Choosing from among plywood types

There are different plywood types. All plywood is made of individual panels, each called a ply, that are stacked on top of each other, with wood grains perpendicular, and then pressed together with extreme heat and pressure. Individually, each ply is not very strong. However, when put together, plywood types can make a fairly strong piece of wood that is less expensive than regular wood. There are many companies, like Woodex, that sell plywood to others, be they distributors or individual people.

Plywood types are determined by grade, as well as by rating. Grades run from A to D. One of them, C, actually has two grades: C and C plugged. That means that there are five basic grades of plywood. However, they can be rated for different things as well. Plywood can be rated for outdoor use, it can be rated as fire resistant or water proof. So, before choosing which plywood to use for different projects, it is important to check which grade you are getting, as well as what the plywood is rated for.

Marine plywood and its specifications

As can be determined from looking at the name, marine plywood is rated for use on the water. It can be used to build and repair boats, as well as other wooden watercraft such as kayaks and canoes. This type of plywood is always graded B or better. Nothing below B can be used as marine plywood. This is because the imperfections allowed to pass in C and D graded plywoods can actually make them more susceptible to breaking down, as the plywood absorbs water and begins to falls apart. Many times marine plywood is used to make lightweight and fairly inexpensive kayaks. It is a good material for watercraft because plywood is generally light. Marine plywood is sold by many outlets, including the Woodex company. Even though it does not sell the actually products, the materials are sold through Woodex.

Before starting a project that you are using plywood for, be careful to make sure that what you are getting is of the proper grade and rated for the use you have for it. If you want to prevent surprises later, know your plywood types.