Medium-density overlay plywood (MDO plywood) is durable plywood that is used primarily for outdoor applications due to its weather-resistant nature. In addition to its exceptional durability, MDO plywood is very easy to finish and paint. What makes this plywood truly unique is its layer of resin-infused fiber that is bonded to the plywood through a process that involves heat and pressure.
Top Uses of MDO Plywood
This plywood is commonly used in commercial construction projects, although it is good for residential use as well. It is helpful to have a complete understanding of the best ways to use MDO plywood to determine whether or not it is right for your next project.
Great for Moisture Exposure
One of the best qualities of MDO plywood is its damage-resistant nature. It has the ability to withstand damage caused by winds, rain, and a range of other potential outdoor concerns. For construction projects in areas where wood exposure to the moisture is high, this plywood is an excellent option.
Compared to more traditional plywoods, it is not uncommon for MDO plywood to last more than twice as long in areas that are vulnerable to heavy rain. Its ability to resist moisture makes it great outdoors, but it also works well for a range of indoor applications as well due to its ability to resist water damage and how easy it is to place an attractive coat of paint onto the plywood.
Outdoor Projects
This type of plywood is a versatile wood that can be used for a range of different purposes. It is most well-known for its use in outdoor signs and exterior siding, but it can be effectively used to create beautiful interior shelves, cabinets, bookcases, and more.
Outdoor Signs
Perhaps the most common way in which MDO plywood is utilized is to create outdoor signs. This is because it checks every box you would want for the ideal outdoor sign. Here are some of the benefits of MDO plywood that make it ideal for constructing outdoor signs:
- Durable fiber overlay
- Resists water damage
- Easy to apply paint
- Smooth surface
The smooth surface of the fiber layer allows it to easily be painted on with any type of paint. As mentioned, it is also incredibly resistant to water and bad weather, so it can endure heavy rain over an extended period of time without becoming soaked or damaged. This plywood is also easy to cut, ensuring it can easily be tailored to make the ideally-sized sign.
Exterior Siding
MDO plywood works great for outdoor signs, but perhaps an even better way to enjoy all of the benefits the plywood has to offer is by using it for exterior siding. With exterior siding, you want plywood that can withstand bad weather and last for more than a decade without needing repair or replacement. You will also need wood that is easy to rout and drill into and attractive plywood that is easy to add paint to. Also, constructing exterior siding requires you to cut a lot to get the ideal shape.
MDO plywood meets all of the above criteria, which makes it ideal for use for exterior siding purposes. It is easy to finish. This allows you to give your home or commercial property more curb appeal. It can also last much longer than traditional plywood due to its damage-resistant nature.
Cabinets and Shelving
MDO plywood is well-known for how practical it is in outdoor applications. However, more contractors are starting to use MDO plywood for indoor applications. This plywood is strong, thick and durable. This gives it the ability to hold heavy weights reliably and hold up well over time without becoming worn-down, making it perfect for cabinets and shelving.
Many are also starting to realize the aesthetic benefits that MDO plywood offers indoors. Since it is easy to paint, this plywood can look much better than more traditional plywoods after it is finished. If you are interested in constructing custom cabinets and shelving, this type of plywood is the way to go as it can easily be cut and crafted to meet the ideal dimensions.
Learn More About MDO Plywood From Curtis Lumber & Plywood
If you are interested in purchasing MDO plywood, or if you have more questions about it, give our team at Curtis Lumber and Plywood a call today. We have MDO plywood in a range of different dimensions so that you can get exactly what you need. We can answer questions related to your construction needs and help you find the perfect type of plywood to get the job done in an effective and efficient manner.
