Plywood Sheets

Plywood

Plywood is an engineered timber closely related to MDF and chipboard, which are also used as sheet materials. It is made from thin layers of wood called veneers. These veneers are stacked with each layer rotated 90 degrees and glued together. This technique is called cross-grain and differs from solid wood, where the grain runs in one direction.

This method gives plywood several advantages:

• High strength and stability
• Prevents warping
• Lower risk of splitting, especially when nails are used near the edges

What is plywood used for?

Quality plywood is a versatile, cost-effective alternative to solid wood. Thanks to the cross-grain layering, it can handle high pressure and is suitable for many uses, including:

• Furniture
• Flooring
• Light partition walls
• Doors
• Panelling
• Cladding
• Sheds

Some branches offer plywood cut to size. Check your local branch page to see if this service is available.

Which plywood should be used?

At Howarth Timber & Building Supplies, we offer a wide range of plywood sheets. Choosing the right one depends on your project needs:

Internal applications: Used where moisture is not a concern. Choose plywood with EN636-1S technical class and EN314 Class 1 bond.

Typical uses include:

• Packing cases
• Furniture
• Shelving

For projects where appearance matters, consider decorative plywood with natural wood grain face veneers.

External applications: Suitable for areas with occasional moisture, such as bathrooms with humidity or condensation. Use EN636-2S exterior plywood with an EN314 Class 2 bond.

Marine grade plywood is excellent here because it resists moisture, delamination, and fungal attacks. Uses include:

• Roofing
• Floors
• Walls
• Hoardings

For structural applications, like storage crates, we recommend structural plywood. For crates kept outdoors, choose plywood with EN636-3S and EN314 Class 3 bond.

What is marine plywood?

Marine grade plywood is the highest quality plywood available. It must withstand rain, snow, and regular water exposure to qualify as marine grade. But that’s not the only standard it meets.

Its main advantage is durability. Marine plywood outperforms most other plywoods outdoors. It’s used for boats, homes, and structures requiring strong moisture resistance. It has no knotholes or air pockets, making it structurally stronger.

What is a plywood sheet?

Plywood sheets are strong, versatile panels made by bonding thin layers of wood veneer. Their durability makes them ideal for construction, furniture, and DIY projects.

• 18mm plywood sheets are perfect for structural work.
• 3mm plywood sheets suit lightweight tasks.
• 12mm plywood sheets offer a balance of strength and flexibility.
• 6mm plywood sheets are often used for panelling and underlays.

Whatever your project, there’s a plywood sheet to match!