Top Five Ways to Use Plywood in Your Homes
To many of us in today’s generation plywood is synonymous with wood. Many of us have grown up using furniture, such as study tables, cupboards and beds that are exclusively… made using plywood. In fact, plywood has become so ubiquitous that many of us do not know the difference between plywood and other types of wood.
In the article, we will discuss plywood, its advantages and some of the applications it can be used in.
What is Plywood?
Plywood is manufactured using thin layers of wood, attached together using wood adhesives in between. It can be made as thin or as thick as needed depending on the applications it is used for. This makes it a very versatile material that can be used in a very wide range of household applications. Here are five ways in which you can use plywood in your home.
- Furnishing:
Plywood is amongst the best materials that can be used to create top quality furniture. In these furniture, high grade plywood that is polished can be used on external surfaces, while unpolished, low grade plywood can be used to create surfaces that aren’t visible, such as the underside of cupboards and so on. Furthermore, in furnishings that require glass or metal, such as coffee tables, plywood can be used to create finishes that match the upholstery or furnishing of the house. This makes it not just functional, but also aesthetically appealing. - Construction:
The most common type of wood that is used in construction is plywood! Since plywood is essentially a composite, it can be used to create several strong structures. For instance, beams and other wooden structural elements are more often than not made of plywood. The material is more resistant to wear and tear than other types of wood. Plywood can also be used to create wooden flooring that isn’t just aesthetically appealing, but also offers insulation against the cold and warmth in extreme weather. - DIY Projects:
Are you looking to make any DIY furnishing or project for your house? The best and most versatile material that you will ever be able to find is plywood. Based on the application requirements, you will be able to find a variety of plywood that have different textures and thicknesses. Furthermore, you will be able to paint on it, decorate it and have a long lasting product. It is just simple to use, and handle, making it your one-stop solution. - Kitchen Renovation:
Do you want to give your home a warm and cosy feel, without compromising on the aesthetics of the house? Your best bet is to use plywood. You can use plywood to spruce up your kitchen cabinets. While your work surface will be mostly made of granite or marble, coupling them with drawers made of plywood gives your kitchen a beautiful aesthetic appeal that is unmatched by other materials. You can also purchase matching dining tables to go with the theme of your kitchen! Using contrast coloured wooden baskets is another way to add colour to your kitchen. - Outdoor Applications:
Do you want to have an outdoor gazebo, or a park bench outside your house? Plywood is once again your best bet. From being able to withstand extreme weather conditions, to resisting termites and pests, plywood offers you a whole host of benefits. It goes well with iron and other metals, making it a great material to be used outdoors. From swings to outdoor tables, the best wood you can use is most certainly plywood.
Still not convinced about using quality plywood for your household furnishing? Here are some of the prime advantages of plywood.
Advantages of Plywood:
- Extreme Convenience:
One prime disadvantage in using other types of wood is using nails to create joints. These nails can cause compromises on the structural integrity of the product. However, in the case of plywood, nails are sparingly used as they can be used using a variety of other joining techniques. Additionally, using nails on plywood does not cause considerable damage to the structure, making it very easy and convenient to use. - Economical and Pocket Friendly:
Plywood is definitely much more pocket friendly than original wood in the long run! The good thing is, the upfront cost of plywood furniture is low, and plywood is also much more durable, making it very viable in both the long and short run. - Versatility and Flexibility:
If plywood had the last name, or even a middle name, it would surely be versatile. Plywood can be machined easily and used in a very wide range of applications. In fact, as mentioned earlier, plywood of different grades and thicknesses can be used in the same furniture. This is an advantage that plywood offers above and beyond its old and traditional cousin: the conventional, unprocessed wood. - Eco-Friendly:
Plywood can be recycled very easily, and it is biodegradable too! This makes plywood a very eco-friendly material. The cost and resources used in creating plywood aren’t too high either making it a great material with respect to the environment. - Durability:
One of the biggest problems posed by wood and other synthetic types of wood is that it can warp and shrink easily. Conventional woods can absorb moisture, swell easily and get damaged easily too! Plywood is much more resilient to external damage, and therefore lasts very long!
The Bottom Line
Plywood doesn’t just look great and feel great! It is extremely versatile too. It can be used for a wide range of applications, and furthermore for an extended period of time, making it the perfect material for a wide range of uses.
If you are looking to spruce up your home, or renovate it, do consider plywood. It isn’t just eco-friendly, but also pocket-friendly. The resistance it offers to termites and pests will also save you a considerable amount of time and effort in bringing about pest control measures!
Plywood can be anything you want: Thin, thick, water resistant, heat resistant, strong, beautiful, name it, and plywood will be it.