you want the safest indoor air quality, you might lean Greenpanel for their E0 certification on Club HDWR (meaning minimal formaldehyde off-gassing). - If you like the idea of antimicrobial cabinets or an extensive warranty, Action Tesa’s offerings appeal.
So, on paper, they match closely with Greenpanel being slightly more budget-friendly and eco-oriented, and Action Tesa being slightly more feature-oriented (FR variants, etc.) and widely available.
Next, let’s examine how these specs translate to performance and user experience with each brand’s boards.
Performance Analysis: Strength, Durability & Moisture Resistance
Density & Strength: Both Action Tesa and Greenpanel HDHMR boards are high-density fiberboards, so they offer excellent strength and stability. Users and carpenters report that both brands’ boards are heavy, rigid, and hold screws well. The minor density difference (if any) doesn’t create an observable strength difference in use. For instance, a cabinet made from Action Tesa HDHMR and one from Greenpanel HDWR will both feel equally solid.
One area to consider is screw holding and surface hardness. Action Tesa uses predominantly hardwood eucalyptus fibers and claims very high internal bond strength. Greenpanel also uses hardwood fibers (they have large plantations for raw material) and similarly touts strong screw-holding capacity. Experts note that “higher density boards (above 850 kg/m³) exhibit better screw holding”, and both boards are in that range. In practice, carpenters find no trouble screwing hinges or brackets into either, provided pilot holes are used. If anything, Action Tesa’s board might feel a tad harder (maybe due to certain additives like their ViroKill chemicals, which include zinc compounds, but that’s speculative). There are no reports that one brand chips or cracks more than the other – both cut cleanly if tools are sharp.
Moisture & Termite Resistance: It’s in the name – HDHMR/HDFWR – and both deliver. Independent feedback and tests (like those referenced by Building & Interiors magazine) indicate neither Action Tesa nor Greenpanel board will warp or swell under high humidity or occasional water contact. If edges are sealed, they can be used near sinks, bathrooms, etc., with great results. Greenpanel often cites that their boards have <5% swelling in 24h water immersion test – similar numbers to Action’s.
Termite resistance is equally strong in both. Action Tesa’s advantage is more on the marketing front – they introduced secure stickers to assure customers of authenticity because their products were so popular that fakes appeared. That indirectly shows trust – people consider genuine Action boards reliably termite-proof (so much that fakes tried to piggyback). Greenpanel’s boards are also chemically treated and naturally deterring (some say the eucalyptus wood’s inherent oils help). Both brands give warranties against termite infestation (Action’s being more aggressive with the 4x money-back claim).
Durability & Warranty: Both boards should last decades if kept dry and used indoors. Action Tesa recently upped the ante with a lifetime warranty on some HDHMR ranges, which is a bold promise, whereas Greenpanel offers a solid 15-year warranty. In practical terms, either board is unlikely to fail on its own within those spans – durability is more dependent on usage conditions. But Action’s lifetime warranty indicates a high confidence, and could be a selling point if you want that security (just ensure to read conditions; likely they require proper installation etc.).
Workability & Consistency: Carpenters often comment that some HDHMR boards have variability in hardness or produce more resinous dust. In comparing Action vs Greenpanel, anecdotal feedback suggests: - Action Tesa boards are very consistent – thanks to their German “ContiRoll” press, the thickness uniformity is top-notch. Cuts and machining yield uniform results across the sheet. The resin content is well-controlled (less risk of resin pockets). - Greenpanel boards are also high quality – they inherited a lot of MDF/HDF tech from their Greenply lineage and modern plant. They are known for calibrating boards well and low emissions. No glaring issues reported. - If one were to nitpick, some carpenters feel Action Tesa’s board edges are slightly smoother out-of-factory, whereas Greenpanel’s might need a tad more sanding before painting – but this is subjective and minor.
Environmental & Health Performance: Not exactly “strength,” but worth mentioning in performance – Greenpanel’s focus on low formaldehyde means their boards might have an edge in indoor air quality. Action Tesa’s standard HDHMR is E1 (safe, but not ultra-low). Greenpanel offers E0 on Club HDWR (almost zero emissions). For projects like schools, hospitals, or homes of sensitive individuals, that could be a performance factor to consider (less off-gassing). Both boards, once laminated or painted, emit very little, so in most cases it’s a minor difference.
Bottom line on performance: Both Action Tesa and Greenpanel HDHMR boards are top-tier in performance. You won’t go wrong structurally with either. The differences are in nuances: Action Tesa perhaps edges out with a broader thickness range and an extreme warranty promise (indicating trust in durability), whereas Greenpanel edges out with greener manufacturing (which arguably also correlates with quality and consistency).
Now, let’s look at where each brand might be favored in application and any differences in aesthetics or finishes.
Applications / Best Use Cases
Where Action Tesa HDHMR Excels: - Wider variety of project types: Because Action Tesa provides HDHMR even in 24–25 mm (and even doors, flooring, etc.), if you have a project needing thick panels (like a chunky reception desk or door shutters made of HDHMR), Action has the product. Greenpanel’s max 18 mm might not suffice for, say, a 30 mm carved door – Action Tesa sells HDHMR doors of 30 mm. - One-stop solution with variety: Action Tesa’s product portfolio around HDHMR is huge – they offer ready-made HDHMR doors, pre-laminated boards in many finishes, even Boilo (for waterproof+FR needs), plus matching edge bands, etc. If your use case might expand (you want some normal boards, some FR boards, etc., all from one brand), Action Tesa lets you do that. - Institutional projects: Many big modular kitchen and furniture manufacturers trust Action Tesa due to its pan-India availability and marketing support. If you’re an OEM or contractor working nation-wide, Action’s distribution might make it easier to procure uniformly. Also, if an antimicrobial surface is specified (like in a clinic’s cabinets), Action’s ViroKill HDHMR fits that. - High-risk moisture areas: Both brands’ standard boards can handle kitchens/baths, but if you needed something beyond (like Boilo for a near-pool bar or something extremely damp), Action has that line. Greenpanel currently doesn’t have an equivalent to Boilo (they have waterproof plywood but not an HDHMR that’s boil-proof). So if you want to stay with one brand and foresee maybe using an advanced board in one spot, Action Tesa’s range is advantageous. - Clients who care about brand legacy:** Action Tesa HDHMR has been in the market longer (since ~2011-12) and is often the brand people think of for HDHMR. If a client specifically asks for “Action Tesa HDHMR” because they’ve heard of it, that could sway the decision (some tend to equate brand directly with quality).
Where Greenpanel HDWR Excels: - Green building projects: If you’re doing an IGBC or LEED certified interior, Greenpanel’s use of renewable energy and low formaldehyde might help with credits. They highlight sustainability, which might be required in some institutional tenders or simply match a client’s ethos. - Residential interiors with children/elderly: The E0 low emission grade of Greenpanel’s premium HDWR boards means fewer chemical fumes – a plus for sensitive home environments. Also, anecdotally, Greenpanel’s boards are a tad lighter than Action’s same thickness (due to slightly lower density), so handling them inside homes (stairs, etc.) could be marginally easier on workers (not a huge difference, but worth a note). - Budget-conscious projects wanting quality: Greenpanel offers a slight cost benefit while still delivering essentially the same performance. For a builder or contractor who has to buy in bulk for, say, a housing project, that 5-10% saving can add up, without compromising on quality or warranty (15 years is still great). - Uniform thickness needs up to 18mm: If your project doesn’t require >18mm boards, Greenpanel’s focus on common thicknesses might suffice and you enjoy their specialization in that range. Often, companies focusing on a narrower range put a lot of quality control there. - Less marketing fluff, more straightforward use: Some craftsmen prefer Greenpanel because it doesn’t have extra coatings (like some were initially skeptical of “ViroKill” thinking it’s just a coating – though it’s embedded, but anyway). They see Greenpanel as straightforward: “just a high-grade board with no gimmicks.” This is subjective, but a certain segment likes that approach.
In truth, both brands’ boards can be used interchangeably in almost any application: modular kitchens, wardrobes, partitions, paneling, shopfitting, etc. There is no particular use case one can do that the other simply can’t (except the thickness/firerated exceptions noted). It may come down to availability in your city – e.g., in North India, both are strong; in some South Indian cities, Greenpanel’s dealer network (carried over from Greenply days) may be more entrenched, whereas in some metros, Action is more aggressively pushed. So, often the “best use case” is the one you can source easily and economically for your project location.
Design & Aesthetic Differences
When it comes to design and aesthetics, we’re essentially comparing how Action Tesa vs Greenpanel boards present and what options they offer: - Surface Finish & Texture: Both brands produce smooth, calibrated boards that are great for laminating or painting. There’s no noticeable texture difference – both sand their boards to a fine finish. If you run your hand on a raw sheet of each, you’d feel a similar slickness (aside from the sawdust). Color-wise, Action Tesa HDHMR core is usually a medium brown, sometimes with a slight reddish hue (from the hardwood mix), whereas Greenpanel HDWR core might appear slightly darker brown or olive-brown (Greenpanel has been known to add a greenish tint to some MR boards historically, but I think their HDWR is natural color). In any case, color difference is trivial as it gets covered. - Painting/Finishing: Carpenters have painted both brands successfully. HDHMR takes paint well after primer. No reports that one brand holds paint better than the other; both are equally good as paint substrates (smooth, no grain). If we consider the anti-bacterial claim: Action Tesa’s ViroKill is supposed to last the board’s life, but if you laminate or paint over it, its effect might be reduced on the surface. Greenpanel’s anti-fungal/anti-bacterial is also embedded. For a designer, these don’t change look or work – they’re invisible. So aesthetically, they don’t matter. - Prelaminated Designs: This is where Action Tesa stands out a bit more. Action Tesa offers a huge range of prelam decors (solid colors, woodgrains, textures, gloss, matte, etc., often matching their laminate portfolio). Greenpanel also offers prelam HDWR, but historically Greenpanel (and formerly Greenply) had a more limited range of prelam designs for MDF/HDF – mostly staple colors and a few woodgrains. They focus more on raw boards. So, if a project demands factory prelaminated panels in a specific exotic design, Action Tesa is more likely to have it. - Edgebanding and Add-ons: Action Tesa, through its network, also sells matching edge bands for many of its prelam colors, which can be convenient. Greenpanel doesn’t make edge bands (but you can find matches from other edge band manufacturers easily). Not a big issue, but for a fully integrated approach, Action has slightly more to offer (they even had introduced HDHMR in prelam with gloss PET surfaces for cabinets – quite specialized). - Brand Perception in Design: Sometimes, homeowners ask designers “Which is better – Greenpanel or Action for my kitchen?”. Visually, once finished, there is no discernible difference – a white laminated cabinet will look identical whether the core is Action Tesa or Greenpanel. So aesthetic outcomes are the same. It boils down to designers perhaps having a preference working with one or the other due to supplier relationships or prior experience (some might say “I use Greenpanel because I like their service” or vice versa). - Sustainability Aesthetics: A subtle point – some clients want to see green credentials. Greenpanel’s communication (like maybe a stamp or sticker on the board) might highlight “E0 – low emission” or “Greenpanel – ecofriendly”. Action Tesa’s might highlight “ViroKill” or “100% termite proof”. These things aren’t visible in the final product but can influence the narrative in a design presentation. For instance, a client who’s particular about healthy interiors might appreciate hearing “we’re using Greenpanel HDWR which is formaldehyde safe and eco-friendly” – that’s a design/selling point in itself. Conversely, a client worried about hygiene might like “Action Tesa boards with anti-microbial ViroKill will be used.” So each brand gives a slightly different “story” but in terms of actual design implementation, the boards themselves present no differences.
In summary, from a design perspective, choosing Action Tesa vs Greenpanel doesn’t limit any aesthetic possibilities. Both allow you to create modern, sleek cabinetry or furniture with equal ease. The differences lie in the catalog of pre-finished options and marketing angles, rather than the physical look or quality of finish (which are equivalent).
Cost vs Value Assessment
Let’s evaluate the value proposition of each brand’s HDHMR, considering cost, quality, and long-term benefits:
Material Cost: As noted, Greenpanel HDWR tends to be a bit cheaper for similar specs. This means if you have a large quantity to purchase, Greenpanel might save you some thousands of rupees while delivering essentially the same performance. For example, if Greenpanel is ₹5/sq.ft cheaper and you need 100 sheets (which is 3200 sq.ft), that’s ₹16,000 saved. Not huge in a multi-lakh project, but not negligible either. Action Tesa’s slight premium – do you get something for that extra cost? In part, you pay for their brand legacy and perhaps distribution convenience. In some cases, Action’s premium might come with extras like free delivery or a stronger dealer support or simply the perceived guarantee of quality.
Quality & Consistency: Both are top quality. If one had a concern that “maybe the cheaper one skimped on something,” it doesn’t really apply here – Greenpanel isn’t a budget brand cutting corners; it’s a leading brand that simply prices keenly to compete. So you’re not sacrificing quality to save money with Greenpanel. That’s important: the value is high for both, but slightly higher for Greenpanel if you strictly compare rupee-to-performance.
Warranty & Risk: Action Tesa offering a lifetime/ money-back guarantee can have value for customers – it reduces perceived risk. If something goes wrong in year 12, theoretically, Action would compensate or replace (depending on the claim conditions). Greenpanel’s 15-year warranty is also strong but not as flashy. In practical terms, HDHMR failures are rare if installed well, but that extra guarantee is peace of mind value. For a client who is worried, Action’s promise might justify paying a bit more. For someone who trusts the material science, Greenpanel’s standard warranty is fine.
After-Sales and Support: If something is delivered warped or damaged (rare, but say due to storage), how each brand’s network handles it can affect perceived value. Both companies have good reputations; however, anecdotal evidence suggests Action Tesa’s team is very proactive with HDHMR promotion and support (they’ve heavily pushed adoption, so they tend to follow up on customer feedback). Greenpanel, while supportive, operates often through their established dealer channels from plywood days – support is there but perhaps a bit more formal. Hard to quantify; local dealer quality matters more. But if you foresee needing a lot of tech support or special customization (like ordering odd sizes, etc.), Action might be more accommodating given their product breadth. That added service can be a value factor.
Sustainability and Health Value: Greenpanel’s eco-friendly manufacturing may have intangible value – maybe you can earn points in green certification or just feel better using it. If one believes in internal air quality, an E0 board like Greenpanel’s could mean fewer worries about formaldehyde over the years – that’s a health value that is hard to price but certainly beneficial. Action Tesa’s ViroKill adds value in specific contexts (e.g., hospital furniture – value in germ resistance). If none of these specific features matter to you, then it’s purely cost vs identical function, in which case Greenpanel’s lower price yields better value.
Availability and Lead Times: Value includes how readily you can get the product when needed (time = money in projects). Depending on location, if one brand is easier to source, that one provides better project value. In many cities, both are easily available; in some, one might have to ship from another city. For example, if you’re in a region where Action Tesa has a warehouse but Greenpanel doesn’t, the readily available Action Tesa might avoid delays – which is a value. Vice versa too. So consider local context: sometimes paying a tiny premium for the brand that can deliver immediately avoids labor downtime – a good value trade-off.
Reputation with Clients: Value also can be client satisfaction and confidence. If a client has heard only of Action Tesa and you present Greenpanel, they might worry it’s a compromise (even if it’s not). Conversely, some savvy clients know Greenpanel’s lineage and prefer it. Using a brand that instills confidence can lead to smoother approvals and perceived value in the final product. Both brands have good reputations, but Action Tesa has slightly more public consumer marketing (ads, etc.), while Greenpanel is known more in trade and corporate circuits. So if your client values brand name, that might tilt value perception.
Longevity and ROI: Both boards will likely outlast many other interior elements (hinges, finishes). They are a small portion of overall interior cost but critical for longevity. Given equal performance, going with the less expensive brand (if indeed there is a price gap in your case) increases ROI simply by reducing cost for same life. If a differentiating feature (like anti-bac or warranty) prevents even one issue (like a fungal outbreak or a replacement job), that brand’s choice pays for itself. For example, if in a humid climate Action’s antimicrobial property prevented mold where another board might not – it’s hard to quantify, but that could save cleaning or replacement. Or if in 10 years a Greenpanel board shows zero emission issues whereas a higher-emission board caused some minor air quality annoyance, you’ve gained health ROI.
Overall, both Action Tesa and Greenpanel HDHMR boards offer excellent value for money in the engineered wood market – they are more expensive than MDF or local particle boards, yes, but they deliver performance akin to premium plywood in many respects (still cheaper than marine plywood of top grade). Between the two, Greenpanel likely gives you slightly more value in pure cost-performance ratio, whereas Action Tesa might give value via added assurances and options. Your decision might hinge on which type of value you prioritize.
Now, let’s clarify some common queries in the FAQs to wrap up this comparison:
FAQs
Which board is better for a modular kitchen, Greenpanel’s HDWR or Action Tesa’s HDHMR?
Answer: Both Greenpanel HDWR and Action Tesa HDHMR are excellent for modular kitchens, and in practical use you wouldn’t notice a difference in performance. They are both waterproof enough for kitchen conditions (with proper edge sealing) and termite-proof. If we nitpick, Action Tesa’s board might come with the reassurance of that lifetime warranty and things like anti-bacterial surface, which some modular kitchen brands highlight as a feature. Greenpanel’s board offers the advantage of very low formaldehyde emissions (E0 grade in some cases), which is nice for indoor air quality especially in a kitchen where you spend a lot of time. From a strength and durability perspective, they’re on par – your cabinets will be strong and long-lasting with either. Many contractors choose based on availability and price: if one is easier to get or a bit cheaper, they’ll go with that. So, the decision can come down to small factors: If you value the brand name that your customer recognizes (some retail customers know “Action Tesa HDHMR” due to advertising), Action Tesa might give a comfort factor. If you prefer a slightly more eco-friendly product for a home kitchen, Greenpanel is appealing. In short, there’s no wrong choice; both will do the job admirably. It could even boil down to the color of the core or the dealer service. For the end user, the kitchen built from either will function and look equally great.
Do Action Tesa and Greenpanel boards have any weight difference or one is easier to work with?
Answer: The weight of the boards is very similar since their densities are close. A standard 18mm 8×4 sheet from either brand will weigh around 40–45 kg. Greenpanel’s might be just slightly lighter (a few kg less) if its density is a tad lower, but it’s not a big enough difference to sway a project. Both are heavy compared to plywood or MDF, so handling requires manpower or machinery regardless. In terms of workability, carpenters don’t report any major difference. Both cut well with carbide tools and route nicely for CNC patterns (no chip-out, smooth edges). Some have noted that Action Tesa boards feel a bit harder – perhaps due to certain additives – but with proper blades, that’s not an issue. Drilling and screwing techniques are the same for both (pilot holes recommended, use confirmat screws for best hold). There’s no inherent property in one that makes it significantly easier or harder to saw or shape than the other. So from an installer’s perspective, they are virtually interchangeable in workload. Any perceived difference might come from how fresh the boards are (a board stored longer might be slightly stiffer due to moisture content differences, etc., but that’s situational). In summary, expect similar weight and workability – choose the board based on other factors, not because one is physically easier to handle than the other (they’re both heavy-duty boards).
Are there differences in termite or water resistance between the two brands’ boards?
Answer: No significant differences – both boards are rated termite-proof and highly water-resistant, and real-world use backs that up. Action Tesa explicitly markets its HDHMR as termite and borer proof (and even tags boards with unique QR codes to guarantee authenticity). Greenpanel likewise assures termite resistance due to the compact fiber core and chemical treatment. Termites generally do not attack either – one user example: in a house, regular plywood got termite damage but the HDHMR cabinets (some were Action, some Greenpanel) stayed untouched. As for water, both are engineered to not warp or delaminate under humidity or minor water contact – they behave more like a very water-resistant hardwood. If you left a piece of each submerged in water for a long time, both would swell some (they’re not fully waterproof like plastic), but short of extreme testing, they handle kitchen/bath conditions excellently. There isn’t any data suggesting, say, Action’s swells 3% vs Greenpanel’s 4% – they’re in the same ballpark. One difference: Action Tesa offers a separate product “Boilo” which is boiling waterproof (but that’s not their standard HDHMR; Greenpanel doesn’t offer an equivalent in fiberboard, they’d use marine ply for that). But standard-to-standard, you can expect equal termite and moisture performance. Always ensure edges are sealed on whichever you use – that’s key to maintain their resistance (both brands emphasize sealing cut edges to maintain moisture resistance). If you do that, both will serve you extremely well against pests and water.
Which brand’s HDHMR is more environmentally friendly or safe for home interiors?
Answer: Both brands produce their boards in compliance with environmental standards, but Greenpanel has an edge on environmental friendliness and low chemical emissions. Greenpanel uses biomass-based energy in its factories and offers E0/E1 grade boards (E0 being ultra low formaldehyde emission, practically no off-gassing). This means Greenpanel HDWR is very safe for home interiors, even for children’s rooms or enclosed spaces – minimal VOC release. Action Tesa’s standard HDHMR is typically E1 grade (which is already considered safe – emission under 0.1 ppm). So both are safe, but Greenpanel’s can be virtually zero emission. If someone in the home has sensitivities or you just want the greenest option, Greenpanel might be preferred. Additionally, Greenpanel’s sourcing of raw material is from sustainable plantations, and they market themselves as a green company (they were part of Greenply, which had a strong environmental compliance record). Action Tesa also uses plantation wood and meets IS standards for emissions, but they don’t heavily advertise an E0 product in HDHMR (their focus has been more on antibacterial and fire-retardant aspects). So, for an eco-conscious choice, Greenpanel likely gives you a slightly higher comfort level. However, it’s not to say Action Tesa’s board is harmful – it isn’t; it’s used in countless homes safely. It’s just about degrees of green. If indoor air quality and sustainability are top priorities, mention to your dealer you want Greenpanel’s E0 grade HDWR and they’ll supply that.
Is there a price difference between Action Tesa and Greenpanel, and how much should I budget for each in 2025?
Answer: Yes, typically Greenpanel HDWR is a bit more economical than Action Tesa HDHMR for the same thickness. In 2025, rough market prices in many places are: - Action Tesa HDHMR 18mm: around ₹100–₹110 per sq.ft (that’s ₹3200–₹3520 per 8×4 sheet). - Greenpanel HDWR 18mm: around ₹90–₹100 per sq.ft (₹2880–₹3200 per sheet). This could translate to maybe a 5-10% price difference. For 12mm, similarly, maybe Action ~₹75 and Greenpanel ~₹70 per sq.ft. These figures can vary by region and dealer. In some regions, the gap may be slightly larger if one brand is trying to gain market share. But generally, Action Tesa is positioned at a small premium. When budgeting, if you calculate with Action Tesa’s higher figure, you’re safe – if you then opt for Greenpanel, you might come under budget slightly. For instance, if you have 1000 sq.ft of boards to buy (approx 32 sheets of 18mm), at ₹100 that’s ₹100k; at ₹95 that’s ₹95k – ₹5k saved with Greenpanel. Not a huge difference, but on big projects it adds up. Keep in mind prices are pre-GST; also, these are for plain boards. Prelaminated will cost extra (both charge ~₹10-₹15/sq.ft more for prelam). In summary, budgeting ₹100/sq.ft for HDHMR is a safe ballpark. You might get Greenpanel for a bit less. If opting for Action Tesa and if your dealer doesn’t give any discount, account for that slightly higher number. Always check local prices, as material costs can fluctuate with raw material prices and demand.
Which brand has better after-sales support or warranty service for their boards?
Answer: Both Action Tesa and Greenpanel are established companies that generally stand by their products. However, Action Tesa has been very aggressive in warranty and support for HDHMR, even offering things like 4x money-back guarantee if their board fails against termites or moisture. That indicates a strong commitment to after-sales resolution (though one hopes you never need to claim it). Their representatives often engage with carpenters and clients if any issue arises, since they are pushing HDHMR adoption. Greenpanel, on the other hand, provides a solid 15-year warranty but doesn’t have the flashy guarantee. Their after-sales tends to be through the dealer network: if an issue comes up (say a sheet was delaminated or something), the dealer and company will replace it or refund as appropriate. There aren’t many reports of issues because these boards rarely fail if used correctly. If you did have a claim, Action Tesa’s processes might be more straightforward or quicker simply because they’ve publicly made big promises, so they’ll want to honor them swiftly to maintain trust. Greenpanel will honor genuine claims too, but it might go through the usual bureaucracy (documentation, inspection, etc.). For most buyers, both companies offer reliable support – your experience may ultimately depend on the specific dealer or distributor you bought from (a good dealer will assist you with either brand’s claim). So, I’d say Action Tesa edges out slightly in perceived after-sales enthusiasm (due to their marketing focus on it), but Greenpanel’s support is also dependable though perhaps more low-key. It’s wise to register your purchase or keep invoices in case you need to avail warranty from either.
Conclusion:
Action Tesa and Greenpanel are both winners in the HDHMR arena. The choice between them can be tailored to your priorities:
- If you value slightly lower cost, eco-friendliness, and don’t need extra frills, Greenpanel HDWR is a fantastic choice, delivering top performance and possibly saving you some budget. It’s especially appealing for those who want sustainable, healthy interiors without compromising on durability.
- If you value brand reputation, additional product features (like anti-bacterial tech, fire-retardant options) and a bold warranty, Action Tesa HDHMR might sway you, giving confidence and one-stop options for various needs. It’s the brand often synonymous with HDHMR, backed by visible commitments to quality.
In truth, you can’t go wrong with either – many professionals even use them interchangeably based on availability and price. Your cabinets, furniture, or panels will be sturdy, moisture-safe and long-lasting with either brand’s HDHMR board. Consider what matters most for your project: cost, sustainability, warranty, or simply supply logistics, and decide accordingly. Sometimes the choice may simply come down to which is readily in stock when you need it!
For personalized advice or to get quotes on both brands, feel free to reach out for a quote or consultation. We can help you source genuine Action Tesa or Greenpanel boards at competitive prices and even suggest where each might fit best in your project.
Happy building with HDHMR – whichever brand you choose, you’re investing in a material that brings you the best of wood’s strength and none of its weaknesses!
Explore Further: Curious about how HDHMR compares to other materials? Check our hdhmr-vs-plywood-which-is-better for a deep dive on engineered board vs traditional plywood. Or read top-hdhmr-board-brands-india to see where Action and Greenpanel stand among others.
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.