If you are wondering what the right plywood for your next project is, we are here to help. To be able to pick the correct type of ply, consumers need to have a basic understanding of the different grades available in the market and how they differ from each other. Many of them can be distinguished based on their strength, applications, price, and more. By getting an overall awareness of the attributes and differences between them, you can make an informed decision for the right plywood, depending on the nature of your project.
In this blog post, we will dive into the different grades of plywood offered by the top plywood brands in India, and explore how to choose the plywood that aligns with your requirements.
Boiling Water Proof Grade Plywood
Better known as Marine-Grade Plywood, BWP plywood is known for its exceptional ability to withstand boiling hot water of 100 Degrees Celsius for over 72 hours, without causing the plywood to warp, delaminate, or break. It also has excellent moisture-resistant capabilities that can endure extensive weather conditions without any damage to the ply. Such plywood is also safe from fungal attacks and termite infestations.
The sheets of wood are bonded by strong adhesives made from phenolic resins which are undiluted, making them extremely resistant to water and humidity. This is the main reason why they are utilized for the construction of areas that are more likely to be exposed to water, such as kitchen areas, bathrooms, or even outdoor furniture. Such plywood has the certification of the Bureau of Indian Standards – IS:710 – ensuring the quality of the product.
Moisture-Resistant Grade Plywood
Moisture Resistant, or MR-Grade Plywood is a type of calibrated plywood made from hardwood timber – this offers them exceptional strength and sturdiness that is a foundational requirement for crafting furniture such as cabinets, chairs, tables, or even doors. This type of plywood has a high internal density, which is why it is usually used in internal applications, specifically in areas that are not prone to be exposed to water or weather for a prolonged amount of time.
Moisture-resistant plywood can efficiently resist regular moisture, but it is not as resistant to water. It is fused together using an adhesive made from urea formaldehyde that makes it capable of resisting moderate levels of moisture. The cost of such plywood is on an affordable scale, which makes it a preferred choice for interior uses by architects, interior designers, and more. It is certified by the BIS – look for the IS:303 mark to ensure compliance with the standard.
Fire-Retardant Grade Plywood
Fire Retardant Plywood is a type of plywood that is engineered to withstand and endure fire and combat its spread – this makes it perfect for use in places where fire hazard is a concern. The use of such plywood can help slow down the pace of fire, ensuring proper evacuation protocols can be implemented and people can be led to safety. This property of FR-grade plywood is the reason the Government of India has made its use mandatory in the construction of public places.
It is treated with a number of fire retardant chemicals during its manufacturing process – sheets of wood are adhered using a phenol formaldehyde glue that makes it resistant to fire as well as makes it more durable and long-lasting. This makes it perfect for its use in structural elements such as doors, false partitions, etc.
Wigwam Ply – your partner for all plywood needs
Wigwam offers all grades of calibrated plywood for all your requirements, ensuring a durable and top-quality product that will stand the test of time. All our plywoods are made from sustainably sourced wood and are treated with the right substances to make them emission-free. Other than plywood, we also offer Blockboards, Flush Doors, Pre-Laminated Panels, and more to ensure we become your one-stop solution for all your project needs.
Concluding thoughts
To wrap it up, it is essential to understand the different grades of plywood to ensure that you choose the right plywood – if you are crafting interior furniture, you should go for MR-grade plywood; if you are undertaking construction in places prone to fire, you should opt for FR-grade plywood; and if your requirement is resistance to water, pick BWP Plywood. All these grades of plywood from Wigwam ply offer unparalleled strength and durability, so you can be assured of the quality.