Different Types of Plywood Available in India and Their Applications

1. MR Grade Plywood (Moisture Resistant Plywood)

What it is:
MR grade plywood, commonly referred to as commercial plywood, is made using urea-formaldehyde resin. Although it is not waterproof, it can withstand moderate exposure to moisture and humidity, making it suitable for interior use.

Key Features:

• Moisture-resistant, but not fully waterproof.
• Available in various thicknesses, ranging from 3mm to 25mm.
• Widely available and relatively affordable.

Applications:

• Indoor furniture: Ideal for making cabinets, wardrobes, and shelves for dry areas such as living rooms, bedrooms, and hallways.
• Partitions and paneling: Suitable for partitions and decorative paneling in low-humidity areas.
• Ceiling work: Often used for false ceilings and other overhead applications in interior spaces

2. BWR Grade Plywood (Boiling Water Resistant Plywood)

What it is:
BWR plywood is a waterproof variant of plywood that is bonded with phenolic resin, making it more durable and resistant to water. This type of plywood can endure higher levels of moisture and humidity compared to MR grade plywood.

Key Features:

• Waterproof and weather-resistant.
• Made from high-quality hardwood veneers for better strength.
• Termite- and borer-resistant, depending on the manufacturer.

Applications:

• Kitchen cabinets: Ideal for use in areas like kitchens where there is exposure to moisture.
• Bathroom furniture: Perfect for making bathroom cabinets and vanity units that are exposed to high humidity.
• Outdoor furniture: Can be used for garden benches, outdoor storage, and furniture for semi-open spaces like balconies.

3. Marine Grade Plywood (BWP - Boiling Waterproof Plywood)

What it is:
Marine plywood, or BWP (Boiling Waterproof) plywood, is the highest-grade plywood available for applications requiring full water resistance. It is constructed using high-quality wood veneers and phenolic resin, ensuring excellent durability even when exposed to water for prolonged periods. It meets the IS 710 standard, ensuring superior strength and longevity.

Key Features:

• 100% waterproof.
• Extremely durable and resistant to fungal attacks.
• Withstands exposure to extreme conditions like high humidity and water submersion.

Applications:

• Boat-building: As the name suggests, marine plywood is widely used in boat-building due to its ability to resist water and moisture.
• Bathroom and kitchen fixtures: Suitable for making cabinets and furniture in areas that are regularly exposed to water.
• Exterior applications: Perfect for outdoor furniture, garden structures, and even wall cladding for outdoor spaces.

4. Shuttering Plywood

What it is:
Shuttering plywood is a type of plywood used in construction for concrete formwork. It is specially designed to withstand the stress of casting concrete and repeated use. Shuttering plywood is typically made from hardwood veneers bonded with phenolic resins to give it durability and moisture resistance.

Key Features:

• High strength and durability to withstand the weight and pressure of wet concrete.
• Reusable for multiple concrete-pouring cycles.
• Available in various grades, with film-coated variants for added durability.

Applications:

• Concrete formwork: Widely used for creating molds to hold wet concrete in construction projects.
• Construction: Useful in building bridges, columns, beams, and pillars where concrete casting is required.

5. Flexible Plywood (Flexi Plywood)

What it is:
Flexible plywood, or Flexi Ply, is a type of plywood designed to be bent and curved without breaking or cracking. It is made from special veneers and bonding techniques that allow the plywood to be easily molded into shapes that standard plywood cannot achieve.

Key Features:

• Highly flexible and bendable without losing its structural integrity.
• Available in different thicknesses, typically ranging from 3mm to 8mm.
• Light and easy to work with.

Applications:

• Curved furniture: Ideal for creating curved or rounded furniture like chairs, tables, and shelves.
• Architectural design: Used for creating decorative elements like circular columns, curved walls, and arches.
• Interior design: Great for custom furniture designs and spaces requiring a fluid, artistic look.

6. Fire Retardant Plywood

What it is:
Fire retardant plywood is chemically treated to resist fire and slow down the spread of flames. This plywood is ideal for areas where fire safety is a concern, offering an extra layer of protection compared to regular plywood.

Key Features:

• Treated with fire-retardant chemicals.
• Slows down the spread of fire, giving more time for evacuation in case of emergencies.
• Available in various grades, with IS 5509 certification for fire-retardant properties.

Applications:

• Commercial spaces: Ideal for use in commercial buildings, hotels, and offices where fire safety regulations are stringent.
• Public spaces: Used in theaters, auditoriums, and airports to meet fire safety codes.
• Residential projects: Can be used in homes, especially for kitchen cabinets and other high-risk areas.

7. Calibrated Plywood

What it is:
Calibrated plywood refers to plywood that has been uniformly sanded to ensure consistent thickness across the entire board. This provides better precision in applications where uniformity is crucial, such as modular furniture manufacturing.

Key Features:

• Consistent thickness for a precise finish.
• Provides better surface smoothness, making it easier to apply laminates, veneers, or paint.
• Available in various grades like MR and BWR.

Applications:

• Modular furniture: Perfect for modular kitchens, wardrobes, and office furniture where precision and uniformity are essential.
• Partitions: Can be used for interior partitions and paneling where an even finish is required.
• Doors: Ideal for manufacturing doors, as it ensures a perfect fit with the frame.

8. Hardwood Plywood

What it is:
Hardwood plywood is made from layers of hardwood veneers like teak, gurjan, or birch, giving it superior strength and durability. It is often used in applications requiring high load-bearing capacity and resistance to wear and tear.

Key Features:

• Made from strong hardwood veneers, offering better durability and lifespan.
• Heavy-duty and resistant to damage from everyday use.
• Ideal for areas with high foot traffic or heavy usage.

Applications:

• Furniture: Used in high-end furniture like beds, cabinets, and bookshelves due to its strength and durability.
• Flooring: Often used as a subfloor material in residential and commercial buildings.
• Structural applications: Suitable for making load-bearing structures like beams and columns.

Choosing the right type of plywood is essential for ensuring the durability and functionality of your project. Whether you need moisture-resistant plywood for interior spaces, waterproof plywood for outdoor furniture, or flexible plywood for creative designs, the Indian market offers a wide variety of plywood options to suit every need.

By understanding the different types of plywood available in India and their respective applications, you can make informed decisions and ensure that your projects meet both aesthetic and functional requirements. Always remember to choose plywood from reputable brands and suppliers to guarantee the best quality and performance for your construction and interior design needs.