What are the different types of plywood available in India

Plywood is a versatile and essential material widely used in construction, furniture making, and interior design. Its durability, strength and aesthetic appeal make it a popular choice for various applications. In India, the plywood industry offers a range of options to cater to different needs and preferences. This blog explores the different types of plywood available in India, helping you make informed decisions for your projects. Each type comes with its own set of characteristics and benefits tailored to specific uses.

Table of contents

• Different types of Plywood
• Commercial Plywood
• Marine Plywood
• BWR Plywood (Boiling Water Resistant)
• BWP Plywood (Boiling Water Proof)
• Flexible Plywood
• Fire-Retardant Plywood         
• Decorative Plywood
• Laminated Plywood
• Structural Plywood
• Plywood with Eco-Friendly Certifications
• Making the right choice

Different types of Plywood:

In the world of plywood, based on your specific requirements, you can choose from a wide range of plywood. Here is a list of plywood you can choose from.

A. Commercial Plywood

Commercial plywood is one of the most commonly used types in India. It is renowned for being both reasonably priced and versatile. Made from a combination of hardwood and softwood veneers, commercial plywood is suitable for general construction and interior applications. It is often used for making furniture, partitions and panelling. Although it is not as durable as some other types, it provides good performance at a reasonable cost.

Key Features:

• Economical and cost-effective
• Suitable for general applications
• Available in various grades and thicknesses

B. Marine Plywood

Marine plywood, as the name suggests, is specifically designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, including high moisture and humidity. This type of plywood is treated with special adhesives and preservatives to prevent water damage, making it ideal for use in areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens, bathrooms and coastal regions.

Key Features:

• Highly resistant to water and moisture
• Durable and long-lasting
• Suitable for exterior and high-moisture environments

C. BWR Plywood (Boiling Water Resistant)

BWR plywood is known for its superior resistance to moisture and boiling water. It is manufactured using phenolic resin, which enhances its water-resistant properties. BWR plywood is commonly used in areas where high levels of humidity and water exposure are expected, such as kitchen cabinets, bathrooms and outdoor furniture.

Key Features:

• Excellent water resistance
• Suitable for high-moisture applications
• Strong and durable

D. BWP Plywood (Boiling Waterproof)

With improved water resistance, BWP plywood is an improved variant of BWR plywood. It is treated with special chemicals to ensure it remains unaffected by continuous water exposure. BWP plywood is often used in construction projects where plywood is exposed to extreme weather conditions or constant contact with water.

Key Features:

• Superior water resistance
• Ideal for extreme weather conditions
• High durability and strength

E. Flexible Plywood

Plywood that is flexible may be bent to form complex and curved shapes. It is created by applying speciality adhesives to join thin veneer layers. It is made by bonding thin layers of veneer together using special adhesives. Flexible plywood is commonly used in interior design and architectural projects that require curved surfaces or unique shapes.

Key Features:

• Bendable and flexible
• Ideal for creating curved designs
• Suitable for innovative and artistic applications

F. Fire-Retardant Plywood

Fire-retardant plywood is treated with chemicals that enhance its resistance to fire. This type of plywood is used in applications where fire safety is a concern, such as in commercial buildings, public spaces, and industrial settings. It gives buildings more safety and helps in slowing the spread of the fire.

Key Features:

• Fire-resistant and fire-retardant
• Enhances safety in fire-prone areas
• Suitable for commercial and public spaces

G. Decorative Plywood

Decorative plywood is designed with an emphasis on aesthetics. It features high-quality veneers that provide a beautiful finish and can mimic the appearance of natural wood. This type of plywood is commonly used for furniture, cabinetry and wall panelling, where appearance is a key factor.

Key Features:

• Aesthetic appeal with high-quality veneers
• Suitable for furniture and interior applications
• Available in various wood finishes and patterns

H. Laminated Plywood

Laminated plywood is created by bonding multiple layers of plywood together using adhesive. This type of plywood is known for its strength and stability, making it suitable for structural applications. Laminated plywood is used in heavy-duty construction projects, including flooring, roofing and structural beams.

Key Features:

• Enhanced strength and stability
• Ideal for heavy-duty applications
• Suitable for structural and construction purposes

I. Structural Plywood

Structural plywood is designed to provide high strength and load-bearing capacity. It is commonly used in construction projects where strength is critical, such as in beams, flooring and scaffolding. Structural plywood meets specific performance standards to ensure it can handle heavy loads and structural demands.

Key Features:

• High load-bearing capacity
• Meets specific performance standards
• Suitable for construction and structural applications

J. Plywood with Eco-Friendly Certifications

The importance of environmentally friendly products has increased in recent years. Plywood with eco-friendly certifications is produced using sustainable practices and materials. These certifications ensure that the plywood is sourced from responsibly managed forests and does not contain harmful chemicals.

Key Features:

• Environmentally friendly and sustainable
• Sourced from responsibly managed forests
• Free from harmful chemicals and emissions

Choosing the Right Plywood

Consider the following aspects while choosing plywood for your project:

a. Purpose

Determine the primary use of the plywood (e.g., furniture, flooring or structural).

b. Environmental Conditions

Assess the exposure to moisture, heat or fire.

c. Aesthetics

Choose decorative or high-quality veneer options if appearance is important.

d. Durability

Opt for marine or fire-retardant plywood if durability and safety are critical.

Making the Right Choice

Understanding the different types of plywood available in India helps you make informed choices for your construction, furniture and design projects. Whether you need plywood that withstands moisture, provides fire resistance or enhances aesthetics, SharonPly offers a wide range of options to suit your needs. By considering factors like purpose, environmental conditions and durability, you can select the right plywood from SharonPly to achieve the best results for your project.