Types of Plywood – Many people choose to use plywood in the place of solid wood because it is more affordable. They use this material for various purposes, such as for cabinets, roofing, wardrobes, and wall sheathing.
However, some people are not aware that they need different types of plywood for different purposes.
Many of them only consider the sizes or thickness of plywood when they purchase this material. To avoid miss-application, it is essential to understand the types of plywood and their uses before purchasing plywood.
1. Softwood Plywood
Softwood plywood is generally made of pine, redwood, Douglas fir, cedar, redwood, etc. It is strong and sturdy, but it is not recommended for outdoor use.
People commonly use softwood plywood for shelving, sub-flooring, temporary flooring, and wall sheathing.
2. Hardwood Plywood
The sheets of hardwood plywood are extremely strong and hard. Each of them consists of 3 to 7 layers of wood that are glued together. Hardwood plywood is commonly made of birch, oak, maple, walnut, or mahogany.
This type of plywood is a perfect material for cabinets, musical instruments, sporting equipment, and packing cases. It is also perfect for floor structures and doors.
Due to its soft surface and resistance to damage, hardwood plywood is often referred to as interior plywood.
3. Aircraft Plywood
Compared to other types of plywood, aircraft plywood is very expensive. Its price is about 4 to 5 times that of the hardwood plywood.
What makes this type of plywood so expensive? It turns out that aircraft plywood is the most durable plywood.
It is made of high-quality hardwood mahogany, birch, and spruce veneers plus high-quality adhesive. As a result, the boards are light, flexible, and yet strong.
They are also resistant to moisture and heat. Aircraft plywood is commonly used in industry, such as airplanes, boats, and heavy-duty furniture.
4. Tropical Plywood
The tropical plywood is made of a combination of tropical timber. It is originally from Asia, but some countries in Africa and South America started to manufacture this plywood now.
Tropical plywood is more superior than the softwood plywood in terms of density, strength, uniformity in layers, and quality.
Large numbers of countries in the world widely use this type of plywood for construction purposes. Some of these countries are Japan, Korea, Dubai, the UK, and the US.
5. Exterior Plywood
If you need some plywood for exterior applications, then you need exterior plywood. It is weather and water-resistant so that it can withstand wind, rain, and snow for several years.
The exterior plywood is made of different types of hardwood. Therefore, you can choose one that suits your climate condition.
6. Marine Plywood
Another plywood type that is perfect for outdoor application is marine plywood. It is manufactured of tropical hardwood veneers that are glued and varnished with water-resistant glue.
This plywood is perfect for outdoor application in wet and humid areas.
7. Moisture Resistant Plywood
Moisture-resistant plywood is generally applied in damp and humid indoor areas. It is great for cabinets and furniture. In addition, its price is more affordable than marine plywood.
Each of the types of plywood above is available in different grades and thicknesses. If you want to get high-quality plywood with the most appealing look, you need to choose grade A plywood. However, it can be very expensive.