What is Softwood plywood
Softwood plywood is usually made from cedar, Douglas fir, or redwood because these trees grow throughout the year and mature more quickly. Primarily used in architectural applications where strength and durability are required but a smooth surface finish is not required.
Typical uses for cork plywood are roof and wall sheathing, and subfloor installation. Panels can range in thickness from 1/8 to 1-1/4 inch, but are most widely used between 1/4 inch and 3/4 inch. The number of layers depends on the grade and thickness of the board.
For example, the 3/4-inch panels that can be bought in home improvement stores are generally five layers. Two top layers and three core layers. (Most DIYers find this type of plywood the most economical to use). However, if the panels require strength and increased bending resistance, they can use seven, nine, or thirteen plies and still be 3/4 inch thick.
Common uses for cork plywood:
- Roof and Wall Sheathing
- Subfloor
- Eaves and Soffits
- workbench
- sawhorse
- Universal shelf
- attic floor
What is Hardwood Plywood
Hardwood plywood is made from trees such as oak, mahogany, maple, and beech. It is the plywood of choice when an aesthetic, smooth finish is required, such as in the manufacture of furniture and cabinetry.
This type of plywood is usually grade AB, with grade A being the best quality on the face, and grade B on the opposite side or inside the cabinet. If the project at hand involves any load bearing or exposure to the elements, choose plywood with multiple layers, which will result in a stronger, thicker board.
Usually three layers are the most widely used indoors, and five layers can be used outdoors and indoors, but are not suitable for structural framing. Seven or more plywood plies can be used for framing, roofing and other outdoor scenes requiring stability and strength.
Common uses for hardwood plywood:
- furniture manufacturing
- built-in wardrobe
- kitchen cabinet
- Door
- interior paneling
- box
- Toy
- skateboard
What is Tropical Plywood
Tropical plywood is made from a mix of tropical species such as teak, ebony, and mahogany, and is denser, stronger, and higher quality than softwood plywood, which requires a smooth finish on both sides. In many areas, it is the plywood of choice for construction purposes due to its low cost.
Common uses for tropical plywood:
- Door
- door frame
- forming
- interior paneling
- Furniture and Cabinet Making
What is Aircraft Plywood
Aircraft plywood is a type of high-strength plywood made of spruce, mahogany, or birch, using adhesives that are more resistant to heat and humidity. The skin layers or plies are heat pressed together over a core of hardwood layers such as poplar or basswood, which is itself an aircraft plywood but is more flexible and lighter than birch or mahogany.
Unlike normal plywood which has a minimum thickness of 1.8mm, aircraft plywood can be as thin as 1mm. Common sheet sizes are; 4′ x 4′, 4′ x 8′, other sizes are 50” x 50”, 59” x 59”, 60” x 60” and 61” x 61”. Custom sized panels are robust, as thin as 1 mm, and easy to cut for use in the aircraft and marine industries.
Common uses for aircraft plywood:
- furniture
- model airplane
- musical instrument
- model ship
- Toy
What is Decorative Plywood
Decorative plywood, also known as overlay plywood, is a premium type of plywood whose finish must be of the highest quality. The top layer is a hardwood veneer such as maple, oak, cherry, walnut or teak, bonded to the remaining layers by heat and pressure.
Finished surfaces are not always used for decorative purposes, but to give panels a surface that is hard wearing, smooth and able to prevent water or other things from adhering to it. It is more expensive than other plywood because of the high amount of resin it contains.
Common uses for decorative plywood:
- cabinet making
- Door
- Decorative plates
- furniture
What is flexible plywood
Flexible plywood is a type of non-hardwood plywood. As the name suggests, it can be bent and bent into various shapes for custom designs. Depending on the end product, flexible plywood can vary in thickness from 3mm to 16mm.
Of course, the thinner the layer, the easier it is to bend into shape, so choosing the right thickness is critical to the success of your project. Soft plywood combined with quality veneer results in a beautiful end product. This type of plywood is used where quality is required.
Common uses for flexible plywood:
- high-end desk
- curved kitchen cabinet
- build a yacht
What is Marine Plywood
Marine plywood is not what the name suggests. It is not waterproof. Marine plywood is made using a strong core and face sheets from tropical hardwoods with minimal defects, allowing the glue used to have a stable, strong bonding surface. The glue used to make marine plywood is waterproof.
The reason for using waterproof glue is to prevent the plywood from being exposed to wet conditions or extremely high humidity. Waterproof glue holds the layers together and prevents the plywood from falling apart. Marine plywood comes in a variety of finishes, depending on the wood finish used.
Okoumé Marine plywood, for example, takes on a golden, honey-hued hue when coated with epoxy and varnish. Sapele (Sapelli) marine plywood has a reddish brown appearance while Meranti marine plywood can vary in color from pale pink to reddish brown. All colors and finishes convey quality.
Common uses for marine plywood:
- shipbuilding
- yacht interior
- piano case
- Partition
- beam
- Premium Vehicle Trim
- cupboard
other plywood
Other less common but available types of plywood include:
Fire retardant plywood is made to resist burning by a layer of chemical that is strategically applied to the plywood to minimize any discoloration and allow the natural color of the wood to shine through.
Moisture-proof
Moisture-proof plywood is made of phenolic resin as a binder, which endows the plywood with certain waterproof performance.
silk screen
Covered in layers of phenolic film, this plywood has a coarse wire mesh pattern and is primarily used as flooring. It is particularly suitable for trailer floors due to its highly abrasion-resistant, non-slip surface.
pressure treatment
Pressure-treated plywood is not as popular as the others, but it is available. A garden shed is an example of where pressure-treated plywood can be used. It’s just as strong as other softwood plywoods, but the chemicals infused into the wood mean it doesn’t need painting to keep it looking its best.
Mark level
Signage-grade plywood is primarily used for highway and road markings, combining the sturdiness of exterior-grade plywood with the excellent abrasion resistance of cover plywood.
