Masonite is made from wood fibers, specifically hardwood fibers that are compressed and heated under pressure. This process creates a dense, rigid, and durable material that is often used as a building material.

Here's a more detailed breakdown:

1. Wood is ground into fibers: Hardwood (like poplar, aspen, or basswood) is ground into very fine fibers.

2. Fibers are mixed with binders and water: The fibers are mixed with a binder (like resin) and water to form a slurry.

3. Slurry is pressed and heated: The slurry is pressed between heated plates, removing the water and bonding the fibers together under pressure.

4. The resulting sheet is dried and cut: The compressed and hardened sheet is then dried and cut to the desired size.

The specific composition of Masonite can vary depending on the type and grade, but the basic principle of using compressed wood fibers remains the same.