Crossword Genius

Firm management may assist in house construction (9)

Ross

I believe the answer is:

hardboard

I'm a little stuck... Click here to teach me more about this clue!

'assist in house construction' is the definition.
Although both the answer and definition are singular nouns, I can't understand how one could define the other.

'firm management' is the wordplay.
'firm' becomes 'hard' (both can mean durable or strong).
'management' becomes 'board' (eg the board managing a business).
'hard'+'board'='HARDBOARD'

'may' acts as a link.

Can you help me to learn more?

(Other definitions for hardboard that I've seen before include "DIY material" , "Stuff for backing" , "Building material" , "Stiff sheet(s) of compressed wood pulp etc" , "Sheet made from compressed sawdust and resin" .)

I've seen this clue in The Globe and Mail.
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