Plywood, a versatile building material, has found its place in countless construction and DIY projects. It’s a staple in the world of woodworking and design. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll unravel the mysteries of plywood, from what it is to how it’s made, and explore the various types available in the market. We’ll also discuss the advantages and disadvantages of each kind and suggest suitable projects.
WHAT IS PLYWOOD?
Plywood is a composite material made from thin layers of wood veneer, called plies or layers, which are glued together with each adjacent layer having its wood grain rotated up to 90 degrees relative to the adjoining layer. This construction method imparts strength, stability, and dimensional uniformity to plywood, making it a preferred choice for various applications.
HOW IS PLYWOOD MADE?
Understanding how plywood is made is essential to appreciate its qualities fully. Here’s a simplified overview:
- Log Selection: High-quality logs are selected for veneer production, ensuring the plywood’s strength and durability.
- Peeling: The selected logs are then rotary-cut into thin veneer sheets using a large lathe. This process allows for continuous sheets of wood, ensuring minimal waste.
- Drying: The veneer sheets are carefully dried to remove moisture, preventing warping or delamination later.
- Gluing: The dried veneers are layered with adhesive applied between each sheet. Common adhesives include phenol-formaldehyde, melamine-formaldehyde, and urea-formaldehyde, each with specific properties.
- Pressing: The layered veneers are pressed together under high pressure and heat. This creates a strong bond between the layers.
- Cutting: The finished plywood panels are cut to size and sanded to achieve a smooth surface.
Now that we understand the manufacturing process let’s delve into the various types of plywood available.
TYPES OF PLYWOOD
Softwood Plywood
Softwood plywood is made from various softwood species like pine, fir, or cedar. It’s known for its affordability, making it a popular choice for structural applications. I used a softwood plywood sheet as a base when I built this herringbone table top.
- Advantages: Affordable, lightweight, readily available and suitable for structural applications.
- Disadvantages: May have knots and voids, less appealing appearance.
- Projects: Subflooring, sheathing, shelving.
Hardwood Plywood
Hardwood plywood is crafted from hardwood veneers, offering a high-quality finish and durability. It’s available in various wood species, allowing for stunning aesthetics. Hardwood plywood is my go-to material for building large furniture, such as this floor-to-ceiling alcove wardrobe.
- Advantages: High-quality finish, durable, aesthetically pleasing, available in various wood species.
- Disadvantages: More expensive than softwood plywood.
- Projects: Furniture, cabinetry, decorative panels.
Marine Plywood
Marine plywood is designed for water-related applications. It boasts exceptional water resistance and durability, making it suitable for outdoor use.
- Advantages: Exceptional water resistance, can be used outdoors, durable.
- Disadvantages: Relatively expensive.
- Projects: Boat building, outdoor furniture, bathroom fixtures.
Birch Plywood
Birch plywood is known for its exceptional strength and fine-grain appearance. It’s made from birch veneers.
- Advantages: Extremely strong, void-free layers, fine-grain appearance.
- Disadvantages: Premium price.
- Projects: Jigs and fixtures, high-end cabinetry, drawer boxes.
Phenolic and Shuttering Plywood
Phenolic and shutting plywood, also known as film-faced plywood, features a surface layer of phenolic resin-impregnated paper. It’s renowned for its durability and resistance to water and chemicals.
- Advantages: Exceptional durability, water and chemical resistance, ideal for outdoor and heavy-duty applications.
- Disadvantages: It can be more expensive, with limited decorative options due to its film-faced surface.
- Projects: Concrete formwork, trailer floors, industrial shelving.
CONCLUSION
With its various types and unique qualities, plywood is a remarkable material in construction and woodworking. Understanding the advantages and disadvantages of each type helps you make informed choices for your projects. Whether you’re building furniture, constructing a boat, or tackling a home improvement task, there’s guaranteed to be a type of plywood that’s just right for the job.
Happy woodworking!
