Construction activities and furniture making and interior design both heavily rely on plywood. The all-purpose long-lasting effective plywood sheets serve multiple sectors throughout numerous countries. All people who work with home improvement or use plywood sheets in their projects need fundamental knowledge about these materials.
What is Plywood?
Plywood can be defined as an board that has been produced through the joining of several layers of veneer of thin wood. These layers are called plies and are laid in cross-grain weaves to minimise the problem of warping. The number of layers is thus defined by the thickness and the grade of the sheets of plywood for various purposes.
Types of Plywood
Plywood is available in different categories depending on its usage, as explained below. These types include:
- Softwood Plywood – Produced from softwood species, including pine and fir, this is ideal for construction and other applications meant for outdoor use.
- Hardwood Plywood – Made from hardwood species such as oak, birch, and teak, and is common in furniture and ornamental products.
- Marine Plywood – This type can withstand moisture and water damage; therefore, it is suitable for constructing boats, docks, and other structures.
- Flexible Plywood – This type of plywood is made in a manner that allows it to be easily shaped to form curves and is used in the construction of curved furniture and decorations.
Why Choose Quality Plywood?
Plywood sheets are mostly used for construction purposes, and therefore, the quality of the sheets to be used must be considered. There are several benefits of quality plywood, which include:
- Sturdiness – Plywood is tough and does not bend, twist, or crack easily, thus it can be used for a long time.
- Finish – A smooth finish of manufactured plywood means that you will enjoy a better painting, laminating, or veneering process.
- Durability – The most expensive plywood sheets are treated in such a way that they are resistant to water, hence suitable for use in the kitchen and the bathroom.
- Pest Resistance – Some of the best quality plywood has features to resist termites through chemical treatments.
Common Uses of Plywood
Due to its flexibility, plywood is used in many parts, such as:
- Furniture Making – Plywood is used in the production of cabinets, tables, chairs, wardrobes, etc., because of the strength and finish it provides.
- Interior Décor – Plywood is widely used for wall panels, ceilings, and ornaments in buildings such as homes and offices.
- Flooring and Roofing – Plywood sheets are used widely in construction as subflooring and roof covering.
- Do-It-Yourself Projects – This material is common with do-it-yourselfers who use plywood to create shelves, storage boxes, and other pieces of furniture.
How to Choose the Right Plywood?
In order to get the best quality plywood, the following factors should be taken into consideration:
- Grade – Plywood comes in different grades, from A grade to D grade, where A grade plywood has the finest finish.
- Thickness – Plywood is available in different thicknesses, ranging from 3mm to 25mm, depending on the project to be undertaken.
- Core Type – The plywood core is a very essential element, and it is better to go for a strong and uniform core.
- Water Resistance – If the plywood will be used in areas where it comes into contact with water, then the water-resistant type of plywood should be used for durability.
Conclusion
It is important to have some knowledge of plywood sheets to be able to make the right decisions when choosing the right material. No matter whether you are into carpentry or doing a simple renovation of the interior of your house, durable plywood makes your work last longer. CenturyPly provides you with the best plywood products that you can rely on for long-term use in your projects.
