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Plywood is a staple material in the world of construction and according to reports, it’s regaining popularity. While plywood has many physical benefits, it is also affordable, which is why so many construction projects make use of it. Let’s dive into the different types and applications of plywood in the construction industry.
What is plywood?
By definition, plywood is an engineered wood and is made up of many layers that are attached by putting woodgrains at a 90-degree rotation. It’s this structure that makes plywood so strong, even though the strands of wood themselves are flimsy or delicate. Believe it or not, plywood has a rich history and has been adapted in many ways over the years.
The different types of plywood
There are many different types of plywood available to buy and each has its own properties that come in handy for different purposes.
- Marine plywood: This type is designed to be water or moisture-repellent and is made using waterproof glue to help facilitate this.
- Shuttering plywood: This is one of the most cost-effective types of plywood on the market and because it is of lower quality, tends to be used for temporary building uses, like covering up a smashed window. Most construction companies use these in work to reduce business costs.
- Softwood plywood: Typically made using softwood veneers from trees such as fir and pine, softwood plywood is regularly used for construction work.
- Decorative plywood: This type of plywood tends to be veneered with more luxurious materials like maple, red oak or walnut hardwood veneers to achieve a more visually appealing look for furniture.
- Tropical plywood: Originating from parts of Asia and South America, this type tends to be dense with even layers, making it a higher-quality option in the plywood market.
- Aircraft plywood: If you’re looking for the crème de la crème when it comes to durable plywood, this is the one to go for.
Plywood has several properties
Features that make plywood so usable in the industry include the fact that it can retain moisture, as well as its stiffness, making it a durable option in many construction projects. As well as being fire resistant, it’s also a lot lighter than wood, making it easier to lift, which is why every construction companies use these. It can also be adapted to suit many different purposes, which is illustrated in the sheer amount of plywood variations available.
Practical Uses for Plywood
Typically, plywood is used in different areas of construction, including exterior wall sheathing, interior walls and roofing, but it has many other applications too. It can be used to craft furniture and is a popular choice for many DIY projects for this reason. Transport, from aviation to shipping construction also has many uses for plywood due to its versatility.
