Choosing the Right Plywood for Your Project

 Plywood is a versatile and affordable material that can be used for interior, exterior and structural applications.

 

Thanks to plywood quality grading and classification, you can choose wisely and increase your chances of getting the right plywood for your intended project.

 

In this article, we explore the various types of plywood available and how best to use them.

 

Grades of high quality plywood

Plywood is classified according to its thickness, appearance and condition.

These factors determine the grade of plywood, such as

 

One grade

This refers to plywood that is smooth and virtually free of defects. Plywood of this grade is also free of nubs. Therefore, this is high quality plywood. Therefore, this type of plywood is ideal if you intend to paint it.

 

Grade B

This is a relatively good quality plywood. Usually this plywood will have nubs and possibly some scoring.

 

C & D Grade

When plywood is graded C or D, it means that it is of relatively low quality.

There will be several knot holes and defects in it, as well as void areas.

If your main goal is to save money, then this plywood can still be used.

 

What type of plywood is used for furniture?

For projects that never see the light of day, such as cabinets and furniture, there are a variety of high-grade plywood options available.

 

Most cabinets use ¼" plywood, which is usually cheaper and makes the finished product a little lighter. The longer the unit, the thicker the plywood required to keep the middle shelf from sagging. Guidelines for Using Bending Plywood

 

What type of plywood is used for durable flooring?

Interior plywood is a very durable flooring. It is usually used as a smooth surface that serves as a bedding layer where the finished floor is located.

 

Interior plywood is a good subflooring choice for rooms that are not exposed to water and moisture, such as bedrooms and hallways.

 

The flooring may have three or four layers: a concrete base, a plywood substrate, a plywood backing and a surface flooring material.

 

What type of plywood is used for weather exposure?

Exterior plywood is best suited for use anywhere weather exposure needs to be noted, such as exterior walls. Although it can also be used for interior applications such as kitchens, bathrooms and basements.

 

Plywood used to sheath house frames actually makes the structure stronger by joining all the studs together. Most importantly, wall panels are only attached to plywood sheathing for structures that require thicker plywood.

 

What type of plywood is used for waterproofing?

If you are wondering "What is the strongest plywood?" The answer is marine plywood. It is the strongest and toughest of all plywood on the market.

 

It is bonded with high quality glue, making the laminate structure strong and moisture resistant. Marine plywood is usually only available in A-A grade, which means you can use either side to show on the surface.

 

Because of its strength and water resistance, marine plywood is ideal for bathrooms, basements and as a substrate for laying hardwood engineered flooring and tile.

 

What types of plywood are used in high traffic areas?

Structural plywood is very strong and is second only to marine plywood in terms of strength and durability. This type of plywood works well in high-traffic areas such as entryways and upstairs corridors. It has a rough texture and is usually available in C-D or D-D grades.