Waterproof plywood — These two words kind of give you a fair idea about its uses and application. However, if you are not certain about it, allow us to shed some light on this topic. In this blog, we will tell you all the things you need to know about waterproof plywood before you set out to purchase this material.
Can Plywood be Waterproof?
When wood is unprotected and exposed to water for long durations, it might lead to damage. The answer is yes! For interior spaces such as bathrooms, kitchens, and for the exteriors of your house which are subjected to excessive moisture, waterproof plywood is a must.
Waterproof plywood is manufactured specifically to resist the penetration of water. This water-resistant property of plywood is usually missing in other regular types of plywood. The property of the plywood to act completely invulnerable to water is called its waterproof property. It helps the plywood to not succumb to rotting, shrinking, and warping when exposed to water. Usually, regular plywood is manufactured using about 3 plies of wood glued together. However, the waterproof plywood is made using additional layers of plies glued together with waterproof adhesive.
How do you test if wood is waterproof?
Did you know you can test which plywood is waterproof right from the comfort of your own home? Here’s how:
- Cut the plywood down to a size where it will fit into a cooker
- Immerse the plywood completely in water inside the cooker
- Cook for about 20 to 30 minutes
- If the plywood is delaminated, it’s not water-proof
- If the plywood maintains its shape and color, then it’s waterproof plywood for you.
Different Grades of Plywood:
- MR Grade Plywood
- BWR Grade Plywood
- BWP Grade Plywood
MR Grade Plywood
Also known as “Moisture Resistant Grade Plywood”, this plywood resists moisture, borer attacks, and humid conditions. Due to its beneficial moisture-resistant properties, it is widely used in the application of interior furnishings, wall paneling, ceilings, etc. The resin used as adhesive in the making of MR-grade plywood is urea-formaldehyde.
BWR Grade Plywood
BWR Grade Plywood stands for ”Boiling Water Resistant Grade Plywood’’. We strongly recommend the use of BWR Grade plywood for indoor and outdoor furniture, office and kitchen cabinets, and furniture. When compared to the above-mentioned MR grade plywood, BWR grade plywood can resist water and is commonly used in areas that have prolonged exposure to water, for example, in kitchens and bathrooms. get exposure to water. It is costlier than MR Grade plywood.
BWP Grade Plywood
BWP Grade Plywood stands for “Boiling Water Proof Grade Plywood”. This is also called ‘’Marine Plywood’’, which is completely waterproof. This is highly recommended to be used in areas where there is direct contact with a water body. Best applied in marine construction as it is specially treated and designed to resist rotting in a high moisture condition. It is suitable for all climates and can withstand rigorous conditions including changes in temperature, humidity, and alternative wetting and drying.
You can choose any of the above-mentioned water-resistant plywood, based on your requirements.
Hope this blog has put you in a better position to choose well when buying waterproof plywood for your needs.
If you are looking for the best waterproof plywood in India or if you have additional questions on waterproof plywood and its practical uses, reach out to our expert team at AK Group’s Apple Plywood. Contact us today. Or get a free quotation now!
