When it comes to construction and woodworking, plywood is a material that is widely used for its strength and versatility. Plywood comes in various types and grades, each with its own unique characteristics and uses. In this article, we will explore a list of plywood names that are commonly found in the market.
1. Softwood Plywood: Softwood plywood is made from coniferous trees, such as pine or fir. It is known for its affordability and is often used in general construction, packaging, and furniture making. Softwood plywood comes in different grades, ranging from A to D, with A being the highest quality.
2. Hardwood Plywood: Hardwood plywood is made from deciduous trees, such as oak, birch, or mahogany. It is known for its strength and durability and is used in high-end furniture, cabinetry, and architectural applications. Hardwood plywood is available in different grades and veneer cuts, offering a wide range of options for different projects.
3. Marine Plywood: Marine plywood is specifically designed for use in marine environments, where it is exposed to moisture and humidity. It is made with waterproof glue and high-quality veneers, making it resistant to rot and delamination. Marine plywood is commonly used in boat building, docks, and other outdoor applications.
4. Birch Plywood: Birch plywood is made from birch trees and is known for its smooth and uniform surface. It is highly regarded for its strength, stability, and dimensional stability. Birch plywood is commonly used in furniture making, cabinetry, and decorative applications.
5. MDF Plywood: MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) plywood is made from fine wood fibers and resin, compressed together to form a dense and smooth sheet. It is often used in cabinetry, shelving, and furniture making, as it is easy to shape, paint, and finish.
6. Particle Board Plywood: Particle board plywood is made from wood particles and resin, pressed together to form a dense and uniform sheet. It is known for its affordability and is commonly used in furniture and interior applications where cost is a major factor.
7. Fire-Rated Plywood: Fire-rated plywood is engineered to withstand fire for a certain period of time. It is used in applications where fire resistance is required, such as fire-rated doors, walls, and ceilings.
These are just a few examples of the many types of plywood available in the market. Each type has its own unique characteristics, making it suitable for different applications. Whether you are a professional carpenter or a DIY enthusiast, knowing the different plywood names can help you choose the right material for your project.
Plywood Types and Varieties
When it comes to plywood, there are several types and varieties available in the market. Each type has its own unique characteristics and uses. Here are some of the most commonly used plywood types:
- Softwood Plywood: Made from softwood veneers, this type of plywood is commonly used for construction purposes. It is known for its strength and durability.
- Hardwood Plywood: Made from hardwood veneers, this type of plywood is used for decorative purposes. It has a smooth finish and is often used in furniture making.
- Marine Plywood: This type of plywood is specially designed for use in wet and humid environments, such as boats and outdoor structures. It has water-resistant properties and can withstand moisture.
- Structural Plywood: As the name suggests, this type of plywood is used for structural purposes. It is commonly used in building construction, flooring, and roofing.
- Exterior Plywood: Designed for outdoor use, this type of plywood is treated to resist moisture, decay, and insect infestation. It is commonly used in outdoor furniture, decks, and siding.
- Interior Plywood: This type of plywood is designed for use in interior applications. It is often used in cabinets, paneling, and furniture.
These are just a few examples of the many plywood types and varieties available. The type of plywood you choose will depend on your specific project requirements and budget.
Birch Plywood
Birch plywood is a type of plywood that is made from thin sheets of birch wood. Birch wood is known for its strength and durability, making it a popular choice for many different applications. The plywood is constructed by gluing together multiple layers of birch veneer, with the grains of each layer running perpendicular to the previous layer. This cross-grain construction gives the plywood added strength and stability.
Birch plywood is often used in furniture making, cabinetry, and interior finishing applications. It is prized for its smooth and even surface, making it ideal for painting and veneering. Birch plywood is also known for its excellent screw holding ability, making it an excellent choice for projects that require strong and secure fasteners.
In addition to its strength and durability, birch plywood is also valued for its aesthetic appeal. Birch wood has a light, creamy color with subtle grain patterns that can vary from sheet to sheet. This natural beauty can be enhanced with a clear finish or stain, allowing the plywood to be used decoratively in addition to its practical applications.
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Strong and durable | More expensive than some other types of plywood |
| Smooth and even surface | Not suitable for outdoor use without proper treatment |
| Excellent screw holding ability | Can be prone to warping if not properly stored |
| Aesthetic appeal | May have slight color variations between sheets |
Marine Plywood
Marine plywood is a type of plywood that is specifically designed for use in wet or damp environments. It is made using waterproof adhesive and is typically comprised of multiple layers of high-quality hardwood veneer. This construction gives the plywood excellent strength and durability, making it resistant to warping, cracking, and rotting.
Marine plywood is commonly used in boat building and other marine applications, where it is subjected to constant exposure to moisture and the elements. It is also used in areas with high humidity, such as kitchens and bathrooms, where regular plywood would not be suitable due to its tendency to absorb water and deteriorate.
One key characteristic of marine plywood is its ability to resist delamination, which is the separation of layers that can occur in regular plywood when exposed to moisture. The waterproof adhesive used in marine plywood prevents this delamination and helps maintain the structural integrity of the board.
Another important feature of marine plywood is its high strength-to-weight ratio. This makes it an ideal choice for applications where weight is a concern, such as building lightweight boats or aircraft components.
When choosing marine plywood, it is important to look for products that meet industry standards for quality and performance. Look for plywood that is certified by organizations such as the American Plywood Association (APA) or the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC). These certifications ensure that the plywood has been manufactured using sustainable practices and meets the necessary strength and durability standards.
In conclusion, marine plywood is a versatile and durable material that is specifically designed to withstand exposure to moisture and the elements. Its unique construction and waterproof adhesive make it ideal for a wide range of applications in both marine and non-marine settings.
Hardwood Plywood
Hardwood plywood is a type of plywood that is made from hardwood veneers. It is known for its durability and strength, making it a popular choice for a wide range of applications.
Hardwood plywood is typically made from hardwood species such as oak, maple, or birch. These hardwoods are known for their density and strength, which makes the resulting plywood panels strong and resistant to warping and splitting.
In addition to its strength, hardwood plywood also has a natural beauty and grain pattern that can enhance the appearance of any project. It is often used in cabinets, furniture, and other high-end woodworking applications where both strength and aesthetics are important.
Hardwood plywood is available in a variety of grades and thicknesses, allowing for flexibility in its use. It can be stained or painted to further enhance its appearance or left unfinished to showcase the natural beauty of the wood.
When purchasing hardwood plywood, it is important to consider the intended use and the specific requirements of the project. Different grades and thicknesses of hardwood plywood are suitable for different applications, so it is important to choose the right option for the job.
Overall, hardwood plywood is a versatile and durable choice for a wide range of woodworking projects. Whether used for cabinets, furniture, or other applications, it offers strength, beauty, and longevity.
Softwood Plywood
Softwood plywood is a type of plywood that is made from softwood trees, such as pine, fir, or spruce. It is known for its strength, durability, and versatility, and is commonly used in various construction and woodworking projects.
Softwood plywood is often used for structural purposes, such as building frames, roofs, and floors. It is also commonly used for creating furniture, cabinets, and shelves. The natural beauty of softwood plywood makes it a popular choice for decorative purposes as well.
One of the key advantages of softwood plywood is its ability to resist warping, shrinking, and swelling. This makes it a reliable and long-lasting option for applications that require stability and durability. Softwood plywood is also easy to work with, as it can be easily cut, drilled, and shaped to fit specific requirements.
When choosing softwood plywood, it is important to consider the grade and thickness of the plywood, as well as any specific requirements for the project. Softwood plywood is available in various grades, including A, B, C, and D, with A being the highest quality. The thickness of softwood plywood ranges from 1/8 inch to 3/4 inch, with different thicknesses suitable for different applications.
In conclusion, softwood plywood is a versatile and reliable type of plywood that is widely used in construction and woodworking projects. Its strength, durability, and ease of use make it a popular choice among professionals and DIY enthusiasts alike.
Black Film Faced Plywood
Black Film Faced Plywood, also known as Black Shuttering Plywood, is a type of plywood that is specially designed for use in construction, particularly in concrete formwork. It is made from high-quality tropical hardwood veneers that are overlaid with a phenolic film on both sides.
The phenolic film gives the plywood a smooth and durable surface, making it resistant to moisture, chemicals, and wear. This makes Black Film Faced Plywood ideal for use in environments where the plywood may come into contact with moisture or other harsh conditions.
Black Film Faced Plywood is commonly used in the construction industry for various applications, such as wall formwork, slab formwork, column formwork, and beam formwork. It is also used in the production of concrete molds, scaffolding, and temporary structures.
One of the main advantages of Black Film Faced Plywood is its reusability. The smooth surface of the film allows for easy removal of the plywood from the concrete, without leaving behind any marks or residue. This makes it more cost-effective and efficient compared to other types of formwork materials.
Overall, Black Film Faced Plywood offers excellent strength, durability, and resistance to external factors, making it an ideal choice for construction projects that require high-quality formwork materials. It is widely recognized and used in the industry for its reliable performance and long-lasting functional properties.
Decorative Plywood
Decorative plywood is a type of plywood that is specifically designed to enhance the aesthetic appeal of a space. It is often used in interior design projects and furniture making. Decorative plywood is typically manufactured using a combination of high-quality hardwood veneers and a glue that ensures durability and longevity.
One of the key features of decorative plywood is its wide range of finishes and patterns. It can be found in a variety of colors, textures, and patterns, allowing for endless design possibilities. Common finishes include natural wood veneer, melamine, and laminates.
Decorative plywood is versatile and can be used in various applications including kitchen cabinets, wall paneling, furniture, and flooring. Its inherent strength and stability make it suitable for both residential and commercial projects.
When selecting decorative plywood, it is important to consider factors such as durability, moisture resistance, and fire resistance. Different plywood types may have different ratings for these characteristics, so it is crucial to choose the plywood that meets your specific needs.
Some popular types of decorative plywood include:
- Veneered plywood: This type of decorative plywood features a thin layer of natural wood veneer that is bonded to the plywood core. It offers the aesthetic appeal of real wood while providing the strength and stability of plywood.
- Melamine plywood: Melamine decorative plywood is coated with a thin layer of melamine resin. It is known for its durability and resistance to moisture, heat, and stains. Melamine plywood is available in a wide range of colors and patterns.
- Laminated plywood: Laminated decorative plywood is created by bonding together multiple layers of decorative paper or plastic film with a resin adhesive. It offers a durable and cost-effective solution for decorative applications.
Overall, decorative plywood is an excellent choice for adding a touch of elegance and style to any space. Its versatility, durability, and wide range of finishes make it a popular option among designers, architects, and homeowners alike.
Structural Plywood
Structural plywood is a type of plywood that is specifically designed for structural applications. It is commonly used in construction projects where strength and durability are required. Structural plywood is often made with hardwood veneers, which are bonded together with waterproof adhesive to form a strong and rigid panel.
One of the key features of structural plywood is its strength. It is manufactured to meet or exceed certain performance standards, such as the British Standard BS 5268, which provides guidelines for the use of plywood in structural applications. This ensures that structural plywood is able to withstand heavy loads and various weather conditions without compromising its structural integrity.
Structural plywood is commonly used in a variety of applications, including roof and floor sheathing, wall and roof bracing, and formwork for concrete structures. It is known for its high strength-to-weight ratio, which makes it an ideal choice for structural components that need to be lightweight yet strong.
When using structural plywood, it is important to consider the intended application and any specific requirements or regulations. It is also crucial to properly handle, store, and install structural plywood to ensure its performance and longevity.
Table: Examples of Structural Plywood
| Name | Grade | Usage |
|---|---|---|
| BondiPly | Structural | Roof and floor sheathing |
| NordicPly | Structural | Wall and roof bracing |
| FormPly | Structural | Formwork for concrete structures |
| PowerPly | Structural | Roof and floor sheathing |
MDF Core Plywood
MDF Core Plywood is a type of plywood that features a core made of Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF). MDF is an engineered wood product that is made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers, combining them with wax and resin, and forming panels by applying high temperature and pressure.
The MDF core in MDF Core Plywood gives it a smooth and flat surface, making it ideal for applications where a consistent and even surface is required. MDF Core Plywood is commonly used in furniture manufacturing, cabinetry, and architectural millwork.
One of the key advantages of MDF Core Plywood is its stability. The MDF core helps prevent the plywood from warping or twisting, making it a reliable choice for projects that require dimensional stability. Additionally, the MDF core also enhances the screw-holding ability of the plywood, providing a strong and secure connection.
MDF Core Plywood is available in different thicknesses and can be found in various grades, allowing for flexibility in choosing the right plywood for specific applications. It can be easily cut, shaped, and finished, making it a versatile option for both professional and DIY projects.
In conclusion, MDF Core Plywood is a durable and versatile type of plywood that offers stability and a smooth surface. It is commonly used in furniture manufacturing, cabinetry, and architectural millwork due to its dimensional stability and screw-holding ability.