Nov 6, 2024
Plywood is one of the most versatile materials used in interior design projects, offering strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. Whether you’re renovating your home, creating bespoke furniture, or designing an office space, choosing plywood that is right for your needs is critical to ensure longevity and quality. However, with so many different types, thicknesses, and grades available, it can be overwhelming to pick the right one.
Since we see plyboard also majorly known as blackboard, making the headlines for being the main ingredient in today’s modern furniture, it gets overwhelming when it comes to making a choice. In this blog, we’ll discuss how to choose the right plyboard design for your interior projects, along with some tips on what to look for based on your design needs. By understanding key factors like plyboard types, thickness, and applications, you can make informed decisions that enhance your space both functionally and aesthetically.
Before we discuss how to choose the right plywood, let us first understand some types of plywood. There are several varieties of plywood, which find use in different applications in interior design with plywood.
1. Softwood Plywood
Softwood plywood contains woods like pine, fir, or cedar. The material is suitable for structural purposes; primarily, it is utilized in walls and roofing but may be applied to interior designs that need strength. Softwood plywood is a good option for plywall interiors since it offers durability.
2. Hardwood Plywood
Hardwood plywood is composed of hardwoods such as teak, birch, and oak. It is the choice for furniture designs and cabinetry because of its strength and durability, together with its excellent finish. Luxury plyboard furniture design benefits from the luxurious finish of hardwood plywood.
3. Marine Plywood
Marine plywood is considered the better alternative for damp-prone places, such as kitchens and bathrooms. These are treated to evade water damage, hence very suitable for areas with humidity exposure and exposure to water.
4. MR and BWP Plywood
Plyboard moisture-resistant (MR) and Boiling Water-Proof (BWP) plywood are generally used for interior design purposes where moisture exposure is probable to be moderate to high. MR plywood can be used inside, while BWP is best for bathroom and kitchen applications where water exposure is higher.
Now that you already know the kinds of plywood there are, here are some helpful tips that guide you in choosing plywood for your interior design projects.
1. Plyboard Thickness
The plyboard thickness is one of the most important factors in choosing the appropriate plyboard for your project. The type of interior design project that you are working on will require a particular thickness of the plyboard. For example, plyboard furniture designs like cabinets or shelves should be 12mm to 19mm.
For the interior part of ply walls, thinner options of 6mm to 12mm can be acquired for reasons of weight and more so on design considerations.
When one is to design structures in the form of countertops or floors, plywood must be increased to at least a thickness of 18mm to add support and strength to the structure.
Choosing the right thickness will ensure that your design is just not good-looking but also strong and sturdy over time.
2. Grade and Quality
Plywood is graded based on appearance and quality. The grades that are most widely available are A, B, C, and D with grade A being the best.
Grade A: This grade offers a smooth, blemish-free surface. It is ideal for plywood interior design where the surface would be exposed.
Grade B and C: Such grades are often used when used as internal layers of plyboard or in areas where the surface would be covered, such as below carpets, or any behind wall panels.
Grade D: This is the lowest grade and is best used for temporary structures or non-visible surfaces.
For long-lasting interior designs, it is wise to invest in high-grade plywood especially in pieces of furniture and on wall applications that are visible.
3. Plyboard Finish
The finish of the plyboard you choose will impact the whole aesthetic of your interior design. Below are some examples:
Natural wood finish: It is a timeless and classic finish looking highly sophisticated. Use it in classic and rustic interiors for an overall classy appearance.
Veneered plyboard: The high-end look at a fraction of the price of solid wood will provide the needed look when you choose it for modern and contemporary designs.
Laminated Plyboard: This is suitable if you need a more rugged surface that doesn't stain and is resistant to scratches. It can easily be cleaned, hence highly recommended for use in kitchen cabinetry and very traversed buildings.
4. Plyboard Flexibility
Plywood has the tendency to be bent which makes it a favorite for curved designs like arched doorways or rounded furniture edges. If your interior design involves non-linear shapes, look for flexible plywood that bends easily and without cracking.
Plywood has diverse applications in interior design. Here are some of the ways you can use plyboard in different parts of your home or project:
1. Furniture Design
Plywood is also frequently used as a material for furniture, especially cabinetwork such as cabinets, wardrobes, or bookshelves because plywood is relatively strong and can withstand heavy usage. For that sleeker and modern look, veneered or laminated plyboard would be the better option.
2. Wall Paneling
Plywood wall paneling is wonderful if you're looking for a minimalist yet classy interior. Adding texture and warmth to the room, Ply wall interior will not be a costly affair to maintain. A variety of finishes can be chosen whether stained or painted plywood suits well with the rest of the aesthetic.
3. Flooring
Plywood can be used as a subfloor, and, depending on the situation, as the floor material itself. As flooring, you would want to select a hard grade and thickness that won't quickly bend under weight and traffic applied.
4. Ceilings
Plywood is a great choice for rustic or industrial ceiling paneling, to give that natural feel minus one bit of that modern touch sophistication. For ceilings, lightweight plywood is the best type; you may even have options between natural wooden hues and painted designs.
When you search for plywood for your interior design, remember these tips at all times:
Know the Purpose: Identify the main usage of the plyboard in your project. The different applications in your project will require different types and grades of plywood.
Check for Certification: Ensure that the plywood you choose is certified for quality and sustainability. Look for brands that offer warranties to guarantee the longevity of the material.
Check for defects: Observe the plyboard and check for any distortions such as cracks, splits, or warping; if such are seen, the plyboard could compromise the integrity of your design.
Choosing the right plyboard for your interior design projects is crucial for creating beautiful, functional, and durable spaces. Whether you're working on furniture, walls, or other structural elements, considering the type, grade, thickness, and finish of the plywood can significantly impact the outcome of your project.
For high-quality plywood solutions that offer durability and style, Greenply provides a range of premium plywood options designed to meet the specific needs of interior design. Whether you’re looking for flexibility, water resistance, or aesthetic appeal, Greenply’s products ensure that your projects are built to last while maintaining a stylish appearance.