Ultimate Guide to Plywood Types – Commercial, Marine, BWR, BWP Explained

When it comes to creating the most exquisite pieces of furniture that uplift the interior of any space, be it at a home or a commercial space, plywood is always the first choice. The reason is that it is the most versatile engineered wood product that can be molded into making some of the best long-lasting furniture. However, not all plywood is created equal; there are different types of plywood meant for different uses. 

Understanding the difference between the different types of plywood - commercial plywood,  marine plywood, BWR plywood, BWP plywood, and waterproof plywood, and so on, is crucial to make an informed decision. In this guide, we will take you on a deep dive into each of these plywood types to understand their features and uses. Along with that, we also have some of the best Greenply plywood in each category that you can choose from for your next wood project. 

What is Plywood? 

Before we understand the different types of plywood, it is important to have a clear idea of what plywood actually is. It is a type of furniture wood that is manufactured by gluing together thin layers of wood. The adjacent layers' grains have alternating directions that give dimensional stability, strength, and resistance to any kind of damage, which makes it better than solid wood. The glue type, quality of the thin layers of wood, number of piles, and finishing determine the grade of the plywood. 

Commercial Plywood

Commercial plywood is an all-purpose plywood that is used for standard interior and non-critical applications. It is used in furniture work like carpentry, false ceiling, and paneling, where exposure to moisture is limited. Commercial plywoods are effective as compared to specialised plywoods and offer a good surface finish. The adhesive used in commercial plywood may resist moisture, but it is not meant to be waterproof. 

Greenply’s MR Grade Commercial plywood is a moisture-resistant interior grade board that is ideal for furniture partitions, wardrobes, and cabinets. This commercial plywood conforms to IS:303, which makes it perfect for dry or even mildly humid indoor environments. 

Marine Plywood 

Marine plywood is considered the best plywood to be used in wet, submerged, and marine environments like boats, docks, interiors of ships and submarines, and even waterfront infrastructures. It is one of the superior grades of plywood that uses superior wood layers that are high in density.  Marine plywoods are made to withstand continuous water exposure, be it boiling water or tidal waves. These are rigorously tested for delamination and warps, and meet.

Greenply's best marine plywood is the Gold 710 BWP Plywood. This marine plywood meets IS:710, as the name suggests, and is made to withstand extreme water exposure, suited for boat interiors, docks, infrastructure, exterior wet panels, and coastal structures. 

BWR Plywood ( Boiling Water Resistant)

BWR Plywood, as the name suggests, is a high-grade plywood that is made to resist water exposure in high temperatures as high as boiling water. As mentioned earlier, it is the adhesive that defines the grade of the plywood; in the case of BWR plywood, phenolic resin adhesives or melamine phenolic glues are used. These adhesives are made to which time boiling water and also resist the plywood from delamination. BWR plywood is best suited for kitchens, bathrooms, and other moisture-laden areas. The BWR plywood is resistant but not waterproof. 

Greenply’s Ecotec BWR plywood with IS:303 certification is best suited for applications indoors that have dampness almost all the time. It is built to resist even boiling water, which makes it the safest pick for the kitchen and bathrooms. 

BWP Plywood ( Boiling Water Proof)

BWP plywood is an even more advanced grade of plywood that is made to suit prolonged exposure to humid environments. It uses stronger adhesives like phenolic and melamine adhesives and high-quality wood piles. This type of plywood can withstand cyclical wet and drying conditions, meaning it can withstand extreme environments. 

Greenply's Ecotec BWP/Marine plywood with 19 mm thickness is the best quality BWP plywood. While its performance in interior furniture is exceptional, its ability to endure marine pressure and temperature when used in coastal infrastructure or waterborne carriers is also unparalleled. 

Waterproof Plywood 

Waterproof plywood is also another category of plywood that encompasses Marine plywood, BWP plywood, and BWR plywood. The slight difference between all three of them has been discussed above; however, it's important to understand what waterproof plywood truly means. A waterproof plywood is designed to resist water ingress. It doesn't swell, delaminate, or degrade in quality under sustained wet conditions. 

The best waterproof plywood from Greenply is the Platinum plywood that promises “2X” waterproofing and is also fire-resistant. This plywood can be used in cabinetry, external panels, and wet area units. 

Tips for choosing the right type of Plywood. 

Now that you understand the various types of plywood, here are some tips for choosing the right plywood for the right use. 

• The first episode is to understand the environment for which the plywood is to be selected. If it's for dry interiors when a commercial plywood would suffice. For damp interiors, BWP plywood or BWR plywood should be chosen depending on the exposure to water. For outdoor exposed areas, Marine plywood or certified waterproof plywood is the wise option to choose

• Second status to check for certifications. The Indian Standard Mark (IS) is the most credible certification, and it should always be seen and taken into consideration.

• Thirdly, check for the finishing of the plywood that includes the layers of wood that have been used, the quality of adhesives used, surface finishing that includes protective coatings, and ceiling of the edges, ends, and surfaces. 

• Finally, also check the thickness of the plywood, also called the plywood count. Generally, more layers of piles ensure more stability. 

Conclusion

Choosing the right type of plywood is more than just about seeing the labels. It is about understanding what goes inside the piles of plywood that gives it the strength and the quality that you need. Time spent in research and understanding the different types of plywood and their quality would save many maintenance hours and resources. 

Greenply is one name in the plywood industry that has been the most reliable when it comes to meeting plywood solutions. Be it a commercial plywood, a marine plywood, or a waterproof plywood, all your needs will be met under Greenply's one roof.