How to Choose the Right Plywood for Your Project

Plywood is an engineered wood product made by layering thin sheets of wood veneer (plies) together, with each ply's grain running at right angles to the next. This cross-lamination technique increases the material's strength, reduces shrinkage, and enhances its durability. The number of layers and the types of wood used can vary, producing a range of plywood types with different properties suited to specific uses.

Before diving into the specific applications and colour or pattern considerations, it’s important to understand the different types of plywood available in the market.

1. Structural Plywood

Structural plywood is designed for load-bearing applications and is often used in flooring, wall sheathing, and roof decking. It is strong and durable, meeting strict standards for construction use. If your project requires reliable strength and stability, structural plywood is the best choice.

Common Applications: Framing, bracing, subfloors, and roofing in both residential and commercial buildings.

Example: Structural Plywood

2. Interior Plywood

Interior plywood is generally used for non-structural purposes inside buildings, such as furniture making, cabinetry, and interior wall panels. This type of plywood can be finished with veneers and offers a smooth surface suitable for painting, staining, or laminating.

Common Applications: Furniture, joinery, cabinetry, and interior decorative panels.

Examples: Birch Plywood, Lightweight Interior Plywood

3. Decorative Plywood

Decorative plywood, often referred to as veneer plywood, laminated plywood or film faced plywood, features a high-quality wood veneer or laminate finish on the outermost layers, making it ideal for decorative applications. The most common applications of decorative plywood include table tops or furniture where the outer layer contrasts with the plywood’s distinctive layered edge. 

Common Applications: High-end cabinetry, furniture, and interior wall panelling.

4. Exterior Plywood

Designed for outdoor use, exterior plywood is manufactured with weather-resistant glue to withstand exposure to moisture and changing weather conditions. It’s a go-to choice for outdoor furniture, garden sheds, and external cladding.

Common Applications: Exterior cladding, outdoor furniture, and projects exposed to weather.

Examples: Hardwood Exterior Plywood, Hoop Pine Exterior Plywood

5. Marine Plywood

Marine plywood is made from high-quality hardwood veneers and bonded with waterproof glue. It is specifically designed for use in humid or wet environments, such as boats and areas exposed to water. Marine plywood has excellent resistance to fungal attack and water damage.

• Common Applications: Boats, docks, bathrooms, and other high-moisture environments.

Example: Marine Plywood

6. Formply Plywood

Formply is a high-density overlay plywood designed specifically for concrete formwork. Its surface is coated with a phenolic resin overlay, making it highly durable and resistant to moisture. The durable surface ensures that concrete does not stick, allowing for multiple reuses. If you're working on construction projects requiring formwork, Formply is the ideal choice.

Common Applications: Concrete formwork, scaffolding, and other construction uses requiring repeated use in harsh environments.

Example: Form Plywood

7. Fire Rated Plywood

Fire rated plywood is treated with fire-retardant chemicals to slow down the spread of flames. It’s designed for use in areas where fire safety is a concern and meets specific building code requirements for flame resistance.

Common Applications: Wall and ceiling linings, partitions, and other areas requiring enhanced fire safety.

Example: Fire Rated Group 2 Plywood

8. Bending or Flexi Plywood

Bending plywood, also known as flexi ply, is designed to bend and curve easily without breaking. Its flexibility makes it ideal for creating rounded shapes and smooth curves in furniture and interior designs.

Common Applications: Curved furniture, archways, and decorative interior features.

Example: Bending Plywood

When selecting plywood for your project, it’s important to consider the specific requirements of your build, including strength, moisture resistance, and visual appeal. Here are the most important factors to keep in mind:

1. Type of Project

The first step in choosing the right plywood is to determine the type of project you are working on. Structural plywood is essential for load-bearing applications, while decorative plywood is more suited for furniture or panelling where the final appearance matters. Identify the core purpose of the plywood and whether strength, appearance, or moisture resistance is the most critical factor.

2. Plywood Grades

Plywood is graded based on the quality of its surface veneer and its intended use. In Australia, plywood grades typically follow the A-B-C-D system:

• A Grade: High-quality plywood with a smooth, defect-free surface. Ideal for applications where the plywood will be visible, such as furniture or cabinetry.
• B Grade: Slightly less pristine than A-grade, but still suitable for visible surfaces that may be painted or stained.
• C Grade: This grade has more noticeable defects and is often used in structural or hidden applications.
• D Grade: The lowest quality veneer, usually full of knots and imperfections. This grade is best for structural applications where the plywood will not be visible.

In some cases, you might encounter a combination of grades, such as A-C, which indicates that one side of the plywood is of higher quality than the other.

3. Thickness

Plywood comes in a variety of thicknesses, typically ranging from 3mm to 25mm. Thicker plywood is better for structural purposes, while thinner sheets are suited for decorative applications such as wall panelling or cabinetry backings. When choosing thickness, consider the load-bearing requirements of your project and whether the plywood will be used for strength or aesthetic purposes.

4. Moisture Resistance

If your project involves areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor spaces, choosing a moisture-resistant or waterproof plywood type is critical. Marine plywood is ideal for water exposure, but exterior-grade plywood can also offer good resistance to moisture for outdoor use.

5. Workability

Different plywood types vary in how easy they are to cut, shape, and finish. If your project involves intricate cutting or shaping, look for plywood with an A or B grade, offering a smoother finish for painting or veneering.

Once you’ve determined the functional aspects of the plywood you need, the next step is to consider the aesthetic finish. Plywood is available in a wide range of colours, patterns, and wood species, allowing you to create a design that complements your overall vision.

1. Wood Veneer Options

If you're working on a project where the plywood will be visible, the veneer finish becomes a crucial factor. Popular wood veneers include:

• Oak Veneer: Known for its durability and classic grain pattern, oak is a popular choice for furniture and cabinetry.
• Walnut Veneer: Walnut is prized for its rich, dark tones and intricate grain, making it ideal for luxury projects.
• Exotic Veneers: For high-end or bespoke projects, consider using exotic wood veneers like mahogany or zebrawood for a unique look.

2. Staining and Painting

Plywood is a highly versatile material when it comes to finishes. You can stain it to enhance the natural beauty of the wood grain, or you can paint it for a more modern, sleek appearance. If you’re planning to stain the plywood, choose a veneer with an attractive grain pattern. If you plan to paint it, look for plywood with a smooth, even surface, such as A-grade or B-grade plywood.

3. Laminate and Melamine Options

If you want a contemporary or industrial look, consider plywood with a laminate or melamine finish. These materials are available in a wide variety of colours and patterns, allowing you to create a modern, easy-to-maintain surface. Laminate plywood is commonly used in kitchens, offices, and commercial interiors.

The requirements for residential and commercial plywood projects can differ significantly. In residential builds, aesthetics and ease of finishing are often top priorities, while commercial projects may place greater emphasis on durability, fire resistance, and moisture resistance.

Residential Projects: In homes, plywood is often used for cabinetry, furniture, and decorative wall panelling. Homeowners typically prioritise plywood that can be easily finished to match their interior design.

Commercial Projects: In commercial applications, plywood is frequently used for larger-scale structural purposes or for creating durable surfaces in high-traffic areas. Moisture resistance and fire-rated plywood may be important considerations in commercial builds.

Choosing the right plywood for your project requires a careful balance of function and aesthetics. Understanding the types of plywood available, their grades, and finishes will help you select the best material for your specific needs, whether you’re working on a residential renovation or a large commercial build.

At Bord Products, we offer an extensive range of plywood options to suit every project, from structural plywood for construction to decorative plywood for high-end interiors. Explore our full range of products at Bord Products or contact us here to learn more about how we can help you choose the perfect plywood for your next project.

Let us help you bring your vision to life with the right plywood solution.