Plywood for Interiors – what to look for?

As far as construction, interior design, and carpentry are concerned, it is truly essential to pick the right type of material in order to create a space that is resilient, aesthetically appealing, as well as functional. As a material that is predominantly used in interior applications, plywood exhibits unparalleled versatility, with sturdiness, endurance, and convenience of use as its top attributes. However, with the availability of a variety of ply types in India, you need to make the right decision when it comes to choosing a certain type of plywood for your interior project needs.

In this blog, let’s explore the factors you should consider to pick the right plywood and understand the different grades of plywood and their applications in interior projects.

Let’s first talk about what you should look for in plywood to be used for interiors –

Appropriate Thickness 

It is an important consideration to ensure that the plywood you pick is of the appropriate thickness. The thickness of ply sheets can differ by millimeters, but their applications vary greatly. With respect to interior applications, if the thickness of the plywood is higher, it can be utilized in interior projects in making cabinets, furniture, and shelves; whereas, thinner options of plywood can be utilized in decorative elements in interior design. Wigwam offers plywood sheets varying in thicknesses – from 4 mm to 25 mm.

Quality of veneer

The veneer is the outer layer of the plywood that is visible, which plays a key role in its appearance. Based on the quality of this veneer, the plywood is graded from A to D – while grade A is flawless, grade D is considered to be defective or imperfect. When you get any plywood for interior use, ensure that the plywood has a consistently smooth surface and that higher grades of veneers are used in order to get a better aesthetic appearance of the structure it is used for. As far as appearance is concerned, veneers made from hardwood are more pleasing than softwood veneers.

Grades of the plywood

Based on the manufacturing process followed and the treatments it undergoes, the plywood is graded. While there are a number of grades of plywood such as Fire Retardant Grade Plywood, Structural Grade Plywood, and more, the ones most commonly used in interior applications are Moisture Resistant Grade Plywood or MR-Grade Plywood which as the name suggests is resistant to humidity and moisture, and Boiling Water Proof Grade Plywood or BWP-Grade Plywood which is considered to be waterproof plywood.

How to choose the right plywood for interior applications?

Interior applications is a broad term, with a number of subcategories where different types of plywood will need to be used. Let’s explore the same.

Moisture-Resistant Grade Plywood

When you get any furniture made such as tables, chairs, cupboards, cabinets, and more, the main objective behind it is so it can last and add value to your home. Usually, the inside of a home is a moderate zone as far as moisture is concerned, which makes Moisture-Resistant Grade Calibrated Plywood the best choice for such furniture. 

The main attribute of MR Plywood is its ability to withstand occasional exposure to humidity – to some extent, it is also deemed to be resistant to water, which is an added advantage of using it in crafting furniture that is anticipated for use inside. It is an economical choice that also offers effective functionality, ensuring that the furniture retains its structural properties despite regular use. 

Another characteristic of MR-grade plywood is that it is made from hardwood timber and is adhered with interior-grade glue that ensures a robust and dependable product that can be used for making furniture that lasts. It is a strong plywood that can withstand the regular wear and tear and daily use of the furniture.

Boiling Water-Proof Grade Plywood

Boiling Water-Proof Plywood has two very important attributes that make it an ideal choice for interior applications – incomparable water as well as moisture resistance. This means that any furniture made from this type of plywood can endure extreme weather conditions, making it perfect for applications where exposure to heat or moisture is expected.

If you ask any plywood supplier in India what the strongest grade of plywood is, the answer undoubtedly will be BWP-grade. This is because it can withstand exposure to boiling water, damp conditions, and significant footfall. This is the main reason why it is used majorly in the construction of bathrooms and kitchens – these are specifically the interior areas where resistance to water is considered to be paramount.

It is also a top choice for interior applications because of its anti-warp nature – it is known to not bend, break, warp, or delaminate even under intense circumstances, preserving the structural integrity of the furniture. This adds to its durability as it can last for years at a stretch without enduring any major loss or damage.

Concluding thoughts

Among the variety of ply types in India, the most used for interiors are Moisture Resistant Plywood and Boiling Water-Proof Plywood. This is because of their sturdiness and sustainability which makes them the ideal choices. These plies also add to the aesthetic appeal of your home, and ensure that your furniture stands the test of time. It’s time to transform the interior of your home – choose the right plywood!