Everything You Need To Know About Plywood

Plywood is one of the most versatile and widely used building materials in interior design and construction. Made by gluing together thin layers of wood veneers, plywood offers excellent strength, durability, and flexibility at a relatively low cost. Whether you're planning furniture, cabinetry, wall paneling, or flooring, understanding the types, grades, and uses of plywood can help you make informed design and structural decisions.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know about plywood—from its composition to practical applications.

Everything You Need To Know About Plywood

GLOSSARY:

1. What Is Plywood?

2. Types Of Plywood

3. Plywood Comparison Table

4. Grades Of Plywood

5. How to Choose the Right Plywood

6. Brands In India

7. Myths and Facts About Plywood

What Is Plywood?

Plywood is an engineered wood product made by stacking and bonding together multiple thin layers of wood veneer, commonly referred to as plies. These plies are arranged such that the grain of each layer runs perpendicular to the one above and below it, a technique known as cross-graining. This structure significantly enhances the strength and stability of the board, reducing the likelihood of warping, shrinking, or swelling when exposed to changes in temperature and humidity.

The adhesive used in plywood manufacturing (typically a resin-based glue) is heat-pressed to create a strong, durable panel. The number of plies can vary depending on the thickness and intended use of the sheet.

Plywood is available in several types based on the core material, face veneer, and resistance to moisture, including commercial plywood, marine plywood, BWR (Boiling Water Resistant), and BWP (Boiling Waterproof) grades.

Insight: "Thanks to plywood's excellent dimensional stability, workability, and surface finish options, plywood is a preferred choice in furniture making, wall cladding, cabinetry, and various architectural applications."

Types Of Plywood

1. Softwood Plywood

Softwood plywood is made using woods from coniferous trees such as pine, spruce, fir, or cedar. It is generally lighter in weight and more affordable than hardwood plywood. Though not as strong as hardwood varieties, it offers good dimensional stability and is easy to cut and nail.

Use Cases: Structural applications like roof sheathing, subfloors, wall linings, packing materials, and temporary partitions in construction sites.

2. Hardwood Plywood

Produced using hardwood species such as birch, teak, mahogany, or gurjan, this plywood is known for its strength, durability, and resistance to wear. It typically has a smoother finish and a higher density, making it ideal for high-traffic and load-bearing furniture pieces.

Use Cases: Premium furniture, doors, cabinets, shelving, wall panels, and items requiring a high load-bearing capacity and an elegant finish.

3. Marine Plywood

Marine plywood is manufactured using high-grade hardwood veneers and phenolic (waterproof) resins. It has minimal core gaps to prevent water retention and is treated to resist rot, fungi, and delamination. This makes it the highest quality and most moisture-resistant plywood available.

Use Cases: Kitchen's extended platforms, bathroom storage, coastal and high-humidity regions, yachts, boats, and exterior cladding.

4.MR Grade Plywood

MR (Moisture Resistant) grade plywood is bonded using urea-formaldehyde resin. Though not waterproof, it offers resistance to moisture under normal conditions such as humidity or occasional water splashes. It's the most commonly used plywood in indoor applications.

Use Cases: Wardrobes, bookshelves, office furniture, TV units, and wall paneling in living areas where there is minimal moisture exposure.

5. BWR & BWP Grade Plywood

BWR (Boiling Water Resistant): Made using phenol-formaldehyde resin, it is resistant to boiling water for up to 8 hours and is a step above MR grade.

BWP (Boiling Waterproof): Fully waterproof and can withstand continuous water exposure. It meets IS 710 standards.

Use Cases: Kitchen shutters, bathroom vanities, outdoor furniture, and utility areas exposed to moisture or wet cleaning.

6. Flexible Plywood (Bendy Ply)

Flexible plywood is designed to bend and contour to shapes without cracking or breaking. It has a special core and face veneer configuration that allows it to be molded while maintaining structural integrity.

Use Cases: Curved furniture designs, circular counters, creative wall paneling, stage design, and artistic installations.

7. Pre-laminated Plywood

Pre-laminated plywood comes with a decorative laminate film pre-applied on one or both sides. It eliminates the need for additional surfacing work and offers consistency in finish and color.

Use Cases: Modular kitchens, wardrobes, cubicles, display racks, and office partitions where quick installation is a priority.

8. Fire-retardant Plywood

Treated with fire-retardant chemicals during production, this type slows down combustion and reduces smoke emission in case of fire. It also conforms to safety norms set by IS 5509.

Use Cases: Public buildings, airports, hospitals, educational institutions, cinemas, and spaces with strict fire-safety compliance requirements.

Plywood Comparison Table

Type of Plywood	Material Source	Moisture Resistance	Key Features	Ideal For
Softwood Plywood	Pine, Fir, Spruce	Low	Lightweight, economical	Subflooring, roofing, packaging
Hardwood Plywood	Teak, Birch, Gurjan	Moderate	Strong, durable, smooth finish	Furniture, cabinetry, doors
Marine Plywood	High-grade hardwood	Very High	Waterproof, fungus-resistant	Bathrooms, kitchens, boats
Commercial/MR Grade	Mixed hardwood/softwood	Low-Moderate	Budget-friendly, indoor use	Wardrobes, partitions, office furniture
BWR Grade	Hardwood	High	Water-resistant (up to boiling level)	Kitchen units, laundry areas
BWP Grade	Premium hardwood	Very High	Waterproof, long-term durability	Outdoor furniture, bathroom vanities
Flexible Plywood	Special layered construction	Low	Can bend/curve, flexible	Curved furniture, art installations
Pre-laminated Plywood	Varies	Varies (base-dependent)	Ready-finish, quick install	Modular furniture, wardrobes, office use
Fire-retardant Plywood	Treated hardwood/softwood	Moderate	Fire-safe, low smoke emission	Hospitals, commercial buildings, schools

Grades of Plywood

Plywood is classified into various grades based on the quality of its face veneers, presence of core gaps, finish, and resistance to moisture and wear. These grades help determine which plywood suits your intended application—whether it's for structural, decorative, or moisture-prone environments.

1. A Grade (Premium Finish)

This is the highest quality plywood grade with a smooth, sanded surface, free from knots, splits, or patches. A-grade plywood often comes ready for staining or painting without requiring additional finishing.

Use Cases: High-end furniture, exposed cabinetry, wall paneling, and premium interior applications.

2. B Grade (Good Finish)

B-grade plywood has a slightly lower surface quality than A-grade, with minor imperfections like small knots or patches, which are often filled and sanded.

Use Cases: Furniture backs, drawer bottoms, and areas where surface appearance is less critical but still visible.

3. C Grade (Utility Grade)

This grade has visible defects such as knots, splits, or discoloration and is not sanded or finished. It is often used where appearance is not a priority.

Use Cases: Underlayment, internal framework, structural uses, or backing.

4. D Grade (Industrial/Structural Use)

D-grade plywood has several defects and is not repaired or filled. It is used purely for structural strength and not for aesthetics.

Use Cases: Temporary structures, shuttering, packaging, and industrial applications.

5. AA, AB, BB Grades (Face-Back Grading System)

This dual grading system denotes the quality of both sides of the plywood:

• AA: Both sides are of premium quality.

• AB: One side is premium (A), the other is lower grade (B).

• BB: Both sides are of moderate quality with visible imperfections.

Use Cases:

• AA: Exposed furniture, decorative surfaces.

• AB: Modular kitchens, office tables.

• BB: Back panels, less visible furniture parts.

6. ISI Grades (Indian Standards)

In India, the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS) provides specific IS codes for different grades of plywood:

• IS:303 – MR and BWR Grade (for commercial and water-resistant plywood)

• IS:710 – BWP Grade (for marine-grade and fully waterproof plywood)

• IS:5509 – Fire-retardant Plywood These grades assure buyers of quality, strength, and application suitability.

Plywood Thicknesses & Sizes Available

Plywood is manufactured in a range of standardized thicknesses and sizes to suit different construction and interior design needs. Choosing the correct thickness is essential for structural stability, aesthetics, and durability. Let’s break this down:

Standard Plywood Thicknesses (in mm):

Thickness (mm)	Typical Use Cases
3mm – 6mm	Lightweight applications like drawer bottoms, cabinet backs, wall paneling, ceilings
9mm	Partition panels, lightweight furniture, underlayment
12mm	Wardrobes, shelves, bed backs, moderate furniture load-bearing parts
16mm	Kitchen cabinets, wall-mounted shelves, modular furniture components
18mm	High-strength uses like beds, tables, countertops, structural furniture frames
25mm	Heavy-duty commercial counters, industrial furniture, load-bearing panels

Pro Tip: 'For most residential furniture, 18mm thickness is the industry standard as it provides an ideal balance between strength and manageability.'

Standard Plywood Sheet Sizes (in feet):

Size (in feet)	Metric Equivalent (approx.)	Applications
8’ x 4’	2440mm x 1220mm	Most common; used in furniture, paneling, partitions
7’ x 4’	2135mm x 1220mm	Slightly smaller rooms, budget furniture projects
6’ x 4’	1830mm x 1220mm	Compact storage units, cabinetry in tighter spaces

Pro Tip: "Custom sizes may also be available with premium suppliers or can be cut-to-size by your interior designer or carpenter."

Choosing Thickness Based on Application:

Application Area	Recommended Thickness
Drawer base, cabinet backing	6mm
Shutters, wardrobe doors	12mm to 16mm
Shelving, modular units	16mm to 18mm
Bed platform, countertops	18mm to 25mm

Pro Tip: "Using the correct thickness prevents sagging, improves screw-hold strength, and ensures long-term durability of your project."

How to Choose the Right Plywood for Your Project

Selecting plywood should go beyond brand names or pricing. The right sheet can impact durability, appearance, moisture resistance, and even the safety of the structure. Below is a practical and professional guide to help you select plywood suited to your specific requirements.

1. Assess the Application Area

Each room or function within a space comes with unique demands. For instance, kitchen plywood must handle heat and moisture, while living room furniture emphasizes aesthetics and light usage. Choose accordingly.

Application Area	Recommended Plywood Type
Kitchen cabinets	BWP or Marine Grade – engineered to resist boiling water and high humidity
Bathroom vanities	Marine Grade – long-term exposure to water requires the highest grade
Wardrobes and storage	MR or BWR Grade – ideal for dry to moderately humid interiors
Living room furniture	Commercial or Hardwood Plywood – provides balance of form and function
Wall paneling or ceilings	Flexible or MR Grade – lightweight and easy to shape or curve
Outdoor furniture	BWP with external laminate – adds strength and protection against weather

Correct assessment of the location and intended use helps narrow down the technical requirements such as waterproofing, flexibility, or load-bearing capacity.

2. Check for ISI Markings and Certifications

In India, ISI certifications serve as a baseline indicator of product quality and adherence to standard performance metrics. Identifying these marks ensures you’re selecting material tested for durability and application-specific resilience.

ISI Code	Specification
IS:303	Applies to MR (Moisture Resistant) and BWR (Boiling Water Resistant) grades
IS:710	Denotes Marine or BWP (Boiling Waterproof) grade plywood for heavy moisture exposure
IS:5509	Indicates Fire-Retardant Plywood, engineered to slow down flame spread

Ask for sheets with clear ISI embossing—preferably hot-stamped on the surface of the board itself. Avoid unmarked or only-packaging-stamped material, which may be counterfeit.

3. Consider Exposure to Moisture, Heat, and Load

Every project has different physical and environmental stress factors:

• Exposure to water: Marine or BWP grade is mandatory in kitchens, bathrooms, or exteriors.

• High heat areas: Fire-retardant plywood should be used, particularly near gas burners or electrical panels.

• Weight-bearing applications: Choose hardwood-core or calibrated plywood with 18mm+ thickness for strength and dimensional stability.

Selecting plywood that aligns with real-world use conditions prevents swelling, delamination, and early failure.

4. Evaluate Surface Requirements

The required finish of plywood affects the choice of face veneer grade:

• For visible areas (e.g., open shelving, furniture without laminate): Opt for higher face grades (A or B), which offer a smoother and patch-free appearance.

• For concealed applications (e.g., inner cabinet carcass or laminated surfaces): Lower grades (C or D) are adequate and more cost-effective.

Additionally, pre-laminated plywood offers a ready-to-use finish and saves time during execution, especially in modular or large-scale projects.

5. Align Budget with Intended Lifespan

Balancing cost with longevity is critical. While MR or Commercial Grade plywood may seem economical for the short term, it lacks durability under stress or moisture. Use the following approach:

• Short-term or dry-use projects: MR grade is sufficient.

• Moderate use and limited moisture: BWR grade offers improved performance at a reasonable price.

• Long-term investment or high-use areas: BWP/Marine grade justifies higher upfront cost with durability and minimal maintenance.

For precision-heavy work such as modular furniture, calibrated plywood is also worth considering. Its uniform thickness improves machine-cut accuracy and ensures consistent finishing.

Top Plywood Brands in India

India’s plywood market is vast and competitive, but only a few brands stand out in terms of quality control, consistency, warranty, and after-sales support. Choosing a reputed brand ensures compliance with ISI standards, resistance to warping, and long-term durability.

Brand	Known For
Greenply	One of India’s largest and most trusted brands; offers IS:710 certified marine-grade plywood and sustainable products
CenturyPly	Offers a wide range from commercial to BWP and fire-retardant plywood; known for innovation like ViroKill technology
Kitply	One of the pioneers in the Indian market; known for consistent quality and affordable commercial-grade options
SRG Ply & Boards	Specializes in premium segment products; offers calibrated and moisture-resistant plywood with a good dealer network
Archidply	Known for calibrated and pre-laminated options; suitable for machine-cut modular furniture
Austin Plywood	Offers waterproof, fire-retardant, and flexible plywood; gaining popularity for its quality consistency
Duro Ply (Sarda Plywood)	Known for luxury-grade plywood with a focus on veneer finishes and strength

Things to look for when choosing a brand:

• ISI certification (IS:303, IS:710)

• Warranty period (some offer 10–25 years)

• Availability of calibrated plywood for factory-made furniture

• Dealer authenticity and after-sales support

• Sustainable sourcing or eco-certifications (e.g., E1 emissions compliance)

Common Myths and Facts About Plywood

Plywood is often misunderstood, especially by first-time buyers, renovators, or those outside the construction industry. Here's a breakdown of common misconceptions and factual clarifications.

Myth	Fact
All plywood is waterproof.	Only BWR or BWP/Marine-grade plywood is water-resistant. MR and Commercial-grade are not waterproof.
Higher thickness means better quality.	Thickness alone does not ensure quality. Core material, bonding glue, and grading are more critical.
All ISI-marked plywood is genuine.	Many unbranded products have fake ISI stamps. Always inspect the actual sheet and purchase from trusted dealers.
Laminating plywood makes it waterproof.	Laminate may add surface resistance, but the core plywood must also be waterproof (BWP/Marine grade) for full protection.
Flexible plywood is weak.	Flexible plywood is engineered for bending applications, but within its intended use, it maintains structural integrity.
Plywood is outdated compared to MDF or HDF.	Plywood still offers superior load-bearing capacity and moisture resistance, especially in structural and wet-area applications.

Being informed not only helps avoid overpaying but also ensures durability and functionality aligned with your project’s needs.