Plywood is a type of building material made of several layers, or plies, of wood that are glued together to create an affordable board. It comes in various thicknesses and sizes, making it important to choose the right type of plywood for your needs. Some boards are designed to stand up to wet conditions, while others are best suited to more decorative purposes. Working with the wrong type of plywood can cause serious damage and injury, so it’s important to choose the type best suited to your needs. This guide will help you answer the question- what is plywood used for. This blog will help you select the best type for your next construction project.
Types of Plywood
There are multiple types of plywood, each of which should be used for specific purposes based on their qualities. Soft plywood is ideal for indoor uses, like shelving, because it is not strong enough to stand up against weather conditions. While still durable, softwood is not as hard as hardwood, which is glued together at right angles to ensure a strong finish. Aircraft plywood is the most durable and is typically used alongside marine plywood for industrial plywood projects. Finally, lumber core plywood has two thin veneers on each side of a thick core made from strips of wood glued into a solid slab. Lumber core plywood can easily grasp screws, making it a good choice for furniture and other assembled pieces. Various types of plywood can be used for the following purposes.
Structural Plywood
There are four main types of plywood, one of which is structural plywood. These boards are used for permanent structural projects because they can withstand full weather exposure and a significant amount of stress. They can help create beams, internal structures, subfloors, wall bracing and roof bracing in houses and other buildings. Structural plywood is also commonly used to make shipping crates because it can stand up to rough conditions as the crates are transported to their destination. Though structural plywood is tough, it is not necessarily suited to outdoor or wet conditions. As a result, it is typically recommended for interior use or for use in areas that do not get a significant amount of rain.
Exterior Plywood
Exterior plywood is bound together with water-resistant glue, making it ideal for outdoor usage. However, water-resistant is not the same as waterproof, and precautions should be taken when using exterior plywood in areas that are exposed to sunlight or water. It is often a good idea to finish the plywood with paint to help it maintain durability against the sun, and it should not be used in projects that will need to withstand more than small amounts of water. Exterior plywood can be used for walls, outdoor floorings, roof linings, and stables, among other outdoor projects. If you need your project to maintain its integrity even in the water, consider marine plywood.
Interior Plywood
Interior plywood is more visually appealing than it is durable. As such, it should not be used outdoors, where exposure to the elements will degrade it quickly. It should also not be used for structural or load-bearing purposes. Instead, interior plywood should be thought of primarily as a decorative element. It is ideal for indoor furniture, ceilings, interior cladding and aesthetic purposes. Interior plywood can be added to the exterior of finished projects made from more durable materials to help it match existing decor or achieve a certain style. It can also be used for shelving, tables and other items that are not meant to hold too much weight.
Marine Plywood
If you need your project to withstand constant contact with water, marine plywood is a perfect choice. This type of plywood has a high-stress grade and is resistant to rot, making it a good choice for docks, boats and various industrial purposes. Marine plywood is typically made of hardwood and has strict requirements to qualify as marine plywood, such as not containing voids greater than 1/8 inch to help it maintain its integrity when in contact with water. The boards are also covered with high-grade veneers, further sealing them and helping them retain their durability when in the water.
Purchasing Your Plywood
Contact Curtis Lumber and Plywood for more information about selecting plywood or to purchase plywood for your project. The company’s experienced staff can help you choose the best type of plywood for your needs thanks to its wide selection of plywood, lumber, and other home improvement materials.
