A Complete Guide On How To Choose The Right Plywood

Plywood has become necessary building material for many projects. From building a cabinet to your dream gazebo, plywood is the main item used. However, if you are not experienced and don’t know how to buy the right plywood, then you are in the right place.

Today, we are going to discuss different types of plywood and their uses, which will help you make the right decision.

What exactly is plywood?

Before we dive into different types, first let us educate ourselves about plywood. It is a type of wood that is made by man using technology. Plywood is made by sticking three or more boards together with a super-strong adhesive.

Types of Ply

The term ply means, number of layers used by the manufacturer to create a single board of plywood. Some projects need a thicker board, while other doesn’t.

The thickness of the plywood is known as plywood grade and each layer is called wood veneer. Plywood is a finished product when an expert manufacturer like cedar lumber supplier glues different veneers together.

There are three different types of ply available in the market.

1. 3-Ply

The most common type of plywood is a 3-ply. As the name suggests, it has three layers of veneer. The board is not only strong and durable but also provides a more decorative look than other plywood, making it a great choice for indoor use.

1. 5-Ply

Here, 5 pieces of wood veneer are layered together to form a single plywood board. This type of plywood is commonly used for less durable projects.

1. Multi-Ply

The multi-ply plywood is made for external use and roofing. It is made using 7 or more wood boards to create strong plywood that can hold the frame of an entire house.

Types of Plywood

Today, you can find several types of plywood in a hardware store. To make the right decision it is important to understand the difference between each type of plywood.

1. Softwood

This type of plywood is made using woods like redwood, pine, or cedar. Although the name implies, this type of plywood isn’t that strong, but still they are used by construction workers for roof sheathing, sub-flooring, and frame sheathing.

1. Hardwood

Hardwood plywood has between 3 to 7 layers. The wood is glued at the right angle, which gives this plywood its incredible strength.

Type of hardwood plywood

• Birch plywood
• Oak plywood
• Maple plywood

This type of plywood is used for making furniture, sports equipment, musical equipment, and other projects that require a strong frame.

1. Aircraft plywood

One of the most durable plywood is aircraft plywood. This wood comes with an incredibly strong finish that can resist heat and moisture easily. The plywood is also thin and light while having unyielding strength that can handle the heftiest jobs.

This plywood in projects like making boats, airplanes, and furniture.

1. Exterior plywood

Exterior plywood is created by keeping weather conditions in mind, like rain, wind, and storm. The plywood is created using weather and water-resistant glue that holds the veneer together under heavy rain as well.

Exterior plywood has several veneers glued together, which puts it under multi-ply plywood. You can choose plywood according to the area you live in. Some areas that have extremely harsh seasons may need plywood made of oak, which provides resistance against mold and mildew.

1. Lumber Core

Lumber core plywood is made using 3-ply. Two thin veneers on each side and one thick core. The inner core of the plywood is made by gluing strips of wood, while the outer veneers are made of hardwood.

1. Overlaid Plywood

Overlaid plywood comes in two types of densities, higher and medium density. The plywood comes with an overlaid face that gives it a finished look.

The finished surface is not for decoration purposes, but instead, it provides a smooth finish that keeps water and other particles from sticking to it. The exterior coating prevents scratches and other abrasions that can happen during construction.

The exterior surface of the plywood goes through a heating and pressure process, which makes it highly durable.

1. Structural plywood

Also known as sheathing plywood, is famous not for its look but for the strength, it provides for creating frames and building structures. This type of wood needs super strong adhesive to keep the plies together.

Structural plywood can be used both inside or outside the building, but they are not weather-resistant.

Since plywood is so popular, there are many experienced and reliable Plywood Manufacturers In Hyderabad that can provide you the best quality plywood according to your needs. Simply describe the details of your project and they will provide the best plywood for your project.