Marine Grade Plywood is widely viewed as being one of the strongest and most durable types of wood, according to the APA (The Engineered Wood Association). Made with Douglas fir or Western Larch, it is light and typically includes waterproof glue or other similar water-resistant adhesives to help its sheets of wood veneer or “plies” — which are stacked perpendicularly — stay together. The plies are also often cross-laminated, which helps give the plywood strength at both ends. The heat and pressure process of bonding ultimately helps give Marine Grade Plywood a strong finish. Regardless of how much water or moisture comes into contact with the waterproof glue, it will not be damaged.
Waterproof glue for Marine Plywood was first invented in 1934, although it was not commonly used until World War II, when boats and barracks were built out of plywood. After the war, people began using plywood more for houses and other larger structures all over the United States.
Marine Grade Plywood is not treated with chemicals, unlike other types of wood like CCA, Copper Azole and Pyro-Guard. It comes in various grades, sizes (including 4×8 and 5×12) and weights. Among the grades Marine Plywood comes in are A-A, A-B, B-B, MDO (medium density overlay) and HDO (high density overlay). A-A is one of the best types, as it is smooth and can easily be painted. D-grade plywood is typically the least expensive.
Marine Grade Plywood can be used for any stationary or mobile construction project that often comes into contact with water. Here are some examples of such projects.
Boats
Given that boats are usually kept in water, Marine Grade Plywood is usually the best option for such a project. As long as it’s properly sealed, this type of wood is 100 percent waterproof and its durable nature shields it against leaks and damage. Given that Marine Plywood is also pliable, it is great for building the hull or other curved parts of the boat. Marine Plywood should be sealed with Acetone, soft cloths or paper towels, clear epoxy — a type of resin — and a foam brush or roller.
Docks
Just like boats, docks are typically built on water, so Marine Plywood is a great choice for this type of structure. Plus, Marine Plywood doesn’t need to be sanded regularly like other types of wood and is more effective in helping to eliminate rot, decay and warping.
Bathrooms
If you’re ever worried that your bathroom might flood due to an issue with your toilet or bathtub, Marine Grade Plywood can help ensure that any mold or moisture is minimized. It can also serve as an alternative to replacing flooring, siding or backsplash.
Kitchens
Aside from bathrooms, kitchens are typically one of the wettest areas of a home. Water and steam caused by cooking can negatively affect lower-grade wood. However, Marine Plywood will help stave off moisture while keeping your cabinets and floor looking new.
Decks, Patios and Porches
Plywood decking comes in large sheets, which means a deck can easily be covered with plywood. With Marine Plywood, you can finish your deck in hours instead of the days it would take using individual boards, and at a very reasonable cost. There’s also the added benefit that, unlike other types of wood, Marine Plywood is specifically manufactured so that it does not contain any gaps or voids between the plies, even after it is sawed and treated with heat and pressure.
Cornelius Bruynzeel was a Dutch door manufacturer, yachtsman and timber salesman who started developing a superior form of plywood during the 1930s. This type of plywood, referred to as Bruynzeel plywood, is often regarded as the best type of Marine Plywood for decks and other outdoor structures that should be veneered, fiberglassed, painted or epoxied.
Marine Plywood is also a great choice for other garden furniture and outdoor projects like benches, gazebos, planters and pergolas.
More Information About Marine Grade Plywood
Contact Springfield, Virginia-based Curtis Lumber & Plywood to learn more about the most appropriate uses of Marine Grade Plywood. Founded in 1957, Curtis is a wholesale distributor that services the Mid-Atlantic Region. They furnish direct trailer load shipment and can pull orders to the piece for special projects. Curtis also provides green building information for designing and constructing projects that are environmentally safe and energy efficient. They also answer their own phones!
Aside from Marine plywood, Curtis also sells ACX, MDO and Southern Yellow Pine plywood, as well as treated products like CCA, Exterior Fire-X, Copper Azole and Pyro-Guard. Call Curtis today at 703-972-1947 or contact us online for a consultation or more information.
