Different Grades of Plywood and Which One Is Best for You

Plywood is extensively used and a popular choice for home improvement and interior design projects. Its versatility, strength, and unique characteristics like termite and moisture resistance make plywood a preferred choice among residential and commercial property owners alike. Several thin wooden log layers are glued and hot compressed to manufacture plywood sheets. Next, with the help of special chemicals, required properties are imparted to the plywood for greater functionality and performance.

Regarding performance, having a solid understanding of the grades of plywood is important for choosing the best one you need for interior woodwork around your home. In this post, we’ll cover the grades so you can make an informed choice. Let’s get started:

 

Different Grades of Plywood

Here are the different grades of plywood:

MR Grade

MR or moisture-resistant plywood is commercial-grade plywood. In this grade of plywood, the plies are bonded using Urea formaldehyde resin. This grade of plywood can resist moisture and humidity but not water. Hence, it is not waterproof. It’s ideal for making furniture in homes close to coastal areas with high moisture and can be used in bathrooms too.  

Furthermore, interior-grade plywood makes it suitable for indoors, not outdoors. You can use it for woodwork like making cabinets, partitions, wardrobes, showcases, TV consoles, and kitchen shelves. As per IS 303, their thickness is 3, 4, 6, 8, 12, 15, 18, 21, and 25 mm. Besides this, the MR grade of plywood is the cheapest.

BWR Grade

BWR is the abbreviation for boiling water resistance. This grade of plywood is water-resistant. Phenol formaldehyde adhesive is used for gluing the Boiling Water Resistant plywood. It is a synthetic-plastic resin which makes it water resistant. However, it’s not 100 percent resistant to water

The quality of the chemical binders and wood plies gives BWR plywood superior strength needed for exterior and interior applications. It is ideal for furniture installed in wet and dry areas, bathroom cabinets, kitchen cabinets, false ceilings, outdoor furniture, and even partition walls.

 

BWP Grade

BWP or Boiling Waterproof Plywood is the best and top-notch quality of exterior grade plywood. It is also called the Marine grade because it can withstand exposure to both termites and water for a long time without losing its luster or look.

It is specifically designed and manufactured using Gurjan wood, while the resins and chemical binders like phenol formaldehyde adhesive give it exceptional water resistance and strength. Boiling Water Proof grade plywood is highly durable and stronger than BWR and MR grades. It is an ideal choice for woodwork requiring higher strength and performance. According to IS, the BWP plywood thickness is 6,9,12, 16, and 19mm. It’s slightly more expensive compared to its counterparts.

 

FR or Fire Retardent Grade Plywood 

It is resistant to fire, making FR-grade plywood the best choice for areas with high fire risk, like public theaters, shopping malls, and restaurant kitchens. The FR plywood is treated using fire-retardant chemicals. 

Contact us for more information or assistance with finding the best plywood grade for your desired woodwork. At Sonear, we specialize in all grades of plywood. We can assist with all your needs. 

More Stories Featuring Jitendra Kejriwal, MD Sonear Ply