10 Things Nobody Tells You About Plywood - Remodelista
10 Things Nobody Tells You About Plywood - Remodelista
Hear the word “plywood” and you might think of a cheap, maybe even low-quality construction material, used behind the scenes but not sophisticated enough to be seen on the surface. Thankfully, though, plywood is earning its rightful reputation as a durable, versatile, and—yes—good-looking design material, as suitable for furniture and kitchen cabinets as it is for subfloors.
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“Architects have always been interested in plywood, but it may be more popular with the general public now than it’s ever been,” Swedish architect Björn Förstberg told us in our piece Remodeling 101: A Plywood Primer. In this week’s installment of 10 Things Nobody Tells You, here a few things you might not know about this trusty, wallet-friendly material.
1. It’s essentially “a layer cake of lumber and glue”.
Or so said Popular Science back in . This layering process is what makes plywood unusually strong and durable; for more on how it’s made, see Remodeling 101: A Plywood Primer (or watch this video love letter to plywood).
2. It comes from the word “to fold”.
The word “ply” comes from the French word plier, meaning “to fold,” a reference to the many layers that make up plywood.
3. It’s not the same as MDF.
Don’t get plywood confused with particleboard or medium-density fiberboard (MDF): these inexpensive materials are made of wood scraps and are not as high-quality or strong as plywood.
4. You can use it on cabinets, on the ceiling, or as trim.
Over the years, some of our favorite projects have used plywood in inventive ways, from tabletops to kitchen cabinets, open-shelf bathroom storage to interior cladding—even as backsplashes and stairwells. For a few of our favorite uses, see 10 Favorites: The Unexpected Appeal of Plywood.
5. It’s a design darling (and shows up in places you might not expect).
From Aalto to Eames to Donald Judd, plywood has long been a favorite material of designers and artists. About an exhibit (called “Plywood”) of Donald Judd’s work with the material, NYC-based Paula Cooper Gallery writes: “Judd favored industrial materials like aluminum, steel, plexiglas and plywood among others in part because of their ‘blankness’: they carried no artistic connotations, no particular ‘meaning’ in the history of art. They were also plain, easily assembled and could be used with precision.” Add to that plywood’s strength and ability to bend, and it makes it the perfect material for all kinds of uses, from skate parks to aircraft.
6. It’s not one-size-fits-all.
Plywood tends to get lumped under one umbrella. But there are many different kinds, suitable for different sorts of projects, from exterior plywood to hardwood plywood, tropical plywood to marine-grade plywood. Read more about the types available in Remodeling 101: A Plywood Primer.
7. And, it can be two-faced.
Ever wonder what the letters on plywood refer to? That’s the grade, or quality, of the wood. A-grade, as you might guess, is premium quality, while the much lower D-grade will have marks and imperfections. If the plywood has two letters, it means the material is one grade on one side and a different grade on the other. A code of “FSC” means the plywood comes from responsibly managed forests. To add to the confusion, there are also different plys; see Remodeling 101: A Plywood Primer if you’re trying to decode which type of plywood is right for you.
8. It’s a genius idea for budget flooring.
It’s inexpensive, durable, and can be painted, sealed, or left plain. Need evidence? See Remodeling 101: Painted Plywood—The Best Budget Wood Floor.
9. Take care when using it.
For all of its perks, plywood is treated, which can add health concerns that plain lumber doesn’t have. “Wear a dust mask and, if possible, do your sawing outdoors,” advises contributor Barbara Peck. “Indoor plywood made with urea-formaldehyde glue can cause health problems due to off-gassing from the wood. But recent years have brought new government standards for formaldehyde emissions, and some indoor plywood is now being made formaldehyde-free.” Take a look at our Remodeling 101 post Is Plywood Safe? for a full run-down on what to watch for.
10. Choose your plywood like you’d choose a slab of marble: in person.
Like marble, no two pieces of plywood are the same. For that reason, it’s a good idea to survey your sheets of plywood in person, not online, to get a sense for the grain and knots, says Barbara in Remodeling 101: A Plywood Primer. That way you can get a sense for the character of the plywood and where it’ll work best.
More in 10 Things Nobody Tells You, our series for newbie remodelers:
- 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Basement Well-Being
- 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Renovating Your Kitchen
- 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Painting Floors
- 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Subway Tile
- 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Painting Furniture
- 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Washing Your Bedding
- 10 Things Nobody Tells You About the Trendiest Tile of
- 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Renovating Your Bathroom
- 10 Things Nobody Tells You About the Benefits of Wool
- 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Clawfoot Bathtubs
- 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Painting Kitchen Cabinets
- 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Shiplap
- 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Marble Countertops
- 10 Things Nobody Tells You About Painting a Room White
Frequently asked questions
What is plywood?
Plywood is a type of engineered wood made from thin layers or veneers of wood glued together with the grain of each layer running perpendicular to the adjacent layer. This cross-grain construction gives plywood its strength and stability.
What are the advantages of using plywood?
Plywood offers several advantages. It is strong, durable, and less prone to warping or shrinking compared to solid wood. It has a consistent and uniform structure, making it reliable for various applications. Plywood is also available in different thicknesses, sizes, and grades, making it versatile for different projects.
What are the common uses for plywood?
Plywood has a wide range of applications. It is commonly used in construction for subfloors, roof sheathing, walls, and cabinets. It is also used in furniture making, as well as for crafting doors, shelves, and built-in storage units. Additionally, plywood is popular in DIY projects and as a material for making prototypes.
Is plywood environmentally friendly?
The environmental friendliness of plywood depends on factors such as the source of the wood and the manufacturing process. Look for plywood certified by organizations such as the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), which ensures responsible forestry practices. Additionally, using plywood made from sustainably harvested wood and low-emission adhesives can contribute to its eco-friendliness.
What are the different grades of plywood?
Plywood is graded based on its quality and appearance. The grading system varies, but common grades include A, B, C, and D. Grade A represents the highest quality and appearance, with minimal defects, while Grade D may have more imperfections. Different grades are suitable for different applications, so choose the grade that fits your project's requirements.
Can plywood be used in wet environments like bathrooms or kitchens?
While plywood is generally not suitable for prolonged exposure to water, certain types of plywood are designed for wet environments. Marine-grade plywood, for example, is specifically made to withstand moisture and can be used in applications such as boat building or bathroom and kitchen projects. It's essential to choose the right type of plywood for wet areas.
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How should plywood be finished or sealed?
Plywood can be finished or sealed with various methods depending on the desired look and application. Common options include painting, staining, varnishing, or applying a clear coat. If using plywood in high-moisture areas, it's important to use an appropriate sealer or waterproofing agent to protect the wood and prevent moisture damage.
10 FAQs when buying plywood and answer - FOMEX GREENWOOD
Before going to shopping malls or agents to buy plywood, it is so convenient to sit at home and access the Internet and find out. However, buying plywood online often has a lot of questions from customers. Fomex would like to summarize the commonly asked questions of buyers so that everyone can refer to before choosing to buy for the appropriate plywood type. So Fomex would like to introduce 13 FAQs when buying plywood and answer
10 FAQs when buying plywood and answer
1. When was plywood invented? Who invented it?
Plywood was introduced into the United States in and industrial production started shortly after. In , the first standard-sized 4 ft by 8 ft (1.2 m by 2.4 m) plywood sheets were introduced in the United States for use as a general building material. (Wiki)
2. How is plywood made?
The construction process begins with felling trees. When logs are collected, they are debarked and cut into a very thin veneer. This is an intensive process that results in either a single continuous sheet or pre-measured sheets that will make the arrangement process easier. After the sheets are dried, they are arranged and bonded using the appropriate adhesives. Once the bonding is finished, the plywood is stamped and graded according to a number of different factors, including the grain and density.
3. What is plywood used for?
Plywood is an extremely versatile product, and it can be used in a wide variety of applications, based on various factors like reinforcing layers and decorative surfacing. Because of its strength and affordability, it is often used in both interior and exterior construction applications, ranging from things like formwork to internal paneling. Application is based on four types of plywood design, which include: structural, exterior, interior, and marine.
4. Can plywood be recycled?
The way in which plywood is recycled largely depends on the type used. Untreated, unstained, and unpainted plywoods are often converted into woodwaste. This can later be turned into compost or mulch. The wood may also be used for animal bedding, landscaping, and raw soil improvement. Solid pieces of plywood may be repurposed by end-users to establish a distressed aesthetic in the desired variety of furniture.
5. What happens if plywood gets wet?
Most varieties of plywood will shrug off rudimentary water damage, and stronger varieties are better equipped to manage extended water damage and Film faced plywood is one example. Like most types of wood, even if it is treated against water damage, extended exposure to moisture will start to wear and damage the wood. Untreated pieces will not hold out as well, and warping and rotting will begin much quicker as time goes on.
5. Can plywood be bent?
Although plywood can be bent, it has to be of a specialized variety, as most other types of plywood will splinter and break if they are bent. The best variety of plywood available for bending has to be close-grained so that the surface does not separate with bending. Close-grained hardwood faces are ideal, which include plywoods that are made from mahogany, poplar, and birch.
6. Can plywood be stained?
Plywood is a very easy material to stain because of its efficient construction. Because of how affordable the plywood is, it can also be ideal for all types of practice projects. Staining plywood will require special gel stains, though preconditioning the wood will allow you to use just about any other wood stain. The right care will allow the wood to have a single uniform color as desired.
7. Can plywood be sanded and polished?
Plywood can both be sanded and polished. Like any other wood, however, it is important to use the appropriate equipment to ensure that the finish appears as desired. It is recommended for individuals to start with 80-grit sandpaper to get the basic surface down before moving on to finer grits to get a smoother and more vibrant polish on the wood.
8. How thick is plywood?
Plywood thicknesses vary according to what the pieces are being used for. If the plywood is being used a support, it needs to be thicker and sturdier than if it is being used as a veneer. Normal plywood thicknesses may vary from an eighth of an inch to as much as one and a quarter of an inch. Specialized types of plywood may have even more variety when it comes to their thicknesses.
9. What kind of plywood is best for flooring?
Interior plywood is one of the most advantageous when used for indoor flooring. Because this type of plywood is only moderately sealed against water damage, it is highly recommended for end-users to apply this flooring system to rooms that do not come in contact with moisture often. For bathrooms and kitchens, exterior plywood is better designed to resist water damage.
10. What kind of plywood is best for roofing?
Radiant barrier plywood is most often used for roofing. This variety of plywood is designed to be very durable in the face of both physical wear and rain damage. Roofers often favor using plywood because of its ease of installation and natural strength, though more durable options may be necessary in areas that are prone to frequent thunderstorms.
Above there are FAQs when buying plywood: Hope the information that Fomex is useful to you and thanks to you for your time.
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