Important Features of Marine Grade Plywood

In earlier times, a majority of people preferred to use solid wood for interior décor purposes. Although they lasted for a longer period of time and were beautiful to look at, the entire process proved to be quite inconvenient. But with the introduction of plywood into the market, a revolutionary product engineered out of several thin layers of wood or wooden sheets glued together, woodworking became a much more suitable, quicker and more creative experience.

Nowadays, we are all familiar with plywood, but did you know there are different types of it? Plywood comes in several grades and fits into one of multiple different categories, depending on its composition and how it was made. For example, marine grade plywood is the highest grade of plywood and differs from other types of plywood in many ways. The name ‘Marine Plywood’ often leads consumers to think that this particular type of plywood is reserved for ship-building purposes, but as a marine grade plywood manufacturer commented, that the use of marine plywood goes beyond the arena of shipbuilding; it is perfect for your interiors too.

In case you were not aware of marine grade plywood and what gives it its name in the plywood market, then here is, what you could hope to know about marine grade plywood:

What is a Marine Grade Plywood?

Marine grade plywood is substantially the highest-quality plywood you can get. It is called “Marine grade” because it has to be fully capable of standing up to rain, snow, and moisture on a regular basis in order to qualify. But this is not the only qualification a piece of plywood needs to meet to be labeled as marine grade, it has to go through several other tests also.

Additionally, marine grade plywood can only be made with Western Larch or Douglas Fir wood. It also must have five or more layers, with relatively fewer air pockets and small voids than regular plywood. While, it can have some knots in the exterior plies, no knotholes are allowed. And also, it must be bonded with waterproof glue.

How is a Marine Grade Plywood Made?

Basically, marine grade plywood is made by arranging five or more plies of Douglas Fir or Western Larch wood in a perpendicular manner so that the grains are alternating from vertical to horizontal. And this perpendicular positioning of every single ply is what gives the plywood heightened strength.

Then the positioned plies are bonded together under heat and pressure, using a special type of waterproof glue. And later, a water-resistant finish is added to the exterior. The waterproof glue as well as the lack of voids, knots, and air pockets are the distinguishing features that separate Marine grade plywood from various other types of plywood.

Additionally, the fact that Marine grade plywood is made with more, thinner layers of high-quality wood as opposed to fewer, thicker layers of lower-quality wood is what sets it apart from other different types of plywood.

Marine grade plywood is not to be confused with similar types of plywood like pressure-treated plywood. The term ‘pressure-treated’ is usually used to refer to plywood that has been chemically soaked to improve its durability. While Marine grade plywood is technically “pressure-treated”, it is not soaked in or made with any special chemicals that increase its resistance to rot, mold, and moisture. 

Features of Marine Grade Plywood-

• Marine Grade Plywood Uses High Quality Modified Resin

The adhesives used in making marine plywood are synthetic plastic resin, primarily, a Phenol Formaldehyde resin that is well known to have great adhesive quality. And the use of good quality resins helps block all the moisture and water. Mostly, good brands use undiluted resin so that the quality of the plywood is not compromised at all.

• Used for Exterior and High Water-Exposure Applications

As mentioned above, this plywood has a great threshold for water exposure. Therefore, marine grade plywood is used for the outdoors, or as garden furniture, or staircases. And as the name suggests, they are also used in the boat-making industry where exposure to water is high. For this same reason, they are preferred for bathroom and kitchen applications too.

• Unmatchable Strength

Use of good quality resins and timber, makes marine grade plywood the strongest and of unmatchable strength in the plywood industry. Mainly, this type of plywood is known for its strength and durability. The waterproof aspect of this plywood retains the integrity of your furniture.

• Worthy Expense

Relatively to the moisture-resistant variant, commercial plywood, marine-grade plywood is generally twice as expensive. Although, marine grade plywood prices differ from brand to brand, and the plywood sheet price differs more because of the quality of resin and timber used to manufacture them. but the utility of marine plywood is broad, which can affect its price in the plywood industry, but at the same time, you will get various options. Moreover, they have an extraordinary surface finish, which can be used for both residential and commercial purposes.

Also, marine grade plywood is impact-resistant and the hard exterior makes it scratch-proof. Therefore, these features contribute to their popularity for commercial as well as residential constructions.