Fire-Retardant and Marine Plywood: Understanding the Difference

Widely known for its sturdiness, longevity, and versatility in a variety of construction, carpentry, as well as home decor projects, plywood is a material used by all. A number of grades of plywood are available in the market, however, the ones that stand out thanks to their excellent specific properties are Fire Retardant Plywood and Marine Plywood. To make the right choice for the specific needs of your projects, it is important to know their distinctive properties, characteristics, applicabilities, and more.
In this blog, we will explore both types of plywood individually before understanding the key differences between them, helping you make an informed decision. 

Let’s talk about Fire Retardant Grade Plywood first –

Fire Retardant Grade Plywood, or FR-Grade Plywood, is designed in a way that can withstand and combat the spread of flames – this makes it an absolute necessity in places where fire safety is a top concern. It is treated with several fire-resistant chemicals during the process of manufacturing, ensuring that the performance of the plywood is not affected. These substances put up an obstacle to withstand as well as limit the combustion. 

As a consequence of these chemical barriers, fire-resistant plywood is made which can be put to a number of uses in a variety of projects you may have.

Complies with the Government of India

Fire-retardant grade plywood is manufactured to meet the stringent regulations set forth by the Government of India, which is why it is mandated to use such plywood as a construction material for communal areas that are accessible to the public, such as hotels, hospitals, airports, and more. This is done to make sure that in case of emergencies, evacuation can be done conveniently while such plywood can hold the spread of fire. 

Zero Emissions

Fire accidents can happen at any time with no warnings – and at such times, many deadly and poisonous gases are released which can cause respiratory issues even for a short while until evacuation. Using fire-retardant grade plywood can ensure that no harm is caused to your breathing as it is made with a low-formaldehyde adhesive that does not emit any toxins. 

Applications

The FR-grade plywood has a number of applications – public places such as malls, restaurants, and more as well as in interiors such as home decor and furniture. However, its utilization in exterior applications has to be limited as it is not well-suited for certain types of weather, and even though resistant to fires, it is not fireproof plywood. 

Now, let’s talk about Marine-Grade Plywood –

Marine-grade plywood, also known as BWP-grade plywood, is designed specifically for its use in places where a significant quantity of water or moisture is expected. It is known to be one of the most durable types of plywood, as it can withstand all types of weather conditions effortlessly. It is also manufactured with the strongest adhesives that ensure that the ply does not warp or delaminate, making it a suitable choice for marine applications.

Water Resistance

The biggest strength of marine-grade plywood is undoubtedly its water resistance. Manufactured with the use of waterproof adhesives, it is made with a number of wood veneers stacked together tightly. This ensures that the plywood can endure its exposure to water without absorbing it, losing its integrity, or delaminating.

Investment

When it comes to marine plywood price, it can be struck as being comparatively more expensive than others – this is because of the high quality of materials used in manufacturing it to enhance its resistance to water and humidity. However, it is important to note that the long-term benefits outweigh the initial cost very easily.

Applications

Marine-grade plywood is generally used where the area is expected to be prone to water, such as kitchens, bathrooms, and more. It can also be utilized in outdoor applications such as fences, decks, and more that are bound to be exposed to extreme climactic conditions such as heat, rain, or moisture.

Key differences between Fire-Retardant Grade Plywood and Marine-Grade Plywood

Treatment

The treatments that FR-grade plywood and marine plywood undergo are significantly and consequentially different – fire-retardant grade plywood is treated with a chemical process to equip it with fire-resistant properties, whereas marine plywood is manufactured with waterproof adhesion that provides resistance against water and moisture.

Utilization

The key difference between fire-resistant plywood and marine-grade plywood is its implementation – the former is used in places where fire safety is a concern in order to combat the spread of fire in case of an outbreak, whereas the latter is used in places where exposure to water is the bigger concern.

Resistance

As the names aptly suggest, fire-retardant grade plywood is resistant to fires – however, it may not be as resistant to water or moisture. On the other hand, marine-grade plywood has excellent water-resistant properties, but it might not be an ideal choice for places where fire is a concern.

Final thoughts

Both fire retardant plywood and marine-grade plywood are designed and manufactured to serve their specific purposes– their differences lie in the intended implementations, manufacturing process, and inherent attributes. Understanding these differences can help you choose the right type of plywood for your project and make an informed decision, ensuring the durability and strength of your structures.