Know All About Plywood and Where to Use it 2021

Plywood is commonly used in construction and manufacturing. We see this magic material being used in home interiors and large buildings. In fact, some versions of plywood are also used in shipbuilding. How does plywood play such an important role in your home interiors? And should you choose this material over other options available in the market? Read on to know everything about plywood in your home interiors.

What is Plywood?

Plywood is an engineered wood made by gluing together thin veneer sheets with a resin under high pressure. Thus creating a thick, strong, and flexible flat sheet. It is usually most preferred as it is cheaper than wood and doesn't get warped or shrink in the long run.

Features of Plywood

Over time solid wood furniture has become untenable due to the lack of availability of wood. Ever since, plywood has been the preferred material for making fixed furniture like wardrobes and kitchen cabinets, beds, and tables. There are many types of plywood and you can make your choice of material based on your specific needs.

Here are some of the features of plywood boards:

• The number of plies determines the thickness of the board, which is available in odd numbers for dimensional stability. The minimum number of plies is 3, while 5 and 7 plies are also commonly available.

• Grades of plywood define the quality and appearance of the board, with ‘A’ signifying the best quality and ‘D’ the lowest.

• The boards are commonly available in sheets of 4’ x 8’ or 3’ x 7’, with thickness ranging from 1/8th inch to 1 ¼ inch.

• Usually, starting price ranges from Rs 45 per sq ft (for 6 mm thick water-resistant boards) to Rs 30 per sq ft (for commercial boards from reputed manufacturers like Greenply and Duroply).

• Plywood is available as pre-laminated and pre-veneered boards. While this option reduces the execution time, the range of finishes available is very limited.

• Plywood has high strength and durability and holds screws well without splintering.

• It is cheaper than wood but more expensive than MDF and particleboard.

• Plywood can be reused and recycled. It is considered to be more environmentally friendly than solid wood. However, resins and glue used can cause harmful emissions in the long run.

• To prevent off-gassing, buy plywood that is manufactured using ‘green’ processes. Don’t forget to ensure that all surfaces are sealed completely.

• Due to its layered construction, plywood cannot be shaped or routed like MDF.

• Exposure to water can cause damage to the board. However, this is minimized in the case of water-resistant and waterproof boards. They are also known as Marine boards.

• The surface is raw and must be finished using laminate, veneer, or paint.

Types of Plywood Available in the Market

1. Commercial Plywood

Commercial ply is not resistant to dampness or moisture exposure. It can be used for furniture, cabinets, or wardrobes in dry areas like bedrooms or living rooms. It has better resistance as compared to MDF. MDF easily swells up and gets damaged when exposed to even a little bit of moisture.

2. Marine Plywood

The most superior quality of ply available, marine ply is waterproof. It can be used in exterior applications as it does not get damaged even when immersed in water. The ply is also known as Boiling Waterproof (BWP) ply.

3. Water-Resistant BWP Ply

Water-resistant plywood is suitable for areas lying in high humidity, like bathrooms and kitchens. It is also called Boiling Water Resistant (BWR) ply.

4. Softwood and Hardwood

Softwood is a wood obtained from non-deciduous trees, like cedar and pine. Plywood from softwood is cheaper than that from hardwood, like teak, walnut or rosewood. Hardwood boards are stronger and more durable than softwood boards.

5. Decorative Plywood

Decorative plywood is veneered on the surface with a thin layer of natural wood. The surface has the qualities of natural wood, with natural grains. It can be sanded and polished like real wood.

6. Fire Retardant Plywood

Fire retardant plywood has low flammability, low flame penetration, and a low burning rate. Although not fireproof, it can withstand a fire long enough, allowing people to safely evacuate the premises.

Choosing the Right Plywood for Your Home

Now that you are equipped with all the information you need on the features and types of plywood, you can make the right material choices for your home! If your home is in a coastal area, think of using water-resistant or waterproof boards to withstand humidity in the air. Commercial ply can be used in areas that are not exposed to moisture, while water-resistant ply can be used in kitchens and bathrooms for greater durability. Want more guidance with respect to your home interiors? The Classic Infrahomes team can help you make all the right décor decisions!