When it comes to installing fascia, exterior panels, siding, or cabinets, plywood is an essential material. However, you’ve likely encountered various types of plywood in your search for materials. You may have heard experts recommend something called ‘MDO Plywood,’ but understanding what exactly that means can be confusing. It’s not as straightforward as you might think, and deciphering what ‘MDO’ stands for can feel like a guessing game. In this article we will explain what MDO Plywood actually is, its advantages, how we made MDO Plywood, comparison between MDO and MDF.
What is MDO Plywood?
MDO (Medium Density Overlay), also known as Signboard, is an exterior-grade plywood with a high-quality fiber surface saturated with phenolic resin solids. The plywood below the fiber face is smooth, clear and free of patches, providing a smooth surface with minimal grain showing through.
Medium Density Overlay (MDO) is a plywood product with countless applications. Commercial contractors and home building industry individuals use MDO as a durable, versatile material. Designed for exterior use with waterproof adhesive, it is also utilized for interior purposes where there is moisture or anywhere plywood is used
MDO plywood is water-proof and weather-resistant. This plywood is often used for exterior signs. MDO plywood can be sawn, nailed, routed, shaped and drilled. Although this product is designed for exterior use, it works well inside the home in areas that need to be smooth and hold up well to moisture. This product resists inclement weather areas well. It is often used for exterior signs and sub-board underneath laminates for countertops. It is recommended to apply an exterior grade primer and paint to this product if using it in an exterior application. Primer and paint adhere nicely to the plywood face. When applied with exterior grade primer and paint, this product holds up much better than regular plywood.
Advantages of MDO Plywood
1- MDO’s Strength
MDO Plywood stands stronger than other materials such as MDF. Its strength is what makes it appropriate for significant projects. It involves using high-quality adhesives and wood veneers in the processing step. Because of such excellent material, the end product MDO Form Plywood is long-lasting. The structural integrity of this plywood is untouchable, even if you put heavier objects on it. Its tensile strength (the force needed to break wood into two) is higher. Any construction project can never go wrong with MDO Plywood in Vietnam.
2- Plywood Durability
MDO is a highly double material and lasts longer than other construction wood. It has uniform strength and high durability. Its ability to withstand high pressure and endure extreme weather conditions makes it suitable for exterior use.
3- Density
Density is the most critical factor for choosing plywood for your construction project. Strength and durability are directly influenced by density. The density stats tell how good the wood is with dents and dings.
MDO Form Plywood has medium density but is denser than MDF. MDO was created in response to MDF’s weakness and inability to stand in severe conditions.
4- Ideal Weight
When it comes to home construction, developers prefer lightweight materials. The only thing to consider is that being light in weight should not weaken other characteristics such as durability and strength. Medium-Density Overlay Plywood is lightweight, making it easier for you to transport it from one place to another. You do not even have to compromise on other features because MDO is strong despite the low weight.
5- Low Maintenance
MDO Form Plywood requires little maintenance, yet, it looks appealing in aesthetic ways. You can use it without applying paint to get a typical wood texture. Whether you use it indoors or outdoors, the insulating features of MDO will contribute to the temperature upkeep of your home.
6- Easy to Work
MDO Plywood is not only easy to use but also soft on tools. Its flexibility sets it apart from other materials. The smooth surface of MDO can either be left as it is or be painted. The point is that the surface is already sanded enough and ready to be applied.
Even if the construction project is vast and involves a lot of tools, the good news is screws work just fine on MDO without cracking the surrounding area.
When working in a four-walled room, the mess can get chaotic, making things complex for you. But with MDO, you can work peacefully because it creates a lesser and more controllable mess. Because it makes no dusty powder, it takes no time to spread in the room and coat things. An average vacuum cleaning session is enough to clear out after MDO chaos.
7- Versatility
MDO Form Plywood is quite versatile since you can use it for different applications. It does not catch infections even with high humidity or any extreme conditions. Thus, interior, exterior, home, office, buildings, and plazas can all be used in the construction without worrying about the quality.
8- Save Electricity
If you want to choose the plywood that can help you save electricity, MDO should be your decision. Yes, it has credible insulating features. These properties can positively influence temperature control, eventually cutting energy usage. The best exterior applications of this plywood can be garage window/door panels, fences, chimney enclosures, and many more.
9- Cost
MDO Form Plywood is more expensive than other types such as MDF. Its high quality justifies the high price. Moreover, you have to invest once because it does not require rebuilding and replacement. Once bought, MDO can last longer, ultimately compensating the cost.
What is the Process for Creating MDO Plywood?
Using layers of grade C and grade B wood, thin layers of wood are stacked perpendicular to each other to create stability. In between each thin wood layer, a waterproof plastic layer is applied, and then everything is fused together with heat and pressure. The outer layers are made from waterproof resin-impregnated fibers, making MDO 100% waterproof.
The core of medium density overlay plywood is made from layers of wood and plastic, bonded together with hydraulic pressure and heat. With individual core layers placed perpendicular to each other and the outer layer made from waterproof resin-impregnated fibers, this
The product is the epitome of weather-resistant plywood. The combination of core layers and outer layers provide durability to these standard-sized panels.
With a matte, opaque surface resembling
paper, MDO allows you to see faint traces of wood grain. Available with one or
both sides coated, the material cuts, shapes, sands, and drills using standard
woodworking equipment, much like any other plywood product.
What is MDO plywood used for?
MDO is a very versatile plywood and can be used for a large variety of applications. Here are some of the most common:
Outdoor Signs
MDO is often referred to as signboard. Because of its resistance to weather and moisture, and its smooth painting surface, it is perfect for making outdoor signs.
Concrete Forms
Anytime you are laying down concrete for a walkway or patio, you cannot just pour the concrete and hope for the best. You need a form for the concrete to fill before it hardens. Many contractors will create concrete forms out of MDO plywood because they are easier to assemble and take down, and the smooth, even surface allows for easier cleanup after the concrete has set.
Exterior Siding
MDO is an attractive looking plywood, which is one reason why it is great for external siding. It also has insulating properties, which can provide a home with temperature control and cut down on energy bills. Additionally, you can also use it for fascias, chimney enclosures, garage door panels, fences, and more.
Interior Applications
As briefly mentioned before, MDO plywood has some internal applications as well. Cabinet jambs, countertops, wainscoting panels, shelving, bins, molding, floors, walls, and so much more. Because MDO is so durable and safe to use, you can literally use it for anything!
Is MDO better than MDF?
One of the great things about MDO plywood is that, while more expensive, it offers more durability than other plywoods, especially for outdoor use. There are other factors that make it a better choice than other types of plywoods like MDF, such as:
Durability and Strength
MDO is much stronger than MDF, and better for structures that need to hold something heavy, like floorboards or shelves.
Weather Resistance
Due to the layer of waterproof resin, MDO is much more weather resistant and can better handle friction than other plywoods. If MDF ever gets wet, for example, it absorbs and the wetness and swells, creating a huge risk for mold, termites, and other wood-related issues.
Uses
MDO is better for outdoor use and any indoor use that risks exposure to moisture (floors, walls, cabinets, etc.). MDF can also be used for a variety of applications, but due to how it absorbs moisture, it is best to only use MDF for internal projects that will not get wet.
Cost
Due to its high durability and strength, MDO does cost a great deal more than MDF and other plywoods. However, MDO is generally a higher quality board that will not require you to replace and rebuild, and will last you much longer than MDF.
Cutting Safety and Aftermath
MDO is much safer to cut than MDF. It does not produce a lot of dust, which can be a breathing hazard. Also, MDF uses formaldehyde in its construction, which can be hazardous when cut.
Painting
The overlay of MDO plywood allows for an excellent painting surface that will remain smooth and even.
FAQ
Is MDO waterproof?
MDO plywood is water-proof and weather-resistant. This plywood is often used for exterior signs. MDO plywood can be sawn, nailed, routed, shaped and drilled. Although this product is designed for exterior use, it works well inside the home in areas that need to be smooth and hold up well to moisture.
Can MDO plywood be used outside?
Medium-density overlay plywood (MDO plywood) is durable plywood that is used primarily for outdoor applications due to its weather-resistant nature. In addition to its exceptional durability, MDO plywood is very easy to finish and paint
Is MDO stronger than plywood?
MDO is the abbreviation of medium density overlay. It is the kind of plywood that is more expensive and stronger than any ordinary plywood. It is perfect to be used above concrete surfaces because it does not transfer any wood grains into the base
Where to buy MDO plywood near me?
Vinawood MDO Plywood is designed to stand the test of time, demonstrating excellent resistance to weather conditions, moisture, wear and tear. Available in multiple variants — MDO 1S Panel, MDO 1SF Panel, MDO 1SF Panel with Film backer – High Density – Purple Color, and MDO 2S Panel — we cater to diverse needs and budgets.
Beyond product excellence, our commitment to sustainable practices ensures that you’re choosing an eco-friendly product that meets strict environmental standards. As a certified supplier, our source is only from responsible plantation forests, so you can feel good about your choice.
If you’re interested in purchasing MDO plywood or have further questions about it, call our team today. We have MDO plywood available in various sizes so you can get exactly what you need. We can answer questions related to your construction needs and help you find the perfect plywood to efficiently and effectively complete your project.
Explore the capabilities of Vinawood MDO Plywood and discover how it can elevate your construction projects.
Vinawood is committed to sustainability, sourcing logs only from responsible plantation forests. Our MDO Plywood not only meets your construction needs but also contributes to global efforts in forest conservation. Rest assured that when you choose Vinawood, you’re choosing a product that respects our planet.
