Wood has been used for thousands of years for construction and home decor across civilizations. Its excellent material characteristics are ingrained in our minds and need no explanation. However, temperature and moisture changes naturally degrade the quality of wood. Plywood is an answer to these very core problems in solid wood. Its structure is more refined due to the complex engineering process involved in its making. For furniture production, many buyers opt for a plywood manufacturer nowadays because of the better longevity that it offers. In furniture making, it offers greater workability, structural strength and overall durability.

Let’s examine the different types of plywood and how they are used in furniture making.

Plywood Types Explained

There are several ways to define a plywood type based on its moisture-resistant ability, construction process, and application requirements. 

Here is a broad classification:

Marine Plywood

Defined by IS: 710 standards, a marine-grade plywood is also termed boiling water-proof plywood (BWP). It has the best moisture resistance quality as it can withstand the extreme humidity of coastal areas and shipyards. Coastal homes benefit from furniture made with this plywood.

MR Grade Plywood

A moisture-resistant (MR) grade plywood is one of the most used in commercial furniture making. It is economical and its physical properties are good enough to handle regular moisture and temperature changes in homes. You can find it in decorative furniture, chairs, workstations, and wardrobes. IS 303 is the defined standard for MR-grade plywood.

Calibrated Plywood

Calibrated plywood is a type of plywood carefully processed to maintain the same thickness of the entire sheet. It is sanded in a precise way, ensuring that the thickness is kept the same while making furniture. Therefore, it can be utilized for producing modular furniture, cabinets, wardrobes, drawers and other facilities where precise fitting is needed. The even surface also makes lamination, veneering, and finishing processes much easier.

Hardwood Plywood

Hardwood plywood is produced using veneers of hardwoods, which gives this type of plywood good strength, stability, and durability. It is often chosen when producing furniture, which should withstand a lot of use and loads. However, due to its strong structure, hardwood plywood can be used for making tables, chairs, racks, cabinets, and office furniture.

Fire Retardant Ply

Fire retardant plywood is processed and produced in a way that minimizes the chance of spreading flames and slows the fire spreading. This type of plywood is used when the furniture requires an additional level of fire protection.

Why Plywood Is Widely Used in Furniture Making

Plywood is notable for having a variety of practical features that make it an excellent material for furniture making. Its characteristic layered construction creates stress distribution throughout the sheet. Various grades of plywood available allow for choosing the most suitable type for various types of furniture. Plywood can be used in numerous furniture designs, from closets and beds through kitchen furniture to office furniture and storage systems. The most important point is to match the sheet grade and thickness.

To Sum Up

Different kinds of plywood serve different purposes in furniture manufacturing. By knowing these differences, it becomes easier to choose plywood according to furniture needs rather than basing it on appearance or pricing. A trustworthy plywood supplier can also help in selecting the correct grade, thickness and type of material required for making specific furniture. Kridha Laminates is a top plywood brand you can trust for your furniture making project.