What is Plywood? Everything you need to know:
Plywood is an essential building material with a wide range of applications. Whether you're a DIY enthusiast, a professional contractor, or just curious about construction materials, understanding plywood is crucial. In this guide, we will take a look into the world of plywood, covering its composition, manufacturing process, advantages, disadvantages, maintenance, and more. By the end, you'll have a thorough grasp of plywood's properties and where it fits best in various projects.
What is Plywood?
Plywood is an engineered timber product, made from thin layers of wood veneers, known as "plies" or "laminations" which are glued together with each adjacent layer, having its grain rotated up to 90 degrees relative to the previous one. This unique construction imparts remarkable strength and stability to plywood sheets.
How is Plywood Made?
The manufacturing process of plywood involves some key steps:
Log Selection: High-quality logs are selected, typically from softwood trees like pine, fir, or hardwoods like birch.
Peeling: Logs are debarked, and a large lathe peels them into thin veneer sheets.
Drying: Veneer sheets are dried to reduce moisture content.
Gluing: Veneer sheets are layered and glued together using adhesive. This adhesive can be phenol-formaldehyde for exterior use or urea-formaldehyde for interior applications. 'WBP' bonded plywoods are water & boil proof.
Pressing: The glued veneer sheets are pressed under high pressure and heat to create a strong bond.
Trimming: The resulting plywood panel is trimmed to its final size.
Pros and Cons of Plywood
The Pros:
- Strength and Durability: Plywood is renowned for its exceptional strength, making it ideal for structural applications like subflooring and roofing. Some plywoods are atructurally graded for use in construction.
- Resistance to Warping and Shrinking: Its cross-grain construction reduces the likelihood of warping or shrinking, ensuring a stable surface.
- Versatility: Plywood is adaptable and can be used in various settings, including interior and exterior projects.
- Cost-Effective: Plywood is often more affordable than solid wood and can be used as an alternative for many applications.
- Ease of Installation: It's easy to work with plywood, thanks to its consistent thickness and stability.
The Cons:
- Susceptible to Moisture: While there are moisture-resistant varieties, standard plywood can be damaged by prolonged exposure to moisture. This can be negated by purchasing ply that is made from water resistant hardwoods and bonded using 'WBP' adhesives.
- Visible Layers: The layers or plies of plywood can be visible at the edges, which may not be aesthetically pleasing without proper finishing.
Weight: Plywood is heavier than some alternative materials, which can be a concern in certain projects.
Quality Variability: The quality of plywood can vary depending on manufacturing standards, so it's important to choose the right grade for your needs. Different grades relate to the quality of the face of the sheet, and the board's resistance to the elements.
Where Does Plywood Excel?
Plywood finds its strengths in various applications:
Construction: Plywood is commonly used in building construction for subflooring, sheathing, and roofing.
Furniture Making: It's a popular choice for crafting cabinets, tables, and other furniture pieces.
Cabinetry: Plywood is ideal for constructing kitchen and bathroom cabinets due to its strength and ability to support heavy loads.
Boat Building: Marine-grade plywood is used in boat construction due to its resistance to water.
DIY Projects: DIY enthusiasts often turn to plywood for home improvement projects due to its versatility.
Maintenance of Plywood
How Often Should Plywood Be Maintained?
The frequency of plywood maintenance depends on its application and exposure to environmental factors. Here are some guidelines:
Interior Plywood: For interior applications, like furniture, a regular dusting and occasional polishing are usually sufficient.
Exterior Plywood: If exposed to the elements, such as on a deck or outdoor furniture, it requires more frequent attention. Seal or finish exterior plywood as recommended by the manufacturer to protect it from moisture.
Specific Maintenance Tips:
Cleaning: Regularly clean plywood surfaces with a soft, damp cloth to remove dust and dirt. Avoid harsh chemicals that may damage the finish.
Finishing: Apply a suitable finish or sealant for protection. For exterior use, choose a waterproof finish to prevent moisture infiltration.
Avoid Direct Sunlight: Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight can lead to fading and degradation. Use UV-resistant finishes when applicable.
Repair Minor Damage: Address any scratches, dents, or minor damage promptly to prevent further deterioration.
Plywood Grades and Types
Grades of Plywood:
Plywood comes in various grades, each designed for specific applications. Understanding these grades is essential for selecting the right plywood for your project:
A-Grade: A-grade plywood is of the highest quality, with smooth, knot-free surfaces suitable for fine finishes. It's often used in high-end furniture and cabinet making.
B-Grade: This grade has a slightly lower quality appearance than A-grade, with more visible surface imperfections. B-grade plywood is commonly used for subflooring and sheathing, however some high finish plywoods are B grade such as Birch, where a natural timber finish is desired.
C-Grade: C-grade plywood may have noticeable defects and knot holes. It's typically used in construction where appearance is less critical, such as wall sheathing.
D-Grade: D-grade plywood has the lowest quality appearance, often containing numerous knots and defects. It's used in applications where strength is more critical than appearance, like industrial crates.
Types of Plywood:
Structural Plywood: This type of plywood is designed for structural applications, such as beams, joists, and roof decking. It's known for its strength and load-bearing capacity.
Marine Plywood: Marine-grade plywood is a very popular choice, specially manufactured to resist moisture, making it ideal for outdoor applications, where exposure to water is a concern.
Hardwood Plywood: Made from hardwood veneers, this plywood is favoured for its aesthetics and durability. It's commonly used in fine furniture and cabinetry.
Softwood Plywood: Softwood plywood is made from softwood veneers like pine or fir. It's suitable for a wide range of applications, including construction and furniture.
Birch Plywood: A high grade birch dual face that is ideal when a high grade on display finish is required.
Sustainability and Environmental Considerations
In today’s age, environmental concerns are paramount, plywood manufacturers have made efforts to produce sustainable products. Here's what you should know:
Certifications: Look for plywood with certifications like FSC (Forest Stewardship Council) to ensure it meets environmental standards.
Recyclability: Plywood is recyclable, reducing waste in landfills. Be sure to dispose of it responsibly or consider repurposing it in future projects.
Innovations in Plywood
Plywood continues to evolve with advancements in technology and materials. Some notable innovations include:
Engineered Plywood: This type of plywood combines wood veneers with other materials like MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) to create a stronger, more stable product.
Fire-Rated Plywood: Plywood treated with fire-resistant chemicals is available, enhancing its safety in construction applications.
Lightweight Plywood: Lightweight plywood options are gaining popularity in applications where weight is a critical factor, such as mobile homes and RVs.
Custom Plywood: Manufacturers now offer customization options, allowing you to choose veneer types, thicknesses, and finishes tailored to your project's needs.
Conclusion
Plywood, with its rich history and adaptability, remains an indispensable building material in today's construction and design landscape. From structural support to aesthetic appeal, plywood offers a wide range of advantages that suit a multitude of applications.
As you take on your next project, armed with this comprehensive knowledge of plywood, you can make informed decisions about the type, grade, and treatment that best meets your needs. Remember to consider environmental factors and explore innovative plywood options for a more sustainable and creative approach to your projects.
You can shop Harlow Timber's comprehensive range of plywood sheets HERE