Types of Plywood: A Guide to Selecting the Right One

July 6, 2022|12:54 pm
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The affordability of plywood makes it a popular choice for furniture needs in every household. Considering its aesthetics and durability, plywood is one of the most preferred construction materials nowadays.

Carpenters and interior designers all around the world adore plywood as it overcomes all the disadvantages of traditional solid wood such as shrinking, cracking, and warping. Plywood is an engineered wood that is manufactured by gluing together thin slices of wood called veneers.

There are several types of plywood available on the market. They can be classified by the type of wood they use, their grade, and the technology they employ. Let’s understand which type of plywood is ideal for your application.

The Wood used in Plywood
Hardwood Plywood
Hardwood plywood is a strong plywood panel that is made of core veneers of certified hardwood timber such as teak, gurjan, and eucalyptus. The plywood panels made of hardwood timber are extremely durable and can withstand a greater load effectively.

Hardwood plywood is a reliable and affordable option compared to solid wood as it offers all the advantages of solid wood. Hence, hardwood plywood is suitable for applications that require increased strength and durability.

Softwood Plywood
Softwood plywood is manufactured from softwoods and is used primarily in the construction industry for structural applications. Even though softwood plywood is regarded as inferior to hardwood plywood, it has its own advantages to offer. The softwood plywood has increased nail holding capacity and is less likely to break. As softwoods are available in abundance and grow faster, softwood plywood is much cheaper than hardwood plywoods.

The Resin/Glue used in Plywood
Boiling Water Proof (BWP) Plywood
The resin used in manufacturing plywood determines whether it is waterproof or not. As per BIS, BWP-grade plywood is made using PF resin. BWF is ideal for applications, such as kitchens and bathrooms, where moisture is expected or in extreme weather conditions. Among all waterproof plywood types, boiling waterproof plywood has the highest water resistance.

Moisture Resistance(MR) Grade Plywood
The MR-grade plywood is manufactured using Urea Formaldehyde resin. Even though the MR grade plywood can resist water to an extent, you cannot expect it to withstand moisture for a long period like the BWP grade plywood. The MR grade plywood is ideal for interior applications and it is much more affordable compared to the BWP plywood.

At Plymarc, we are committed to providing you with the highest quality plywood for a beautiful and better home. We offer a diverse range of products that fit every interior and exterior application.

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