Your Guide to Different Types of Plywood and Their Uses.

Your Guide to Different Types of Plywood and Their Uses.

At Alpro Panels, we understand that choosing the right plywood for your project can be overwhelming. With a variety of types and grades available, it's important to know which one best suits your needs. This blog post will be your one-stop guide to navigating the world of plywood!

Understanding Plywood Basics

Plywood is a versatile and engineered wood panel made by gluing thin sheets of wood veneer (plies) together with the grain running perpendicularly. This cross-laminated construction creates a strong, stable, and dimensionally consistent material compared to solid wood. Plywood is also rated by grade, which indicates the quality of the face and back veneers (A being the highest quality, D being the most utilitarian). Now, let's delve into the most common types of plywood and their applications:

By Application:

Interior Plywood: Ideal for applications with limited moisture exposure, such as wall paneling, furniture construction (cabinets, shelves), and painted or laminated projects. Available in sanded or unsanded finishes, with higher grades (A-C) offering a smoother surface.

Exterior Plywood: Made with waterproof glue and often featuring a weather-resistant outer layer, this plywood is designed for outdoor use. Common applications include wall sheathing (substructures for siding), roofs (soffits and fascia), and decks (underlayment). Look for plywood with an "X" designation (e.g., ACX) for superior exterior durability.

Hardwood Plywood: Constructed with hardwood veneers like birch, maple, or oak, this plywood offers exceptional strength, stability, and a beautiful finish. It's perfect for high-end furniture making, cabinetry, and applications requiring a decorative wood grain.

By Construction:

Sanded Plywood: This plywood has a smooth, finished surface on both sides, making it ideal for applications where appearance matters, like cabinets, shelves, and painted surfaces.

Unsanded Plywood: As the name suggests, this plywood has a rougher surface. It's typically used in hidden applications where structural strength is the priority, such as subflooring, wall blocking, and concrete formwork.

Aircraft Plywood: This high-grade plywood is known for its exceptional strength, lightweight build, and moisture resistance. While uncommon for everyday projects, it may be used for specialized applications like boat building or interior design elements requiring maximum strength-to-weight ratio.

Choosing the Right Plywood for You

Here are some key factors to consider when selecting plywood for your project:

Application: Interior vs. exterior use? Weight-bearing vs. decorative?

Grade: Higher grades offer a smoother surface and better moisture resistance, but come at a higher cost.

Finish: Sanded or unsanded? Sanded provides a better painting surface, while unsanded is more economical for hidden applications.

Thickness: Plywood comes in various thicknesses, from thin panels for cabinetry to thicker sheets for structural applications.

Alpro Panels: Your Plywood Partner

At Alpro Panels, we offer a wide selection of high-quality plywood to meet your project's specific needs. Our knowledgeable staff is always happy to assist you in choosing the perfect type and grade of plywood for your next project. Visit us today or browse our online selection to get started!

Additional Tips:

Always store plywood flat and protected from moisture to prevent warping.

Cut plywood using sharp blades to ensure clean cuts and minimize chipping.

When using plywood outdoors, ensure proper sealing and ventilation to maximize its lifespan.

By understanding the different types of plywood and their applications, you can make informed decisions for your projects. With Alpro Panels as your partner, you'll have the right plywood to bring your vision to life!