Plywood comes in many forms and some of those forms are more suited to certain projects than others. One of the first decisions you’ll have to make when sourcing materials for a new project is which type of plywood to use. In this article, we’ll explore the types of plywood available and the common use cases for each. We’ll examine some of the characteristics that make the materials stand out.
Understanding Core Types
Before we talk about any specific type of plywood, let’s take a look at the different types of core that are in common use. Plywood is composed of multiple layers of wood veneer that have been bonded together. Common core types include:
- Veneer core – This is the most common type. It provides excellent strength and stability.
- Solid core – Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) or particle board provides the core for this type, making it an even stronger option.
- Fiber ply core – Bridging the gap between the two cores listed above, fiber ply uses a mixture of veneer and solid material for its core.
- Lumber core – This type ensures the greatest strength and stability by gluing together strips of lumber to form the core.
Hardwood Plywood
This is a type of veneer core. It comes in various grades, ranging from the highest quality to the most economical. The grade refers to the visual appearance. Higher-quality samples will have fewer visual defects. The strength and durability make this type of plywood a common choice for high-end cabinetry, furniture, and other applications where strength is important.
Subfloor Plywood
As the name implies, this type of plywood is ideal for subflooring. The subfloor is the hard part of the floor underneath whatever surface you walk on. Subfloor plywood is designed to be extra strong and to be compatible with a wide range of flooring materials. It has excellent stability, to reduce the expansion, contraction, and cracking that can occur with other options. Many subfloor boards have a tongue and groove design for a more seamless installation.
Waferboard
Waferboard, also known as oriented strand board (OSB), is made from chips of wood that are bonded together. It provides a cost-effective alternative that still provides the strength and durability needed for exterior use. If you’ve seen a house under construction, this is likely the material the exterior walls and roof are made of before the final exterior surface is applied.
Medium Density Overlay Plywood
Waferboard is tough, affordable, and well-suited to exterior applications. But it isn’t very attractive. Even when painted, the chips of wood are clearly visible. For exterior projects that won’t be covered in an exterior surface, such as shingles, siding, or brick, Medium density overlay (MDO) makes a great choice. This option has an exterior grade base with a surface that’s smooth, attractive and looks great when painted.
Particle Board
Not technically a plywood, particle board serves a similar purpose. It’s an engineered wood product made with wood particles bonded with resin or glue. This makes it a weaker option than plywood but also reduces the cost. Particle board is commonly used in shelving and other non-structural areas where a great deal of strength isn’t required. Due to its construction, particle board is more moisture-sensitive than conventional plywood. When it gets wet, it will swell or break down.
Hi-Density Particle Board
This is an upgraded version of a standard particle board. By comprising the wood fibers and resin under high pressure, manufacturers can greatly increase its density. This, in turn, increases its strength. This type of particle board is commonly used for countertops, tabletops, and shelving. It often comes in finishes, such as a veneer overlay, that make it a better aesthetic choice for those options than traditional particle board.
Melamine
Just as MDO is a more attractive version of exterior-grade plywood, Melamine offers a more attractive version of particle board. It has a particle board core, but a surface that’s attractive and easy to clean and maintain. Its smooth, finished white surface makes it an attractive option for furniture, cabinets, and other applications that would benefit from a decorative appearance.
Get the Best Plywood for Your Project
Builders stock a large collection of plywood and other lumber. If you’re still unsure which type of plywood is best for your project, come on in and talk to our experts on staff. We’ll be glad to show you your options and help you make the right choice.
