Different Grades Of Plywood Used In Home

When building or renovating a home, one fundamental material that has so often set the foundation for designing interiors and furniture is plywood. Its versatility, strength, and cost-effectiveness make it indispensable in modern construction. However, understanding the different types of plywood and their applications can greatly influence the quality and longevity of your furniture.

The following guide takes you through the kinds of plywood, various grades of plywood, and how to choose the best plywood for furniture and other home interiors.

Table of Contents:

• What is Plywood?

• Various Grades of Plywood

• Types of Plywood for Different Home Applications

• Factors to Consider When Choosing Plywood 

• Conclusion

What is Plywood?

Plywood is an engineered wood product made by gluing together multiple thin layers of wood veneers. These layers or plies are arranged at right angles to one another, a fact that improves the strength, durability, and resistance of the board against warping. The plywood can be in different grades and types, depending on the application.

Various Grades of Plywood

The grades of plywood determine its strength, durability, surface finish, and resistance to environmental elements. Here is a detailed look at the commonly used grades in homes. 

1. MR (Moisture Resistant) Grade Plywood

What Is It: This is commonly referred to as commercial plywood. MR-grade plywood is intended to be used in dry areas. It is also resistant to moisture but not waterproof.

Uses: Suitable for interior furniture, such as wardrobes, cabinets, and wall paneling, in non-moisture-prone areas.

2. BWP (Boiling Waterproof) Grade Plywood

What Is It: Marine plywood or BWP-grade plywood is very resistant to water and cannot be damaged easily.  It is highly resistant to water.

Uses: For moist-exposed areas, which include kitchen and bathroom furniture.

Example: High-quality BWP-grade plywood is available at Greenply’s Ecotec Plywood which provides the desired quality at an affordable price with water resistance for high moisture areas and durability.

3. Fire Retardant Plywood

What Is It: This plywood grade has been treated so that it resists fire, thereby helping delay further spread of flames, thus ensuring greater safety for homes and commercial spaces.

Uses: Suitable for kitchen, auditorium, and places where fire safety is imperative.  

Example: Greenply's Green Fire Retardant Plywood provides unparalleled safety through its flammability resistance.  

4. Flexible Plywood

What Is It: Flexible Plywood is a type of plywood that is highly prone to bending without breaking.  

Uses: Ideal for making curvy furniture, arches, and interior designs of artworks.  

5. Structural Plywood

What Is It: High-strength plywood used for load-bearing applications.  

Uses: Flooring, roofing, and framework.  

Example: Greenply's Green Structural Plywood is designed with maximum strength for heavy-duty uses.  

6. Zero-Emission Plywood

What Is It: Eco-friendly plywood with E0 emission standards, out-gassing minimal formaldehyde for healthier indoor air quality.

Uses: It is suitable for homes, particularly in children's rooms or places with poor air quality.  

Example: Greenply's Green Range plywood adheres to E0 standards, which makes it safe and sustainable.  

Types of Plywood for Different Home Applications

It truly depends on where and how it is used as to what kind of plywood one should consider. Now, let's check the different types of plywood suitable for different regions in your house: 

1. For Furniture  

Furniture needs robust and aesthetically pleasing plywood. The best plywood for furniture includes: 

• BWP Grade Plywood: Resistant to water and wear, ideal for kitchen cabinets and outdoor furniture.

• Calibrated Plywood: Provides a smooth surface and uniform thickness, allowing for perfect finishes.

• Application: Greenply's Optima-G Plywood is calibrated to the T, assuring precision for furniture applications. 

2. For Kitchens and Bathrooms

The areas most likely to be highly moist and humid are kitchens and bathrooms. Therefore, it necessitates water-resisting products: 

• Marine Plywood: Manufactured to offer water-resisting properties.

• BWP Grade Plywood: Low-cost plywood substitute.

• Example: Greenply's Ecotec Plywood is a great value-for-money choice for damp areas. 

3. For Walls and Ceilings  

Plywood for wall cladding and ceiling should be light yet rugged.  

• MR Grade Plywood: Dry indoor application.

• Fire-Retardant Plywood: Additional safety.

4. For Decorative Applications

To achieve a premium aesthetic, opt for:  

• Laminated Plywood: Pre-finished with decorative laminates.  

• Flexible Plywood: For curved designs and intricate decor.  

Factors to Consider When Choosing Plywood 

When selecting plywood for your home, keep these factors in mind:  

1. Grade

Choose the grade based on the environment. For example, opt for BWP grade plywood in kitchens or bathrooms and MR-grade for dry areas.  

2. Durability

Look for termite-resistant and borer-proof plywood to enhance longevity.  

3. Eco-Friendliness

Choose low-emission plywood like Greenply’s E0 Range to ensure a healthier indoor environment.  

4. Budget

Affordable options like Greenply Jansathi Plywood are of good quality but at a very affordable price. 

5. Brand Reputation

The prestige attached to brands like Greenply is that they offer quality, consistency, and upholding of the standards.