Update : 21. October 2020 | Categories : Garage
Few people realise that there are different types of plywood until you have a reason to need it in large quantities for a specific use. We then know all the estimates, types and prices.
Plywood has been a popular option for decades, and homeowners often use plywood as an alternative to solid wood for everything, including housing.
Unlike other building materials, plywood is not only versatile, but also extremely inexpensive and offers the beauty of bare wood and great structural stability.
Plywood is available in different finishes and has a wide range of applications including flooring, roofing, wall panels, cabinets, furniture and home improvement projects.
13 types of plywood
In this guide we discuss the different types of plywood, so you can make the right choice for your project and save both time and money.
We also give you the typical prices you can expect to pay for a plywood panel of the most common size, measuring 4 feet by 8 feet and 1/2 inch thick. Of course, these prices vary depending on the type of wood. We will introduce 13 types and prices of plywood and then move on to plywood categories.
1) Softwood plywood
Typical price: $42.57
Softwood plywood is generally made from spruce, pine, cedar, mahogany, spruce or douglas-fir and is used in industry and construction for roofing, underlayment and exterior frames. Softwood plywood is also used for shelving, temporary decks and awnings.
Softwood plywood is not normally offered for outdoor applications. Although it is a strong and durable material, it does not have the properties that make it weatherproof when used outdoors.
2) Hardwood plywood
Typical price: $35.95
Made from porcupine wood such as maple, oak, birch, beech, mahogany, walnut, etc. Hardwood plywood has 3 to 7 layers glued at right angles to obtain an extremely durable surface.
Hardwood plywood has excellent stiffness and creep resistance and is used for applications such as furniture, sports equipment, packaging cases, musical instruments and other projects that require strong, durable frames.
Due to its high impact resistance and the flat hardwood plywood it is suitable for high-strength wall and floor constructions, doors, furniture and cabinets.
Due to its smooth surface, hardwood plywood is known as interior plywood and has excellent hardness, durability and resistance to damage.
3) Aviation plywood
Typical price: $184.99
It is the strongest type of plywood available and uses hardwoods such as spruce, mahogany and birch and adhesives to make strong boards that are resistant to moisture and heat.
Made from very thin aerospace grade plywood, it is flexible and light, yet extremely strong for the toughest applications. Aircraft plywood is usually made from birch or European spruce plywood.
African mahogany and birch veneer are then hot-pressed on hardwood cores such as poplar or beech.
Another type of aircraft plywood, linden, is softer and lighter than birch and mahogany plywood, but its structural strength is lower.
In general, aircraft plywood is used in projects where industrial strength wood is needed, for example in boats, airplanes and furniture that have to carry a lot of weight.
Aircraft plywood was originally used during the Second World War for the construction of air attack aircraft and fighter aircraft.
4) Tropical plywood
Typical price: $79.99
Tropical plywood, which is native to Asia, is made from mixed types of tropical wood. Tropical plywood is now also produced in South America and Africa.
In terms of quality, strength, density and uniformity of the layers, tropical plywood is much better than softwood plywood.
Tropical plywood is widely used in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Japan, Taiwan, Dubai, Korea, etc. Tropical plywood of high quality is generally sold at high prices in various markets. Because of its low cost, tropical plywood is used in construction in several countries.
5) Outer plywood
Typical price: $46.57
The main concern is how he manages the plywood elements outside. With a water and weather resistant adhesive that holds the plywood together, outdoor plywood can withstand rain, wind, snow and other weather conditions for years.
Outer plywood consists of several veneers glued together, which are classified as multi-layers, giving it extra strength. Outer plywood is a strong, stable and reliable frame that is durable and resistant.
You can choose different types of wood for outdoor plywood, depending on the climate in the region where you live. In regions with difficult climatic conditions, hardwood, such as oak, is highly resistant to fungus caused by humidity.
6) Plywood
Typical price: $51.61
It normally consists of three layers, i.e. two thin veneer layers on each side, between which lies the thick core of a rigid board of strips of wood glued together. Wood-core plywood is an excellent choice for building wide or long planks in cabinets and cupboards.
The flexibility of the plywood core and the ability of the plywood inner core to easily grip screws make it an excellent choice for projects requiring high screw tightness.
A disadvantage, however, is that the processing of basic plywood is relatively poor. It may contain voids that reduce the strength and ability to hold screws.
7) Marine plywood
Typical price: $85.99
Made from a core veneer with a strong surface layer, marine plywood performs better in wet conditions and is more resistant to fungal decay and delamination.
The construction of maritime plywood makes it possible to use it in areas where it is exposed to moisture for long periods of time.
Each wood veneer is made from tropical hardwoods such as Douglas Fir or Western Larch, which are among the highest quality woods, with a very small gap between the cores reducing the possibility of water penetration into the veneer, ensuring a stable and durable bond.
Maritime plywood is coated with a water-repellent exterior adhesive that helps repel water, making it resistant to moderate moisture, but not completely waterproof.
In order to be suitable for use at sea, the plywood must be free of indentations in the layers and a high-quality waterproof adhesive must be used between the layers. This ensures that the adhesive does not stop working even when the wood is wet or damp.
Maritime plywood is often used for outdoor furniture and decorative ornaments such as benches, garden sheds and planters.
8) Plywood overlay
Typical price: $54.99
Also known as decorative plywood, overlay plywood is either MDO (medium density) or HDO (high density).
Overlay plywood has the same layers as other types of plywood such as oak, ash, maple, birch, mahogany, teak, red oak, rosewood or other hardwoods and is finished with a thin veneer layer of certain decorative woods.
The assembled plywood gives the plywood a finished appearance. Veneer not only makes the surface more beautiful, but also more durable and more resistant to scratches, water and other damage.
Normally, the outer surfaces of the veneer are connected by pressure and heat. HDO plywood panels contain more resin than MDO panels, making them more expensive.
However, both qualities can make finished projects stronger and more durable than traditional plywood.
9) Structural plywood
Typical price: $39.99
Structural plywood is also called shell plywood and is most suitable for use in frame structures and durable building constructions. Structural plywood is strong and durable, but has an unfinished appearance and is not made visible.
Later it has to be covered with wood or another material. Structural plywood requires a very strong adhesive to hold the bonded layers, and this is certainly a given.
Although structural plywood is not as weather-resistant as other types of plywood, it can still be used indoors and outdoors for frames, floors, joists and mounting panels, as it is usually clad with a different material.
Structural plywood is generally wood of C or D quality and therefore relatively cheap, but may not have the higher performance properties required for large exterior structures.
10) Moisture resistant plywood
Typical price: $66.99
Also known as MR plywood or commercial plywood, this plywood is often used in interior applications. From cabinets to furniture, plywood is resistant to moisture in humid and wet conditions, making it a good choice in tropical areas. However, the MR layer is not waterproof.
11) Boil water resistant plywood (BWR) and boil water resistant plywood (BWP)
Typical price: $48.77
This plywood is often used for indoor and outdoor applications. Plywood is waterproof and therefore suitable for all weather conditions.
It is often used in kitchens and bathrooms where there is a lot of water. Because of its impenetrable properties, plywood is also used for cladding stairs and exterior walls.
12) Sand plywood
Typical price: $60.98
When sanding plywood, the face, top and bottom layer are sanded to make them even and smooth. It has a high quality finish and a good strength-to-weight ratio.
In general, sanded plywood is used in places where it can be seen, such as B. for the production of cabinets, panels and shelves. Sanded plywood is also strong and can be used for structural purposes.
13) Flexible plywood
Typical price: $49.99
It is generally used to make curved pieces and follows a carpentry practice dating back to the 1850s. It is generally available in 1/8 or 3/8 thickness instead of 1/2.
Mostly airplane plywood, like. B. Baltic birch, consisting of 3 or more layers, such as. B. A 3-layer curved mahogany board or a curved board with a very fine cross-grained middle layer and 2 outer layers, either cross-grained or long-grained.
When the desired curve is reached, the wiggle board is glued in two layers so that the final shape is stiff and resistant to any movement. Decorative veneer is often added as a surface layer.
GradePlywood
There are four types of plywood: A, B, C and D. In that order they vary from the most expensive and visually attractive to the least expensive.
High-quality adhesives with front and back are used in the assessment. Grade D consists of wood and glue of the lowest quality and has no veneer surface.
Sorting on plywood
The types and qualities of plywood vary depending on the intended use. They are divided into five main classes, which are described below.
Exterior Rating – These panels are waterproof and designed for use in durable exterior structures for structures that may be exposed to adverse weather conditions.
Exposure Class 1 – They are also waterproof and can be exposed to the elements, but should not be exposed to the elements for long periods of time.
Impact assessment 2 – These panels are not intended for outdoor use because they are not completely waterproof. They can tolerate some moisture, but not for long. They are designed to finish the interior.
Indoor Rating – designed for indoor use in dry conditions. They must not be exposed to moisture of any kind for prolonged periods of time.
Structure 1 – They are specially designed to withstand vibrations and movements caused by earthquakes.
Plywood layers
In terms of veneer, each layer of veneer is stacked on top of each other. This affects the thickness, so a 5-layer plate is thicker than a 3-layer plate of the same type.
The 3-layer is the most common, usually about 1/10 of an inch thick. It is mainly used indoors in more decorative scenarios.
The 5-layer is 1/6 to 1/8 inch thick and is used both indoors and outdoors, but not for framing solid structures.
Multiple layers vary from 7 to more than 7 layers. Its solidity and durability make it a valuable tool for the construction of frames and roofs for outdoor constructions.
All types of plywood for various applications
When choosing plywood for your project, it is important to understand the differences between the different types of plywood, as some types are better suited to some projects than others.
Choosing the wrong type of wood can completely ruin your work (over time, anyway). So, now that you have read our article, you can choose the right types of plywood for your next project.
You can also:
Editor: Rick Sausage
Rick is a home design consultant and enthusiast whose life revolves around everything that has to do with home and garden. What started as a hobby has become a true mine of information and inspiration for both professionals and owners. Rick owns and publishes many of our content providers. To find out more about Rick and the operation, click here.
Related Tags:
plywood grades cdx,hardwood plywood grades,plywood grades uk,plywood grades in india,aa grade plywood,baltic birch plywood grades,Is plywood used for furniture?Specialized furniture-grade plywood is often used in furniture. This type of wood has a specific hardwood surface veneer, and it is used in bare furniture, wall paneling and cabinetry. Because of how plywood is treated and stained, there is also a great deal of variety that buyers can enjoy when it comes to purchasing plywood for furniture.What is plywood used for?Plywood is an extremely versatile product, and it can be used in a wide variety of applications, based on various factors like reinforcing layers and decorative surfacing. Because of its strength and affordability, it is often used in both interior and exterior construction applications, ranging from things like formwork to internal paneling. Application is based on four types of plywood design, which include: structural, exterior, interior, and marine.How thick is plywood?Plywood thicknesses vary according to what the pieces are being used for. If the plywood is being used a support, it needs to be thicker and sturdier than if it is being used as a veneer. Normal plywood thicknesses may vary from an eighth of an inch to as much as one and a quarter of an inch. Specialized types of plywood may have even more variety when it comes to their thicknesses.What is luan plywood?Luan is the name for a common variety of plywood used in the United States. It may also be known by an alternative spelling of lauan. This wood comes from trees of the Shorea genus, and they are renowned for how straight they grow, which makes the manufacturing process easier and more efficient. The wood offers both durability and flexibility, making it a versatility option.What is MDO plywood?MDO, which stands for medium density overlay, is a type of plywood panel that showcases a paintable surface with weather-resistant resin overlay. This overlay is bonded with pressure and heat, and it is designed to stand against the elements much more efficiently than many other varieties of plywood.Show moreShow less,Is plywood used for furniture?Specialized furniture-grade plywood is often used in furniture. This type of wood has a specific hardwood surface veneer, and it is used in bare furniture, wall paneling and cabinetry. Because of how plywood is treated and stained, there is also a great deal of variety that buyers can enjoy when it comes to purchasing plywood for furniture.What is plywood used for?Plywood is an extremely versatile product, and it can be used in a wide variety of applications, based on various factors like reinforcing layers and decorative surfacing. Because of its strength and affordability, it is often used in both interior and exterior construction applications, ranging from things like formwork to internal paneling. Application is based on four types of plywood design, which include: structural, exterior, interior, and marine.How thick is plywood?Plywood thicknesses vary according to what the pieces are being used for. If the plywood is being used a support, it needs to be thicker and sturdier than if it is being used as a veneer. Normal plywood thicknesses may vary from an eighth of an inch to as much as one and a quarter of an inch. Specialized types of plywood may have even more variety when it comes to their thicknesses.What is luan plywood?Luan is the name for a common variety of plywood used in the United States. It may also be known by an alternative spelling of lauan. This wood comes from trees of the Shorea genus, and they are renowned for how straight they grow, which makes the manufacturing process easier and more efficient. The wood offers both durability and flexibility, making it a versatility option.What is MDO plywood?MDO, which stands for medium density overlay, is a type of plywood panel that showcases a paintable surface with weather-resistant resin overlay. This overlay is bonded with pressure and heat, and it is designed to stand against the elements much more efficiently than many other varieties of plywood.,Specialized furniture-grade plywood is often used in furniture. This type of wood has a specific hardwood surface veneer, and it is used in bare furniture, wall paneling and cabinetry. Because of how plywood is treated and stained, there is also a great deal of variety that buyers can enjoy when it comes to purchasing plywood for furniture.,Plywood is an extremely versatile product, and it can be used in a wide variety of applications, based on various factors like reinforcing layers and decorative surfacing. Because of its strength and affordability, it is often used in both interior and exterior construction applications, ranging from things like formwork to internal paneling. Application is based on four types of plywood design, which include: structural, exterior, interior, and marine.,Plywood thicknesses vary according to what the pieces are being used for. If the plywood is being used a support, it needs to be thicker and sturdier than if it is being used as a veneer. Normal plywood thicknesses may vary from an eighth of an inch to as much as one and a quarter of an inch. Specialized types of plywood may have even more variety when it comes to their thicknesses.,What is luan plywood?Luan is the name for a common variety of plywood used in the United States. It may also be known by an alternative spelling of lauan. This wood comes from trees of the Shorea genus, and they are renowned for how straight they grow, which makes the manufacturing process easier and more efficient. The wood offers both durability and flexibility, making it a versatility option.What is MDO plywood?MDO, which stands for medium density overlay, is a type of plywood panel that showcases a paintable surface with weather-resistant resin overlay. This overlay is bonded with pressure and heat, and it is designed to stand against the elements much more efficiently than many other varieties of plywood.,Luan is the name for a common variety of plywood used in the United States. It may also be known by an alternative spelling of lauan. This wood comes from trees of the Shorea genus, and they are renowned for how straight they grow, which makes the manufacturing process easier and more efficient. The wood offers both durability and flexibility, making it a versatility option.,MDO, which stands for medium density overlay, is a type of plywood panel that showcases a paintable surface with weather-resistant resin overlay. This overlay is bonded with pressure and heat, and it is designed to stand against the elements much more efficiently than many other varieties of plywood.,Show more,what is cat plywood,what is hardwood plywood made out of?,acx vs marine grade plywood,construction methods for plywood,uses for plywood,plywood is a balanced construction,grades of plywood for cabinets,plywood has how many plys?,how to waterproof cdx plywood,plywood grade for roof sheathing,how long can plywood be exposed,what side of plywood is the good side,plywood grades australia,plywood grades 710,a1 maple plywood,b2 plywood,a1 plywood price,what are the classes of hardboard,p/s plywood,what grade plywood for cabinets,plywood sizes philippines,plywood thickness in mm,marine plywood price,softwood plywood,advantages of plywood,types of plywood uk,plywood grades chart,what are the different grades of plywood,cabinet grade plywood,marine plywood,marine grade plywood
