A Guide to Types of Plywood
Here's a mini guide on the various classifications, makes and uses of plywood
Aditi Sharma Maheshwari
6 June 2018
Blogger, dog mom
Plywood is a strong, thin wooden board made of two or more layers of wood, glued and pressed together. However, over time plywood has become a generic term that refers to all types of engineered or natural wood panels. It is used to build chairs, tables, consoles or shelves. It can also be used for flooring or as accents on walls and ceilings or for construction.
Here are the different kinds of plywoods available in India, and the alternatives to it.
Here are the different kinds of plywoods available in India, and the alternatives to it.
Hardwood
This type of plywood is made from veneers or wood obtained from teak, red oak, gurjan or birch. Since this wood is obtained from hardwood trees, this type of plywood tends to be stronger, longer-lasting and more durable. It has a smooth, uniform surface and is mostly used for making furniture and doors or for construction work such as scaffolding, flooring, handrails, panelling or kitchen countertops.
This type of plywood is made from veneers or wood obtained from teak, red oak, gurjan or birch. Since this wood is obtained from hardwood trees, this type of plywood tends to be stronger, longer-lasting and more durable. It has a smooth, uniform surface and is mostly used for making furniture and doors or for construction work such as scaffolding, flooring, handrails, panelling or kitchen countertops.
Softwood
Softwood plywood is manufactured from veneers or from wood obtained from mango, spruce, pine or fir trees. Unlike hardwood, softwood has a non-uniform look. Since softwood comes from faster-growing trees and the wood is less dense, furniture made using this wood tends to be less expensive than pieces made from hardwood. It is not very resistant to moisture and is prone to surface cracks, although it can be constructed with moisture-resistant glue for specific purposes. Softwood, due to its relatively weaker constitution compared to hardwood, is used with other sturdy materials to create structures, say wall and roof casing, and for sub-floors (the bottom-most layer of the floor).
These are the best materials that can substitute for solid wood
Softwood plywood is manufactured from veneers or from wood obtained from mango, spruce, pine or fir trees. Unlike hardwood, softwood has a non-uniform look. Since softwood comes from faster-growing trees and the wood is less dense, furniture made using this wood tends to be less expensive than pieces made from hardwood. It is not very resistant to moisture and is prone to surface cracks, although it can be constructed with moisture-resistant glue for specific purposes. Softwood, due to its relatively weaker constitution compared to hardwood, is used with other sturdy materials to create structures, say wall and roof casing, and for sub-floors (the bottom-most layer of the floor).
These are the best materials that can substitute for solid wood
Marine
Marine plywood or marine-grade wood is a good-quality type of plywood made from hardwood with waterproof glue. It is used for construction of boats and boat parts, because it is lightweight, strong and almost entirely free of defects. It is manufactured with no gaps or cracks in it, to prevent water from getting trapped in voids between the sheets. Marine-grade plywood, despite its name, isn’t resistant to mould, mildew, or rot from moisture; however, manufacturers treat it with preservatives and a protective finish so it can be made weather-resistant and used for outdoor furniture. After treatment it is ideal for coastal areas.
Marine plywood or marine-grade wood is a good-quality type of plywood made from hardwood with waterproof glue. It is used for construction of boats and boat parts, because it is lightweight, strong and almost entirely free of defects. It is manufactured with no gaps or cracks in it, to prevent water from getting trapped in voids between the sheets. Marine-grade plywood, despite its name, isn’t resistant to mould, mildew, or rot from moisture; however, manufacturers treat it with preservatives and a protective finish so it can be made weather-resistant and used for outdoor furniture. After treatment it is ideal for coastal areas.
Alternatives to plywood:
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard)
This is an engineered wood, which is prepared by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals, combining them with wax and a resin binder, and forming panels. MDF has a smooth finish and so is ideal for vinyl veneer coating. It is among the most durable woods. and due to its strength, is used for making tables, chairs, shelves, almirahs and flooring.
Wondering what to choose – wood veneer or laminate?
MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard)
This is an engineered wood, which is prepared by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals, combining them with wax and a resin binder, and forming panels. MDF has a smooth finish and so is ideal for vinyl veneer coating. It is among the most durable woods. and due to its strength, is used for making tables, chairs, shelves, almirahs and flooring.
Wondering what to choose – wood veneer or laminate?
Particle board
Particle board or low-density fibreboard is made of wood chips, sawdust and synthetic resin, all glued together and pressed into sheets. To make this product water-resistant and insect-proof, chemicals like wax and dyes are used. However, in terms of strength, this is not the most durable type of plywood. This is why it is commonly used beneath laminates on countertops and as accents around windows, doors, floors and ceilings in the form of trims and moulding.
Read more:
Can Exposed Plywood Make Your House Proud?
Tell us:
What kind of plywood have you used in your home? Share your ideas and experiences in Comments below.
Particle board or low-density fibreboard is made of wood chips, sawdust and synthetic resin, all glued together and pressed into sheets. To make this product water-resistant and insect-proof, chemicals like wax and dyes are used. However, in terms of strength, this is not the most durable type of plywood. This is why it is commonly used beneath laminates on countertops and as accents around windows, doors, floors and ceilings in the form of trims and moulding.
Read more:
Can Exposed Plywood Make Your House Proud?
Tell us:
What kind of plywood have you used in your home? Share your ideas and experiences in Comments below.
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