Quick Overview
Plywood sheet is a versatile building material commonly used in furniture, interiors, and construction. Different types of plywood vary in strength, water resistance, and cost. The choice of the right grade of plywood depends on its application.
We often hear the term “plywood” near construction areas. Starting from the wardrobe panels in your home or workstations at the office, each of them is the end product of plywood. What’s more? Plywood is used for roofing and subflooring while providing strength to buildings. There are types of plywood that provide unique features and benefits.
Read on this blog post to find out plywood prices along with their different grades.
What is Plywood?
Plywood is a thin layer of wood sheets stuck together. The engineer places each layer of sheet in a different direction to ensure that it provides strength and durability. This pile of wood sheets is mostly used to build furniture, doors, and cabinets.
What Are the Different Types of Plywood?
The four types of plywood mentioned below are found in India:
Moisture-Resistant (MR) Plywood
MR plywood is famous for its moisture resistance properties. It handles humidity but often lacks when it comes to direct water resistance. This commercial plywood is mostly used for indoor and office furniture. It is affordable and easily available in India.
Note: MR plywood is not waterproof but only moisture-resistant. It swells or becomes weak if exposed to water regularly.
Boiling Water-Resistant (BWR) Plywood
This grade of plywood sheet resists occasional water spills and humidity. It is stronger and more durable as it uses phenol-formaldehyde resin. It is also capable of withstanding boiling water for a certain time period. BWR plywood is not only found in kitchen cabinets but also on window panels and bathroom storage units.
Note: It offers a better lifespan in humid conditions but may leak if it is overexposed to water.
Boiling Water Proof (BWP) Plywood
It is a premium-grade plywood that features high-water resistance and durability. It is highly strong and durable, which makes it easy to withstand longer exposure to boiling water. It is made up of high-quality phenolic resins and is mostly used in modular kitchens. Sometimes you can find the BWP plywood in the bathroom cabinets or utility areas.
Note: It is also called “marine grade.” However, a true marine has stricter standards than BWP plywood.
Marine Plywood
Marine plywood is one of the best qualities of plywood sheets in India. It is known for extreme moisture and water-exposure properties. It is made from high-quality hardwood veneers and is highly strong. It is mostly used for building boats and outdoor furniture.
Note: It is advisable to clearly check certification and quality standards before making a purchase.
What Are the Differences Between Different Types of Plywood?
The table below highlights the differences between different grades of plywood:
| Basis | MR Plywood | BWR Plywood | BWP Plywood | Marine Plywood |
| Water-resistance | It offers low-water resistance. | It has medium water-resistance. | It has high water-resistance properties. | The water-resistance properties are very high. |
| Type of resin used | It uses urea formaldehyde. | It uses phenol formaldehyde. | It uses phenolic resin. | It uses undiluted phenolic. |
| Ideal use | It is ideally used to build indoor furniture. | It is used for kitchens and for development in moist areas. | It is used in kitchens and bathrooms. | It is mostly used for outdoor furniture and marine uses. |
| Cost | It is affordable to purchase. | It is more expensive than MR plywood. | It is costlier than MR and BWR plywood but is more affordable than marine plywood. | It is a premium plywood grade and costlier than others. |
| Durability | It is less durable. | It is more durable than MR plywood. | It offers high strength. | It provides very high durability and strength. |
What Are the Tips to Keep in Mind While Choosing the Right Plywood?
Given below are the tips for you to follow when choosing plywood sheet:
Understand the Application Area
Some plywood is water-resistant in comparison to others. When it comes to kitchens or bathrooms, it is advisable to choose BWP or BWR plywood. But MR plywood is more feasible for dry areas like bedrooms and living areas.
Check the Quality and Certification
It is always best practice to ensure the quality and certification of the plywood. The ISI mark and the CML number help you determine if plywood meets established quality standards.
Inspect Core and Density
The density of the plywood sheet implies better quality and higher durability. Thus, make sure that you measure the thickness of the plywood accurately to maintain it for a longer period.
Look for Zero Emission
Plywood is bonded using adhesives and also releases formaldehyde. It is a chemical that can affect indoor air quality. So, you should prefer plywood with E0 or E1 grade to ensure better indoor air quality. Cheaper boards with high emissions can become hazardous to your health over time.
Purchase From Trusted Dealers
There is a pool of plywood dealers in the market. It makes it important to compare their credibility before making a purchase decision. Read the reviews of existing customers carefully and know their presence in the market.
What Are the Common Myths About Plywood?
Myths about plywood may result in improper application if you believe them. This further leads to premature failure and may add up to unnecessary costs. Given below is a list of myths and facts about plywood sheet:
Myth 1: All Plywood is WaterProof
The truth is that only specific grades like boiling water-proof (BWP) or marine plywood are waterproof. However, moisture-resistant (MR) plywood is only capable of withstanding humidity and light moisture.
Myth 2: Plywood is Weak in Comparison to Solid Wood
The reality is that it is stronger and more stable than solid wood because of cross-layered construction. The properties of plywood also allow it to resist cracks and shrinkage better.
Myth 3: Plywood is Not Durable or Long-Lasting
Plywood comes with long-lasting durability if you select the right grade. What’s more? The right treatment ensures that they last for decades.
Myth 4: All Red Core Plywood is of High-Quality
The fact is the red color does not always mean it is of high quality or waterproof. Mostly, it is the dye that dealers use to trick buyers into believing it is a stronger wood.
The Final Words
In conclusion, plywood is stronger and more durable than solid wood. All you need to do is to choose the right type of plywood from the different grades available. It is advisable to check the quality of the plywood or take expert assistance from J.K. Cement carefully before purchase.
FAQs
What is the difference between MR, BWR, and BWP plywood?
The main difference lies in water resistance. MR plywood is moisture-resistant and best for indoor use. BWR plywood is ideal for handling moderate moisture exposure, and BWP plywood is mostly used for wet and outdoor areas as it is highly water-proof.
Which type of plywood is best for home use?
The choice of plywood for your home depends on the area where you are using it. MR plywood works well for indoor furniture; BWR plywood is suitable for kitchens, while BWP and marine plywoods are best for bathrooms and outdoor applications.
How can you identify good-quality plywood?
You must check the ISI certification on the plywood to ensure that it is of good quality. Moreover, ensure that the plywood sheet has minimal core gaps, a smooth surface finish, and strong bonding.
Which type of plywood lasts the longest?
BWP and marine plywood last longer due to their superior strength and water resistance. They can last up to 15-25 years if they are used and maintained properly.
Why is marine plywood more expensive than regular plywood?
Marine plywood is expensive because it uses high-quality hardwood and follows strict manufacturing standards. As a result, it provides better strength and durability in wet conditions.
