Last updated on February 22nd, 2022
The material that comes to mind first when you are thinking of renovating your home or office is plywood. Most of us are aware that plywood is very different from natural wood. And while we use the term often enough, do we really know what plywood is? Or anything about its benefits and versatility?
If you are thinking about redecorating your home, you should definitely learn about the one material that could play a very important role in this journey. After all, you want what’s best there is for your home decor. Let’s dive in and find out more!
What is plywood?
Plywood is engineered wood and not something that can be sourced directly from a tree trunk. To make plywood, many layers or strips of wood are glued together and compressed to form a cross-grain pattern. These strips or veneers need not be from the same type of tree and can be a mix of hardwood and softwood. And joining them at 90-degree angles gives plywood the flexibility and strength that it is known for.
Why should you use plywood?
Although it isn’t exactly natural wood, plywood has a lot going for it. Let’s look at some of its benefits:
Choice of thickness and size: Plywood can have layers anywhere between three and 21. You can add more layers to make it thicker if you need. The thinner sheets are around ¼ of an inch thick. The thicker ones, required for heavy furniture such as beds or wardrobes, can be 1” to 1 ½” thick. These sheets can be small or big.
Different types for different uses: Whether you need it for interior decor or exteriors, you will find the right type of plywood to match your requirements. There is a wide variety to choose from. Exterior plywood, marine plywood, structural plywood, softwood, and hardwood varieties are just a few of them.
Guaranteed strength: Plywood is strong, sturdy, and reliable. It can carry a lot of weight and is very flexible at the same time.
Ideal for nailing and screwing: You need to use nails and screws to make furniture. And so, the wood that your source has to be resilient. With its cross-grain pattern, plywood makes the artisan’s job a lot easier. This pattern also ensures that the nails and screws are wedged in tight, which increases the life of the finished product.
Flexibility: Plywood can be bent into different shapes depending on the requirement of the designer. Some of the examples of bent plywood are skateboards, musical instruments, and curved furniture.
Warp resistant: During its manufacturing process, real lumber layers are used. These layers are then glued together, which eliminates warping.
Lightweight: Plywood doesn’t weigh as much as lumber, making it easy to transport and work with.
Pocket-friendly: While certain varieties are on the expensive side, most plywood is long-lasting and will not put a dent in your budget.
A wide variety of plywood is used these days. It’s important to know the three main types that are commonly used:
1. Moisture-resistant plywood: Also known as commercial plywood, MR plywood resists moisture and is a good option for humid regions. However, it is not waterproof.
2. Boiling waterproof plywood: This variety is very popular indoors and outdoors because it can resist boiling water. It is also great for all kinds of weather. Inside your home, this plywood is perfect for the kitchen and bathroom.
3. Marine plywood: Marine plywood can resist water damage to a large degree. While most of us opt for marine plywood in our homes, it’s a useless exercise as your home is not going to see a flood anytime soon!
And The Verdict?
Plywood is quite affordable and extremely versatile. And with its vast range of applications, it’s a great product for your home decor, without an iota of doubt! We hope that after this quick read, you know your furniture a lot better than you did before.
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