What Is The Density Of Plywood?

Plywood is a versatile product with relatively high strength-to-weight ratios that can combine an appealing surface look with exceptional performance under challenging situations. A variety of wood species, including hardwood, softwood, and their mixtures, as well as resin types suitable for interior, high humidity, and outdoor environments are offered. It was created to give panels good strength and dimensional stability along and across the panel.

The density of plywood is not normally controlled as part of the product specification but is a function of the species of timber used, for each project, we should choose different thickness for the most effective project. In this article, with experts from Vinawood - a leading plywood supplier, this guide gives you information about the plywood density.

> Get more details: pine plywood, ac plywood, bamboo plywood, bendable plywood,poplar plywood

When it comes to density, plywood and LVL ( Laminated Veneer Lumber ) are about the same as the species of wood that was used to make the product. Pine plywood has a density of between 500 and 650 kg/m3. Depending on the type of wood utilized, the density of eucalyptus hardwood plywood might be more than 900 kg/m3.

In general, species with higher densities have better engineering qualities. Timber species can also be used to offer an appropriate substrate for a high-quality finish.

The density of most building plywood will fall between 400 and 700 kg/m3. Thus, the typical weight of a 2400mm x 1200mm × 12mm panel could be in the range of 14kg to 24kg. The production from a specific manufacturer will, however, fall within a defined density range because the majority of plywood is made from a single species or a small range of species. For more details and handling data, consult the manufacturer's packaging or documentation.

Specialist plywood that has been heavily compressed can have densities of more than 1000 kg/m3, and some of them may even be made with "bullet resistant" features.

Orders for plywood can be placed for thicknesses between 1.5 and 40 mm or greater but the most commonly available nominal thicknesses generally held in stock in the UK will be: 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 15mm, 18mm, 22mm, 25mm, 32mm.

Common panel sizes are:

2440mm × 1220mm
2440mm × 610mm (normally T&G)
2500mm × 1220mm
3050mm × 1525mm
3050mm × 1220mm

Certain specialized plywood types, suitable for uses like truck sides, can be ordered in significantly bigger sizes up to 14 m × 3 m. To fulfill the unique demands of the client, the majority of importers, wholesalers, and certain manufacturers will provide panel cutting services.

Blockboard/laminboard and plywood share a similar density range; the species and form of the core material mostly determine the density of each material. For situations where weight is a crucial factor, certain panels with low density cores are available. The thicknesses of panels range from roughly 10 mm to 30 mm. Typical dimensions for sheets are 2440 x 1220 mm and 3050 x 1525 mm.

> Discover more: burnt plywood floor, plywood edge banding, plywood garage walls, plywood kitchen cabinets

Density of Plywood Compared to Timber Density

The Density of Plywood is higher than the density of the timber species used to manufacture the veneers . Because there is a compression process in the production of plywood. The pressing machines will compress the veneers under high pressure. However, the specific values depend on the types of wood used in both plywood and timber. Plywood can offer uniformity and strength due to its engineered nature, often providing similar structural performance to solid timber with potentially lower weight in some cases.

The density of plywood can vary, with common values being:

Softwood Plywood: Approximately 400-600 kg/m³
Hardwood Plywood: Approximately 500-800 kg/m³

> Explore further: hdo vs mdo plywood, tongue and groove plywood, walnut plywood, white oak plywood

Timber Density

Timber density varies significantly based on the wood species. Here are some examples:

Softwoods:

Pine: 350-600 kg/m³
Spruce: 400-550 kg/m³
Fir: 450-550 kg/m³

Hardwoods:

Oak: 600-900 kg/m³
Maple: 600-750 kg/m³
Mahogany: 450-800 kg/m³

Density of Plywood and Core Veneers

The face, core, and back veneers are the constituent parts of plywood. Plywood veneers on the face and back weigh virtually significantly less than veneers on the core. Thus, the species of the timber in the core veneers mostly determines the density of plywood.

The density of plywood is a combination of its core veneers and the adhesives used. This construction generally results in a higher overall density and improved structural stability compared to individual veneers. Plywood can also be designed to meet specific strength and performance criteria by selecting appropriate veneer types and thicknesses.

Plywood is often preferred in construction and furniture making due to its balance of density, strength, and stability. Core veneers, while important, are typically used in the context of creating plywood or similar engineered products.

> Learn more:

The density of different plywood

The three primary types of basic plywood are conifer plywoods (density 460–520 /m³), mixed plywood (density about 620 kg/m³), and birch plywood (density approximately 680 kg/m³).

Birch plywood is utilized in high-strength or high-quality applications, like interior linings and specialty flooring.

Mixed plywoods are ordinary plywoods with multiple uses. For example, they serve as foundational boards and concrete molds for plywoods and other downstream products. Mixed plywoods are in the same quality classifications as birch plywoods since their surface is always made of birch.

Plywood mixes include:

Combi: two birch veneers on both sides, alternating birch and conifer veneers within
Combination mirror picture with birch surface veneers and alternating conifer and birch inside veneers
Birch internal veneers and conifer outside veneers in pairs
Particularly in buildings, conifer plywood is utilized for interior linings and roof structures. Spruce makes up the majority of them.

> Read more: plywood sizes, 3/4 plywood, 4x8 plywood, 1/2 plywood, 5/8 plywood, 1/4 plywood

The density of different plywood is listed as follows:

PLYWOOD (FILM FACED PLYWOOD) DENSITY (KG/M3 or KG/CBM)
Birch Plywood (Core is birch species) Birch Film Faced Plywood	ABOUT 680~760
Rubber Plywood (Core is rubber)	ABOUT 700~780
Hardwood Plywood (Eucalyptus core ) Hardwood film faced plywood	ABOUT 580~660
Pine Core Plywood Film Faced Plywood	ABOUT 570~630
Poplar Plywood Poplar Film Faced Plywood	ABOUT 530~580
Conifer Plywood	ABOUT 470-520

Customers occasionally request combi core plywood, which comes in combinations like poplar and hardwood, birch and poplar, and so on. The components of the core determine the density of combi plywood.

Get in touch with our knowledgeable staff at Vinawood if you're searching for the best plywood in Vietnam or if you have any further questions about how plywood may complement your interior furniture. Reach out to us right now. Get a free quote right away!

VINAWOOD - Vietnam Plywood Supplier & Manufacturer