What is Plywood?
Plywood is a popular sheet material that is manufactured using engineered wood that is cut into fine veneers that are layered with each one being rotating by 90-degrees from the layer below. The veneers used on the faces are of a higher-quality grade than the veneers used at its core.
This is often referred to as a cross-grain technique and has a variety of benefits, including:
- Improved strength and stability
- Warping is prevented
- Lower risk of the plywood splitting, particularly when nails are inserted around the edges
The more veneers that a sheet of plywood is constructed of, the stronger it will be.
What is Plywood used for?
Plywood is a versatile product that is suitable for use in a wide range of internal applications, including:
- Furniture, including kitchen cabinets and cupboards
- Flooring
- Light partition walls
- Doors
- Panelling
Externally, plywood can also be used for:
- Cladding
- Sheds
Which applications a specific type of plywood can be used for will depend on a variety of factors:
For internal applications, that will not be exposed to moisture, you should choose a plywood that has a technical class of EN636-1S and use an EN314 Class 1 bond. Applications include packing cases, furniture, and shelving.
For applications that will experience occasional wetting, including humidity and condensation (for example in bathrooms), you should choose an EN636-2S plywood with an EN314 Class 2 bond. This is ideal for roofing, floors, and walls.
For structural applications that will be constantly exposed to the elements, for example, walls, roofing, and floors, you will need an EN636-3S class plywood with an EN314 Class 3 bond.