The use of contemporary plywood has gradually replaced traditional hardwood work in the home design industry. The plywood market, which already accounts for 20% of the market share, is gradually organizing and is predicted to grow by 5.7% by 2033. This blog is about Plywood: Types, Advantages, Uses, & Price Range.
Since plywood can tolerate stress and exposure to the elements, it is frequently utilized in structural applications. In addition, it’s utilized in boxes, crates, outdoor furniture, interior construction, and bins. Let’s examine the several kinds of plywood available for residential usage in India, along with their benefits, applications, and cost range.
What is plywood?
Plies, or thin layers of wood veneer glued together in successive layers, are used to create plywood, a composite material. It is an engineered wood that belongs to the family of manufactured boards, which also includes chipboard, medium-density fiberboard (MDF board), and oriented strand board (OSB).
Plywood is, to put it simply, a solid composite material formed from the thin wood veneer that is removed from logs. Binders are placed between these layers, squeezed, and heated to seal. In order to have the grains flow in one direction on the initial layer and the other way on subsequent levels, the plies are laid at different angles.
After coming into contact with moisture, the wood expands and shrinks, but the alternating layers of plywood prevent this movement from happening, giving the structure dimensional stability. Plywood is resistant to breaking, twisting, splitting, bending, and shrinking because of its composition and components.
Different types of plywood and their uses
The Indian market offers a variety of plywood varieties. The textures and purposes of different plywoods vary. Discover the many varieties of plywood and their applications by reading on.
Softwood Plywood
Softwoods like cedar, redwood, or pinewood are used to make softwood plywood, as the name would imply. Surprisingly, these are also frequently used for heavy woodwork, even though they are typically compared to stronger wood. Softwood plywood is commonly utilized as frame sheathing for external work, flooring in homes, and roof coverings.
Softwood plywood can also be used to build dog shelters, shelving, and sheds for dwellings.
Hardwood Plywood
Made of seven or more layers of wood veneers from oak, maple, walnut, and birch woods, hardwood plywood is robust. Such plywood must have the veneers glued at the proper depth and angle in order to provide the necessary support, as they are frequently utilized in heavy woodworking projects.
Hardwood plywood is typically utilized for products like furniture, wood casings, musical instruments, and sporting goods that need a sturdy frame.
Aircraft Plywood
One of the highest-quality and most resilient types of plywood is aircraft plywood. The components used to make this kind of plywood are heat- and moisture-resistant. It is constructed from birch and mahogany wood. Because it is composed of thin wood veneers, aircraft plywood is more workable and lightweight. Since World War II, these plywoods have been widely employed in aircraft because of their incredible qualities. In addition, it’s utilized in rafters, boats, heavy-duty furniture, and structures that need plywood with industrial strength.
Lumber Core Plywood
Plywood with a lumber core is a specially made three-layer board. Usually, a solid wood core is sandwiched between two thin wood veneers, adhered to one another. The inner layer of timber core plywood is composed of strips of various softwoods glued together to make a durable wood slab. At the same time, the exterior surface is often constructed of hardwoods like maple, birch, and oak.
Lumber core plywood is employed in tasks where nailing and screwing wood is necessary because of its pliable inside. Lumber-core plywood becomes a practical option for interior home renovations since nails can be applied with ease to the soft interior.
Exterior Plywood
Outside plywood are used for outside woodwork, as the name implies. Water- and weather-resistant glue is used to adhere it, creating sturdy timber frames. Also known as multi-ply, external plywood is made with a variety of plywood types in mind, taking into account varying weather conditions. Outside plywood is resistant to mould and mildew, even in the wettest environments.
Marine Plywood
Flexible Plywood
Because it can fit into bends and curves so effectively, flexible plywood is perfect for interior design. As a result, it’s utilized for creating furniture, elaborate cabinets, and the curved portions of building frames. A cross-grained ply in the middle and a thicker cross-grained ply on either side make up flexible plywood. Overlaid wood veneers are placed on the front surface to give it a glossier appearance.
Sanded Plywood
For surfaces that are visible within the home, like panels, shelves, and bookcases, sanded plywood is utilized. Thus, throughout the production process, the top and bottom layers of the ply are finely sanded to provide a smooth surface. Usually, there are three or more panels made of wood veneer that have been cross-laminated.
Cost of different types of plywood
| Type of plywood | Price range per square feet | Durability |
| Softwood | Rs 20 to Rs 110 | Strong but lightweight |
| Hardwood | Rs 18 to Rs 80 | Highly durable |
| Aircraft | Rs 30 to Rs 150 | Top grade durability |
| Lumber Core | Rs 35 to Rs 85 | Highly durable |
| Marine | Rs 50 to Rs 55 | Durable but not resistant to rotting |
| Exterior | Rs 45 to Rs 80 | Durable |
| Flexible | Rs 25 to Rs 70 | Not durable |
| Sanded | Rs 60 to Rs 75 | Durable |
Advantages of using plywood
Plywood has several advantages over conventional wood. A few are mentioned below:
- Plywood is stronger and more durable than medium-density fiberboard (MDF).
- They come in a variety of thicknesses, from 6 mm to 32 mm.
- Its resistance to water is superior.
- It is constructed from various types of wood.
- Plywood is easily polished or painted.
- It has a screw-and-nail holder.
- It provides a more even surface.
- It can be adjusted to fit a variety of shapes and sizes.
- Plywood is not easily bent, twisted, or cracked.
- It is more reasonably priced than solid wood.
- Unlike solid wood, plywood is accessible in larger proportions. As a result, using it in interior design can produce a smooth appearance.
Conclusion to Types of Plywood
Because of its strength, aesthetic appeal, and range of alternatives, plywood is a popular material choice for interior designers and homeowners undergoing renovations. But before selecting any kind of plywood, it’s important to make sure it’s appropriate for the intended use. If it’s perfect, will it be within your means? You must consider every aspect before selecting the kind of plywood.
Also Read: Vertical Garden Wall | Green Wall Garden For Small Homes
Similar Topics: Fiberglass Sheet: Meaning, Characteristics, Types and Uses
