Whether you are asking a carpenter to price up a job or you are interested in discovering more about the delights of plywood construction for a home project, it is useful for you to understand what plywood is and how different types and grades of plywood differ. Last week we talked about the different types of plywood. This week, we offer advice on choosing the right plywood for the job in hand.
Plywood comes in a range of types, grades and thicknesses, and choosing the right one will make sure that the final construction not only looks great but lasts well, too. Here’s what you need to consider when thinking about different projects:
Cabinetry
If you are creating cabinets or storage, cabinet-grade plywood might be the best one for you. This grade of plywood is made to withstand frequent use – because of its popularity, there is plenty of choice in terms of finishes, so you are unlikely to have a problem finding the right style to suit your tastes.
Decorative projects
Decorative ply is a great way to improve the aesthetics of an existing structure. Ply wall or ceiling panels can be elegant and a relatively low cost and long-lasting way of transforming a room.
Furniture making
Ply is a go-to material for furniture construction. Hardwood ply offers a higher end finish as well as providing greater strength, so is less likely to warp.
Construction
Plywood is commonly used in construction projects and provides a base layer for walls, subfloors and roofs. It is important that, for construction, you look for structural plywood because it offers higher levels of strength and stability.
Considering the environment
It doesn’t just matter what you are doing, where the wood will be used is an important consideration, too. In general, if your project is or will be used inside and kept dry, then standard plywood is fine to use. This is good news for those interior design and build jobs as standard plywood is usually the cheapest as well as coming in a great range of designs.
For external projects, exterior grade plywood or marine plywood is best. Although it costs a little more, the investment will pay off as standard ply is likely to absorb moisture, eventually losing structural integrity or rotting.
If you are using plywood in a humid environment, such as a kitchen or bathroom, you should still use moisture-resistant wood as it is designed to prevent the absorption of water droplets and steam. Choosing plywood may seem like a faff, especially if you just want to get on with the job in hand but by choosing the right materials now, you will ensure the longevity of the end product. Got any doubts? Contact a local carpenter, handyman or cabinet maker to offer advice and give you a quote for a professional job.
Next up, we will be talking about tips for working with plywood; follow us on Facebook or X for more.