Decoding Plywood Labels: Learn About Plywood Sizes and Plywood Grades
December 17, 2024
Plywood is commonly used in furniture, architectural details and décor projects. When picking a plywood, one must know all essential information to make the right choice. However, one often gets overwhelmed by the information specified on plywood labels. Understanding the label with information on plywood sizes and thickness and other characteristics are important to make an informed decision.
Understanding Plywood Sizes
Plywood sizes refers to the length and width of a sheet of plywood. The standard size is 4x8 feet. Other plywood board sizes include 8x3 feet, 7x4 feet, 7x3 feet and 6x4 feet for projects that require furniture specific sizes.
Interpreting Plywood Thickness
Along with the size, the thickness is also mentioned which helps determine the strength, stability, and suitability for a particular job. Plywood could be as thin as 4 mm to as thick as 25 mm or more. The standard thickness includes 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 16mm, 19 mm and 25 mm. The thicker plywood is stronger and more durable and is recommended for load carrying like flooring or roofing whereas the thinner plywood is more flexible and lightweight and is recommended for cabinet backs or decorative panelling.
Specialty Plywood Grades
In addition to plywood sizes and thickness, the specialty grade of the plywood like marine grade, fire retardant grade, E-0 emission grade, etc. may be mentioned on the labels. This helps us decide where we can use the type of plywood grade.
Marine Grade plywood
Made using waterproof glue and higher-quality veneers and can withstand moisture. This type of plywood is suited for indoor projects and kitchens, boats and outdoor projects.
Fire-Retardant plywood
Suited for buildings, hinges and panelling to resist ignition and reduce the speed of spread of fire.
E-0 Emission plywood
With low formaldehyde emissions, this grade is suitable for families that want to focus on a healthy living environment.
Other Label Information
Besides plywood board sizes, thickness, and grades, plywood labels also include
Core Type: This refers to the type of material used in the core of the plywood. The type of core used determines weight, stability, and holding of fasteners in the plywood.
Type of Glue: The type of glue used determines the performance of the plywood in the surrounding environment.
Country of Origin: Specifies where the plywood was made.
Core Type: This refers to the type of material used in the core of the plywood. The type of core used determines weight, stability, and holding of fasteners in the plywood.
Type of Glue: The type of glue used determines the performance of the plywood in the surrounding environment.
Country of Origin: Specifies where the plywood was made.
How to Choose the Right Plywood
Project Requirements
Consider the strength, durability, appearance and place where the plywood will be used. Example - for a subfloor, a strong durable, thicker plywood with lesser focus on appearance would be required unlike one used in living room furniture.
Match the Size to the need
Choose plywood board sizes that minimize waste and reduce the need for additional cuts.
Check the Grade
Make sure the grade of the plywood matches the quality, strength and appearance requirements of the project.
Specialty Features
Check if the project involves possible exposure to water, heat, or fire and consider speciality grades like Marine grade plywood or fire retardant.
Although interpreting plywood labels may seem daunting at first, knowing the information provided like plywood sizes and thickness, grade and other aspects helps one select the right plywood for desired needs.
Although interpreting plywood labels may seem daunting at first, knowing the information provided like plywood sizes and thickness, grade and other aspects helps one select the right plywood for desired needs.
