Different Types of Plywood: What Are The Differences & Why You Should Consider Them

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Types of Plywood
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Different Types of Plywood – Plywood is a structural wood panel used in construction for flooring and roofing. Commonly found in framing of walls, plywood is also used as exterior sheathing material of houses.

From the simplest of framing to the most advanced, plywood finds its place in every construction project. Plywood has various types of ply thicknesses and core options for different applications.

Some plywood types are hardwood plywood, softwood plywood, aircraft plywood, exterior plywood, lumber core plywood (LCP), tropical plywood, structural plywood and veneer core plywood.

This blog covers types of plywood, their differences and the reason why you should consider them for your next construction project.

What is Plywood?

Plywood is a type of wood-based material used to make durable, structural panels and boards. Plywood comes in different types, each with its own unique features and benefits.

Some of the types of plywood include birch plywood, hardwood plywood, softwood plywood, composite plywood, and molding plywood. Each of these types of plywood has different properties that make it ideal for different applications.

When choosing plywood for your project, consider the type of construction you are working on. Different types of plywood have different strengths and weaknesses, so it’s important to choose the one that best matches your needs and specifications.

To help differentiate between types of ply-wood, compare them based on their thickness, structural composition, durability, and appearance.

Types of Plywood

Shop for plywood that is made of hardwood plywood. Select plywood is made of solid hardwood plies, which gives it durability and strength. Plywood is moisture-resistant, making it durable and easy to clean.

This type of plywood is a great option for exterior siding, flooring, and cabinetry. You can also consider plywood for applications such as roofing, framing, and surfboards. When comparing different types of plywood, consider the thickness, type of glue used, and grade of plywood.

This will help you find the best option for your needs.

1. Softwood Plywood

Softwood plywood is made from softwoods such as pine, spruce, or cedar. It is less expensive and easier to work with than hardwood plywood, with a lower moisture content and lower risk of warping or cracking when wet.

Softwood plywood is commonly used in applications where light weight and high strength are required, such as aircraft construction and marine building. It has several advantages over hardwood plywood, making it an ideal choice for a variety of applications.

It is moisture- resistant, meaning that it can be used in humid environments without warping or deteriorating. Additionally, softwood plywood is less likely to crack or warp when wet. This makes it a popular choice for use in exterior applications where moisture exposure could be a risk.

2. Hardwood Plywood

Hardwood plywood is a type of plywood that is used for flooring and other woodworking projects due to its high quality and durability. It is a dense and strong type of plywood that can be used to make durable and stable products.

Hardwood plywood is commonly used in the construction of flooring, cabinetry, and other wood products due to its strength and resistance to wear.

Hardwood plywood is a popular choice for home builders because of its high quality and durability. This type of plywood can be used in the making of durable, stable projects such as flooring, cabinets, and furniture.

As hardwood plywood has a high density and strength, it makes durable products with minimal wood glue or fasteners needed. This makes it ideal for building solid wood items with minimal waste.

Also read: Laminate vs. Hardwood: A Comprehensive Guide to Flooring Choices

3. Aircraft Plywood

Aircraft plywood is a type of plywood made from recycled airplane parts. This type of plywood is tough and durable, making it a perfect choice for use in construction or in the automotive industry.

Aircraft plywood is also environmentally friendly because it can be recycled multiple times without losing its quality. This makes it a sustainable and efficient choice for use in a variety of different applications.

In addition to its durable and environmental benefits, aircraft plywood is also cost-effective compared to other types of plywood.

4. Exterior Plywood

Exterior plywood is used for exterior applications, such as exterior wall cladding and roofing. It is a high-quality plywood that is resistant to weathering and decay.

Exterior plywood comes in different sizes and thicknesses, with different types of finishes, ranging from smooth to rough. This variety of options allows it to be used in a wide range of exterior applications.

Regardless of the type of exterior plywood you use, ensure that it is of high quality and durable to ensure long-term success.

5. Lumber Core Plywood

Lumber core plywood is a type of plywood made from the inner layers of a tree’s trunk. It is commonly used in applications that require a high level of durability and strength, such as structural lumber and marine plywood.

Lumber core plywood contains the strongest wood grains of all types of plywood, making it the best option for applications that demand the highest level of performance.

Lumber core plywood is usually more expensive than other types of plywood, due to its higher cost of production.

However, it is still cost-effective when compared to solid hardwood, which requires extensive processing and can be very expensive. When selecting plywood for an application, ensure you take into consideration both cost and quality.

6. Marine Plywood

Marine plywood is made from a combination of wood and plastic that makes it resistant to moisture and salt water. This makes marine plywood the ideal choice for applications that require a tough exterior.

Marine plywood is durable, resistant to moisture, and lightweight, making it an excellent choice for many different types of applications.

Marine plywood is frequently used in construction projects due to its strength and durability. It is commonly used in veneer of exterior walls of buildings, ship exteriors, and aircrafts.

Besides, marine plywood is also used for making furniture, flooring, and other structural components.

It has excellent resistance to moisture and heat, making it perfect for outdoor applications such as outdoor furniture or outdoor flooring.

7. Overlaid Plywood

Overlayed plywood is a type of plywood that is made by covering one or more layers of wood with another sheet of plywood.

Overlaid plywood is resistant to moisture and weathering, making it a popular choice for use in different types of construction, such as building walls and roofing.

Overlaid plywood is also easy to install and can be customized to match the look and style of your home or project.

Whether you are constructing a new building or renovating an existing one, overlaid plywood can help ensure that your project is durable and long-lasting.

8. Structural Plywood

Structural plywood is used for a variety of applications, such as building floors, walls, and roofs. It is a type of plywood that is designed to resist wind and earthquake damage.

Structural plywood is available in different thicknesses, allowing you to tailor its performance to your specific needs. This type of plywood can be delivered in different shapes and sizes to suit your project requirements.

Whether you’re building an outdoor shed or a new staircase, structural plywood can help you make durable and cost-effective decisions while reducing the risk of structural failure.

9. Tropical Plywood

Tropical plywood is a type of plywood designed for use in tropical climates. It is made from hardwood and tropical hardwoods resistant to insect and decay.

This plywood is moisture-resistant and rot-resistant, making it a durable and reliable option for outdoor applications.

Tropical plywood is available in various thicknesses, ranging from 4 to 12 layers of veneer plywood. This type of plywood is ideal for applications that require a moisture-resistant, durable surface with good structural integrity.

Whether you are planning a building project or simply looking to improve the quality of your outdoor space, tropical plywood has proven to be a cost-effective and durable solution.

10. Flexible plywood

Flexible plywood is a type of plywood designed for flexible and easy-to-work with applications.

This type of plywood can be used in a wide range of different applications, such as structural framing for doors and windows or in furniture making.

It is lightweight and easy to work with, which makes it a popular choice for applications that require flexibility.

Flexible plywood can also be used in many different types of construction projects, from building facades to building interiors.

Flexible plywood is extremely durable and has a strength-to-weight ratio that far exceeds that of other types of plywood. This makes it an ideal choice for applications that require superior structural strength.

Overall, flexible plywood is an ideal option for applications that require flexibility, strength, and durability.

11. Construction Plywood

Construction plywood is a versatile and durable type of plywood used in a variety of construction projects.

This type of Plywood is available in thicknesses ranging from 0.5 inch to 8 inches, making it suitable for a variety of applications.

It is often used for flooring, walls, and roofs due to its moisture-resistance and durability. Construction plywood is resistant to moisture and weathering, making it an ideal choice for outdoor applications.

This type of plywood can be easily cut to size, making it easy to install and replace flooring and roofing in different types of buildings.

Having a range of thicknesses allows you to choose the right plywood for your specific application.

12. Veneer core plywood

Veneer core plywood is a type of plywood that features a veneer layer on top of a core layer.

The veneer layer of veneer core plywood is made of thin, flexible sheets of wood that are often coated in a resin. This type of plywood is often used for applications that require a high level of flexibility, such as furniture and flooring.

Veneer core plywood has a different structural quality than other types of plywood, and it is typically used for applications where strength and durability are key.

It has a higher tear and bend strength than other types of plywood, making it ideal for use in applications where high quality and performance are required, such as structural components of buildings or structural parts of aircrafts.

Overall, veneer core plywood is an economical and effective type of plywood that can be used in a variety of different applications.

13. MDF core

MDF core is a type of plywood made from a combination of medium-density fiberboard and hardwood veneer. It is a popular choice for home builders because of its affordability, ease of work, and variety of applications.

MDF core is often used for cabinetry, wall panels, and other furniture pieces. It has many uses in both residential and commercial applications. This type of plywood is durable and can withstand the wear and tear of daily use.

It is resistant to moisture and moisture-related issues, making it ideal for outdoor projects as well as indoor projects such as cabinetry and flooring.

14. ApplePly

ApplePly plywood is a type of plywood that is known for its durable and uniform finish. It is resistant to moisture and warping, making it a good choice for high-traffic areas.

The main downside of ApplePly plywood is its grainy texture, which can make working with the wood difficult. But with a little patience and skill, it is possible to achieve great results.

This type of plywood is a convenient and economical option for designers and builders who are looking for quality plywood at a price they can afford.

15. Exterior sheathing plywood

Exterior sheathing plywood is a type of plywood that is used for exterior applications such as roofing, exterior wall framing, and exterior finishing.

It is a durable and weather- resistant sheet of wood designed to protect surfaces from rain, snow, and wind.

Sheathing plywood can also be used as a roofing material. It is available in different thicknesses and types, so it can be tailored to suit different application requirements.

Exterior sheathing plywood has different thicknesses that can be tailored to suit different application requirements.

It is available in thicknesses ranging from 0.5 inch to 6 inches, making it a versatile and cost-effective option for many different applications.

Shading grade plywood is the most commonly used type of sheathing plywood due to its durability and cost-effectiveness.

16. Subfloor plywood

Subfloor plywood is a type of plywood that is used as the flooring of underfloor heating systems. It is an engineered plywood that features a high strength-to-weight ratio and low moisture absorption.

This makes subfloor plywood an ideal material for use in applications where moisture of any kind can be a potential problem, such as in residential and commercial buildings.

Subfloor plywood can be used in many different applications, including residential and commercial buildings. It can be used to provide structural support to flooring, walls, and roofs of these structures.

Additionally, subfloor plywood can be used as insulation or as a base layer for building construction projects.

17. Sundeala board

Sundeala plywood is a type of plywood made from sugarcane fiber. It is resistant to water and weather conditions, making it a good choice for outdoor use.

Sundeala plywood is also environmentally friendly because it does not require a lot of processing before being used. Instead, it is made directly from the raw materials.

This makes it more sustainable and reduces the impact of manufacturing on the environment. Out of all types of plywood, Sundeala is known for its strength and versatility.

It can be used in a wide range of applications and can perform well in different types of structural applications, such as roofing, flooring, and exterior applications.

Additionally, Sundeala plywood is resistant to moisture and decay, making it an ideal choice for outdoor use.

Overall, Sundeala plywood is an excellent choice for applications where high performance and durability are required.

Plywood Plies

There are different types of plywood, each with different characteristics and benefits. Among these types of plywood, hardwood plywood is the most common type of plywood and is made from wood such as hardwood or softwood.

This type of plywood is durable and strong. It is also resistant to moisture and weathering. It is made by fusing hardwood veneer to softwood veneer through a process called ‘plying.’ Different types of hardwood plywood are used for different applications.

Some of the types of hardwood plywood include birch plywood, maple plywood, and hard maple plyboard. The type of plywood used affects the overall strength, weight, and finished look of the ply wood product.

You can select the type of plywood that best suits your requirements depending on the application. Different types of plywood are best suited for different applications, so you should pick the one that best suits the task at hand.

a). 3-Ply

The most usual thickness is 3-ply, which is roughly 1/10 of an inch. It’s mostly utilized in more attractive settings indoors.

4 plywood is about twice as thick and is used for framing, subflooring and large exterior surfaces. It’s also a popular choice for flooring because of the extra strength it offers.

b). 5-Ply

5-ply is utilized indoors and outdoors, but not for framing permanent buildings. It’s approximately 1/6th to 1/8th of an inch thick.

c). Multi-Ply

From 7-ply to multi-ply, there is a range. It’s used in the construction of outdoor buildings because of its strength and durability.

It’s made up of seven thin sheets of wood that are glued together. This type of plywood is strong and durable, but it doesn’t have a lot of flexibility.

This type of plywood is commonly used in the construction of solid wood furniture, including dining tables and chairs. Multi-plywood is also easier to work with than single-plywood due to its multiple layers of wood.

Overall, multi-plywood is a versatile type of plywood that can be used for many different types of applications.

Also read: Can You Sand Plywood? – 5 Easy Steps To Help You Out

Plywood grades, size and prices

1). Plywood grades

Different plywood grades are suited for different applications, such as indoor or outdoor use.

There are three main plywood grades, softwood, medium-density fiberboard (MDF), and hardwood. Each grade has its own unique properties and characteristics.

Hard plywood is more durable and suitable for structural purposes, while soft plywood is more flexible and ideal for decorative applications.

2. Plywood size

Plywood size: plywood is available in a variety of sizes, from 1/2 inch to 12 feet wide and 12 feet long. And plywood panels are generally available in three main sizes:

  • 4 ft. x 8 ft.
  • 4 ft. x 9 ft.
  • 4 ft. by 4 ft.

Each type of plywood can be used for different applications, depending on the desired performance and look of the final product.

3. Plywood Prices

Prices: plywood prices vary depending on the grade and size, but generally speaking, plywood is cheaper than other building materials.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: What are the benefits of using different types of plywood?

A: There are a variety of benefits to using different types of plywood, including:

1. Higher strength and durability: Plywood with a higher grade will have a higher strength and durability than plywood of a lower grade.

2. Reduced noise and vibration: High-grade plywood will reduce noise and vibration more than low-grade plywood.

3. Reduced environmental impact: High-grade plywood is made from sustainable materials, which reduces the environmental impact of its production.

Q: What are the potential drawbacks of using different types of plywood?

A: There are a number of benefits to using plywood in different types of projects. Some of these benefits include its durability, moisture resistance, and acoustic properties.

The potential drawbacks of plywood include its cost, weight, and availability. It is important to carefully consider the specific needs of your project before selecting a type of plywood.

Q: What is the strongest type of plywood?

A: There are a variety of different types of plywood, each with its own strengths and weaknesses. Here are the three most common types of plywood:

1. Medium-density fiberboard (MDF): MDF is the least expensive and most versatile type of plywood. It’s commonly used in applications such as flooring, molding, and paneling due to its low cost and wide range of applications.

2. Hardwood plywood: Hardwood plywood is the most expensive but has the strongest wood fibers. It’s often used in high-end residential construction or aircrafts because of its strength and stability.

3. Fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP): FRP is the strongest type of plywood and is often used in aircrafts, boats, and high-end residential construction because of its durability and strength.

Q: What types of plywood is waterproof?

A: There are a few types of plywood that are waterproof. The most common type of plywood that is waterproof is “pressure-treated” plywood.

This type of plywood is treated with a chemical that prevents it from rotting. “Weather resistant” plywood is treated with a sealant that makes it resistant to water, wind, and snow.

“Waterproof” plywood is treated with a sealant that prevents water from entering the wood.

Q: What is the cheapest type of plywood?

A: When it comes to types of plywood, hardboard is generally the cheapest. It’s a type of plywood that is made of veneer sheets that are glued together to form a smooth surface.

Hardboard is lightweight and can be used for a variety of different purposes, including decorative purposes or for framing.

MDF is a type of plywood that is made of medium-density fiberboard (MDF) layers. MDF is stronger and more resistant to moisture than hardboard, but it’s also more expensive.

MDF is often used for exterior applications because it offers durability and weathering resistance. OSB is another type of plywood that is less expensive than hardboard and MDF.

It’s made of oriented strand board (OSB) layers that are bonded together with an adhesive. OSB is often used for interior applications because it’s moisture-resistant and easy to install.

Q: What is the best plywood for kitchen cabinets?

A: There are a variety of plywood types that can be used for kitchen cabinets. Choosing the right type of plywood for your project can depend on a number of factors, including weight, moisture resistance, and durability.

Some of the most common types of plywood are MDF (medium density fiberboard), particle board, and hardboard.

Each type of plywood has its own advantages and disadvantages. It is important to choose the right plywood type for your project based on these factors.

Some of the most common factors to consider when choosing plywood include:

  • Weight: The heavier the plywood type, the more durable it will be.
  • Moisture Resistance: Some types of plywood are resistant to moisture and moisture-related damage, such as warping or splitting.
  • Durability: High-quality plywood types typically last longer than low-quality types.
  • Appearance: Some types of plywood may look better than others, depending on the design of your kitchen cabinets.
Q: Which plywood is good for interiors?

A: When it comes to plywood, there are a number of different types that can be used for different applications.

Some of the most common types of plywood include birch, poplar, and pine. Birch plywood is good for exterior applications due to its toughness and resistance to moisture.

It’s also resistant to moisture-borne diseases and insect damage. Pine plywood is good for interior applications due to its high moisture resistance and low sound levels.

Additionally, pine plywood is also durable and easy to work with. Poplar plywood is also good for exterior applications due to its moisture resistance, but it’s not as durable as birch plywood.

Lastly, maple plywood is a type of plywood that is both tough and affordable.

Q: What is the best plywood for outdoor use?

A: When it comes to plywood types, hardwood plywood is the most versatile and weatherproof type of plywood.

It’s also the most affordable type of plywood and can be used for exterior applications such as decks, sheds, and fences.

  • Birch plywood is a high quality plywood that is resistant to moisture, but it may not be as durable as hardwood or Douglas fir plywoods.
  • Poplar plywood is a low cost plywood option, but it may not be as resistant to moisture or durable as other types of plywood.
Q: Can plywood be recycled?

A: Yes, plywood can be recycled. Plywood is made of thin sheets of wood that are glued together.

By breaking the sheets into smaller pieces and recycling the individual pieces, you can help reduce the amount of waste that is produced.

There are a variety of reasons why you might want to consider recycling plywood. It can help you save money on your home renovation project, as well as reduce the amount of waste that is produced.

Additionally, incorporating recycled plywood into your design can add character and interest to your home exterior.

Q: What is the best marine plywood?

A: The best marine plywood is made from a blend of hardwood and softwood.

Hardwood gives the plywood its strength and durability, while the softwood makes it lightweight and easy to work with.

There are a variety of different types of marine plywood, each with its own specific properties.

Some common types of marine plywood include GRP, GRP sandwich, and fiberglass-reinforced plastic (FRP).

It is important to choose the right type of plywood for your project, as each has its own unique benefits and drawbacks.

Q: Is MDF stronger than plywood?

A: MDF is generally weaker than plywood due to its construction. This means that it may not last as long as plywood when used for structural applications.

Additionally, MDF may also be less durable when painted or finished in a variety of ways. The primary benefit of using MDF over plywood is that it is cheaper to produce.

If you are looking to save money on your plywood purchase, MDF may be a better option.

MDF can also be painted or finished in a variety of ways, which gives you more options for how you want to use it.

Q: Is OSB as good as plywood?

A: There are a few types of plywood, and each has its own benefits and drawbacks.

OSB (oriented strand board) is an engineered wood product that is cheaper and easier to work with than other types of plywood.

Some pros of OSB include its low moisture absorption rate and resistance to fire. Some cons of OSB include its susceptibility to water damage and poor acoustic properties.

Conclusion

Plywood is a durable, moisture-resistant material that offers structural stability, moisture protection, and sound-deadening properties. It’s a popular exterior wood sheathing material used for home construction and commercial buildings.

Besides plywood, there are also veneer plywood sheets and core plywood sheets that can also be used to construct plywood panels. With so many types of plywood available in the market, you can choose the one that suits your project requirements the best.

If you want to learn more about plywood types and grades, check out this blog by our expert here on social media.

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