what is plywood

Plywood is made by gluing together a number of thin veneers or plies of softwood or hardwood.
Advantages: -There is always an odd number of veneers and each ply is at a right angle to the one below, this gives the material it’s strength. The more veneers used, the stronger the plywood becomes. Both the type of glue and veneers determine the suitability of a sheet for a particular application. The finish quality of plywood varies considerably, some plywood have attractive grains while others can contain knots. Plywood may be used inside and outside. Plywood is graded for exterior or interior use depending upon the water resistance of the glue used to stick the plies together. Code letters shows this grading on each sheet.
Exterior grade plywood (WBP – Weather and Boil Proof). This type of plywood can be used outside. Water-resistant adhesives are used and can resist a certain amount of moisture.
Uses: -Sheds and cladding are made from this material.
Weather boiled proof plywood requires paint or varnish to protect the outer veneer from the elements.
Internal plywood does not contain water-resistant adhesive. The code used to represent this plywood is (Int.interior use only).
Uses: -It may be used for wall panelling, flooring and furniture.
Uses: -Shuttering boxes are made from shuttering plywood. Shuttering boxes are used in the construction industry to contain concrete while it sets. The material is water resistant to a certain extent. The surface of this material does not have a decorative veneer and is generally not suitable for use where an attractive quality finish is required.
Uses: -Marine Plywood is made with waterproof adhesive so that it can be used under water. The material should still be protected with paint or varnish.
Other codes used on the surface of plywood are: BR: -Boil Resistant, MR: -Moisture Resistant.
The smoothness of the surface and the number of defects in it grade plywood. Plywood can be nailed and screwed. Thin plywood is flexible and can be formed into curved shapes.
Sizes: -Plywood is sold in 2440 x 1220mm and 1525 x 1525mm sheets. The most common thicknesses are 4, 6, 9 and 12 mm.