What Is Plywood? How Is Plywood Made?

Plywood is an engineered wood product made from thin sheets of veneer, which are peeled from debarked wood. These layers, or "plies," are glued together with their grains oriented at right angles to one another. This cross-grain pattern enhances the strength and stability of the plywood, preventing it from warping or splitting easily. Plywood belongs to the same family of manufactured boards as particle board and oriented strand board (OSB). As Winston Churchill once said, "To improve is to change; to be perfect is to change often" — much like the innovation in plywood's creation! What is plywood made of? In this article, VINAWOOD will provide an overview of the production process to help you understand how plywood is manufactured.

What is plywood?

Plywood is a wood product made from thin layers or “plies” of wood veneer that are glued together with each adjacent layer having its wood grain rotated up to 90 degrees relative to the previous one. Essentially, plywood is constructed using laminated flooring veneers to form a flat sheet material.

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

What is plywood made of?

What is plywood made of? Plywood panels are made from multiple layers of softwood veneer glued together, with each layer’s grain direction perpendicular to adjacent layers. These cross-laminated sheets use a waterproof phenol-formaldehyde resin adhesive and are cured under heat and pressure. In British Columbia (B.C.), plywood primarily uses softwood species like Douglas-fir, spruce, pine plywood, and fir, collectively known as Canadian softwood plywood (CSP). The standard size is 4 feet × 8 feet, with ½-inch thickness being common. Plywood options range from smooth, finish-grade surfaces to economical unsanded grades used for sheathing. Canada produces Graded Douglas-fir Plywood (DFP) meeting CSA O121 standards, and CSP conforms to CSA O151.

What kind of wood is plywood made out of?

Plywood is primarily made from softwoods such as cedar, pine, redwood, spruce, and Douglas fir, as well as hardwoods like white oak plywood, mahogany, teak, maple plywood, and ash. In some cases, composite cores of solid lumber or particle board are used for thicker sheets. Different adhesives are used depending on the intended use: phenol-formaldehyde for exterior applications (for moisture resistance), soybean or blood protein for interior use, and urea-formaldehyde for furniture.

Overlaid plywood may include additional layers of metal, plastic, paper, or fabric to enhance durability, commonly found in industries such as transportation and construction. Stains and chemical treatments can also be applied to improve appearance and properties like flame or decay resistance.

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

What is the classification of plywood?

In plywood classification, there are two main categories: construction/industrial and hardwood flooring/decorative. Construction/industrial plywood is valued for its strength and is graded based on the quality of veneer used on both sides and its exposure capability (exterior or interior). Grades like D, C, B, A, or N are used, with D being the lowest due to multiple defects and N having very few. What is plywood used for? Plywood used for subflooring typically falls within the C to D range.

Hardwood/decorative plywood, on the other hand, is prized for its aesthetic appeal. Grading in this category focuses on the plywood’s ability to resist moisture, with the face almost always defect-free to enhance its decorative use. Grades include Type III, Type II, Type I, and Technical, depending on moisture resistance and appearance qualities.

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

Is plywood 100% wood?

Plywood is not 100% wood, though it is primarily made from wood veneers. It is an engineered wood product, which means it consists of several layers of thin wood veneers, known as plies, that are bonded together with adhesives. These adhesives, typically phenol-formaldehyde or urea-formaldehyde resin, are necessary to provide the strength and stability that plywood is known for.

The core material of plywood is indeed wood, but the inclusion of these synthetic adhesives means that it is not entirely a natural wood product. The adhesives contribute to the durability and water resistance of the plywood, which are critical characteristics for many of its applications. Moreover, some types of plywood might have additional non-wood components depending on their specific use cases. For instance, some plywood sheets may be treated with chemicals to enhance their fire resistance, moisture resistance, or to protect against pests and fungi.

> Learn more:

What is stronger, plywood or pine?

When comparing the strength of plywood and pine, it’s important to consider the specific uses and properties of each material. Plywood is generally stronger and more stable than pine in many applications, primarily due to its engineered construction. Plywood is made from multiple layers of wood veneers glued together with the grain of each layer oriented perpendicular to the previous one. This cross-graining technique significantly enhances its strength, stability, and resistance to warping and splitting.
> Learn more: types of wood, marine plywood, birch plywood, MDO plywood, HDO plywood

Pine, a softwood, while having its own strengths, tends to be less stable and more prone to warping, shrinking, and splitting compared to plywood. Pine is solid wood and its grain runs in one direction, which can make it weaker in certain structural applications. However, pine is often preferred for its aesthetic qualities and is commonly used in furniture, trim, and other visible woodwork due to its attractive grain and ease of staining and finishing.

In summary, plywood is typically stronger and more stable than pine, especially in structural applications where durability and resistance to environmental changes are crucial. Pine, on the other hand, is valued for its natural beauty and workability, making it suitable for projects where appearance and ease of handling are more important.

What is as strong as plywood but cheaper?

When seeking a material as strong as plywood but cheaper, oriented strand board (OSB) is a common alternative. OSB is an engineered wood product made from wood strands that are layered in specific orientations and bonded together with adhesives under heat and pressure. Like plywood, OSB uses cross-oriented layers to provide strength and stability, making it a reliable choice for structural applications.

OSB is often more affordable than plywood because it utilizes smaller, fast-growing trees and wood waste, making it a cost-effective and sustainable option. Its production process is less labor-intensive and requires fewer high-quality veneers, which contributes to its lower price point.

> Explore further: MDF vs Plywood, Particle Board vs Plywood, OSB and Plywood, plywood ceiling

Oriented strand board (OSB) is a strong and cheaper alternative to plywood

Is plywood stronger than wood?

Plywood is generally stronger in certain applications due to its layered construction, which resists warping and splitting better than solid wood. The cross-laminated layers provide strength in multiple directions. However, plywood can break under significant pressure and is more susceptible to moisture compared to solid wood. Solid wood, on the other hand, is naturally stronger, durable, and not easily broken, making it better for certain structural applications but more prone to warping and splitting over time.

Is plywood actual wood?

Plywood is a composite material made from thin layers, known as “plies” or wood veneers, which are bonded together with adjacent layers oriented perpendicular to each other.

Why use plywood instead of wood?

Plywood is often preferred over solid wood for various applications due to its unique advantages that arise from its engineered construction. Here are several key reasons why plywood is chosen over traditional wood:

Strength and Stability: Plywood’s structure, composed of multiple layers of wood veneers with alternating grain directions, provides exceptional strength and dimensional stability. This cross-graining technique reduces the wood’s tendency to split and warp, making plywood a reliable material for structural applications like flooring, roofing, and wall sheathing. Solid wood, on the other hand, is more prone to warping, shrinking, and splitting due to changes in humidity and temperature.
Large Sheet Sizes: Plywood is available in large sheets, typically 4 feet by 8 feet, which makes it easier to cover large areas with fewer joints compared to solid wood planks. This not only simplifies installation but also enhances the structural integrity and appearance of the finished project by reducing the number of seams.
Cost-Effectiveness: Plywood can be more economical than solid wood, especially for large projects. It maximizes the use of wood by utilizing veneers from smaller and fast-growing trees, reducing waste and lowering costs. This makes plywood an attractive option for budget-conscious builders and DIY enthusiasts.
Versatility: Plywood is highly versatile and can be used in a wide range of applications, from construction and furniture making to cabinetry and interior design. It can be easily cut, shaped, and finished to meet specific project requirements. Additionally, various types of plywood are available, including those treated for moisture resistance, fire resistance, or enhanced durability, allowing for use in diverse environments.
Sustainability: Plywood production often uses less wood than solid wood planks, making it a more resource-efficient option. The ability to use veneers from smaller trees and wood waste contributes to more sustainable forest management practices.

Plywood offers several advantages over solid wood, including enhanced strength and stability, large sheet sizes, cost-effectiveness, versatility, and sustainability. These benefits make plywood a preferred choice for many construction and woodworking projects, providing a reliable and efficient material that meets a wide range of needs.

The above article has provided information about What is plywood made of that you need to know. VINAWOOD hopes you will choose the best plywood for your project. If you would like more information about Plywood types, please check out our website.
> Learn more:

VINAWOOD – Vietnam Plywood Supplier & Manufacturer