Plywood is made from thin layers of wood, known as veneers, which are glued together. The individual layers are usually arranged so that the direction of the grain in adjacent sheets is perpendicular to one another. This construction increases the material’s stability and makes it more resistant to deformation than a single board of similar thickness.
– It is precisely this layered construction that accounts for one of plywood’s most important advantages. The material withstands loads well while also being relatively easy to cut, drill or mill. That is why it is used both on construction sites and in carpentry workshops – the expert explains.
Plywood has many uses
In construction, plywood is used, among other things, as a material for wall and ceiling sheathing, floor underlays, partition-wall elements and various types of auxiliary structures. Properly selected varieties can also be used to make formwork and in places exposed to increased humidity.
However, choosing the right type of material is important. Not every type of plywood is intended for the same conditions.
– Moisture-resistant varieties can be used in dry rooms. If the material will be exposed to moisture or used outdoors, you need to choose plywood with appropriate water-resistance parameters. The appearance of the board alone is not enough; you need to check its intended use and bonding method – the expert points out.
When choosing the material, it is therefore worth considering more than just its thickness and dimensions. Available on the market, plywood board comes in many variants: from thin sheets used for light work and decoration to thicker boards intended for more demanding structural applications.
A popular material in carpentry and furniture making
Carpenters have also been using plywood extensively for years. It can be used to make furniture carcasses, shelves, cabinets, bookcases, built-in elements, utility countertops and custom-made furniture structures.
Its appearance is another advantage. The edge of plywood consists of visible layers of wood, which is why it is often deliberately left exposed in modern interiors. The surface can be sanded, varnished, painted or protected with oil.
– Plywood works well where a structural material is also meant to remain visible. Designers use its natural texture not only in furniture, but also in wall installations and decorative elements – the expert says.
The material can also be combined with metal, glass or other materials. It is easy to process, so it is used both in serial production and when making individual custom-sized elements.
Thickness must be matched to the task
One of the most common mistakes is choosing a board solely on the basis of price. Meanwhile, the thickness of plywood should depend on the loads that the finished element will carry.
Thin sheets may be suitable for decoration, lightweight enclosures or model-making components. Shelves, built-ins and structural elements generally require thicker and stiffer material. The market offers a wide range of thicknesses, from a few to several dozen millimetres.
– We need one type of plywood for the back panel of a lightweight piece of furniture and another for a shelf, platform or floor element. It is worth taking into account the span of the element, how it is supported and the expected load – the expert stresses.
The type of wood also matters. Birch, alder and softwood plywood are among the varieties available. Individual types differ in weight, hardness, appearance and performance parameters.
Surface quality is also important
For elements that are to remain visible, the surface grade of the plywood is important. If the board is used solely for structural purposes and will later be covered, the appearance of the outer layers is usually less significant.
The situation is different with furniture, shelves and decorative wall panels. For such applications, it is worth choosing material with better surface quality, fewer visible defects and repairs.
Plywood can also be sanded or unsanded. The sanded variety makes subsequent surface finishing easier, especially if the material is to be varnished or used as a visible furnishing element.
A versatile material, but not suitable for everything
The wide range of applications does not mean that every type of plywood is suitable for every task. Before buying, you need to determine the conditions in which the material will be used, the required level of strength, thickness, surface quality and moisture resistance.
Well-chosen plywood can last for many years. It is the combination of strength, relatively low susceptibility to deformation compared with solid wood and ease of processing that keeps the material popular in both construction and carpentry.