Plywood Types and Application
Originally, plywood referred to wood panels made of multi-layered veneer, bonded together with glue. While this term is still accurate, today the name plywood has become more generic, being used to refer to all types of engineered wood panels.
Types Of Plywood
These are the common types of plywood that are currently available on the market.
COMMERCIAL GRADE PLYWOODS
Most commonly used for cabinet and furniture making, where a smooth, attractive surface is required for finishing. Hardwood plywood is manufactured the same as softwood plywood, except the exterior layers (face and reverse) are made of hardwood. Common hardwood plywood available includes: ash, oak, red oak, birch, maple and mahogany. It is typically AB grade plywood.
Particle board is made of sawdust, shavings and tiny pieces of wood which are mixed with glue and pressed into sheets. It is the most economical, but the weakest of all sheet goods. Particle board is commonly used under laminates on countertops and for shelving. Most inexpensive furniture uses vinyl covered particle board for large surfaces, usually trimmed with solid wood.
Designed for use in the construction of boats, marine plywood is specially treated to resist rotting in high-moisture environments. Marine plywood is manufactured with no core gap caused by cracks or knotholes, to prevent water from becoming trapped in those voids. Water Boiled Proof (WBP) glue, similar to what is used on exterior plywood is used to bond the layers together.
MDF differs from Particle Board in that it is created from individual wood fibers, instead of sawdust and wood chips. This creates an extremely flat board consistent in material thickness and density, with no voids. Due to its very smooth finish, MDF is excellent for painting or vinyl veneer coating. MDF is slightly stronger than Particle Board and is taking over the furniture market from the latter.