We adore the sound of raindrops pattering on rooftops, the smell of petrichor in the air — oh, Indian monsoons are a dream! But lying in the beauty of the rains is the absolute dread for your interiors: moisture. During the monsoons, there is a threat of dampness entering the home, allowing an opportunity to ruin your plywood furniture silently.

Humidity, leaks, and condensation are the three primary culprits leading to warped shelves, swollen wardrobes, and fragile plywood panels. If you want your furniture to remain as sophisticated and usable through the monsoons as it was on the day of installation, this comprehensive guide shares best practices for protecting plywood during the rainy season, utilising best practices and Royale Touche's high-performance products.

Why Are Monsoons a Threat to Plywood Furniture?

Although plywood is considered stronger and relatively more dimensionally stable than natural wood, it is still vulnerable to deterioration when exposed to moisture for extended periods. Even well-maintained homes can fall victim to prolonged high moisture levels, especially in areas with high humidity, such as tropical and coastal regions like Mumbai, Chennai, or Goa. The potential issues that homeowners tend to face with plywood in the monsoon season include:

Swelling & Warping

If bedrooms or other rooms are exposed to humidity above 44% RH at coincident temperatures, they will absorb the moisture, causing them to warp and become uneven.

Delamination

Moisture will debond the adhesive between the layers of plywood, leading to a near-future consequence of delamination of the plies.

Fungal Growth

As mould and mildew thrive in humid conditions, they will propagate on a damp surface (especially plywood).

Laminates Peeling

If the moisture levels are excessive, the surface laminate or veneer may delaminate or even bubble off.Unand pleasant Smells

Damp wood can cause unpleasant odours in wardrobes, cupboards, and cabinets.

Effective Ways to Protect Your Plywood Furniture During the Rainy Season

Choosing the appropriate plywood is only the first step, but here are some practical steps to further enhance the life of your furniture during the monsoon:

Seal All Exposed Edges and Surfaces

As exposed and unfinished areas are exposed to liquids, edges are always the first area to show signs of wear on plywood furniture. Ensure the use of high-quality edge bands and sealants, if necessary, on all open surfaces — including the back and base of finished units. Otherwise, water can seep through the plywood.

Use Waterproof Laminates for Added Protection

You can finish off your plywood surfaces using Royale Touche waterproof laminate, which not only enhances the aesthetics of your furniture but also adds a durable layer that protects against everyday liquid spills, splashes, washing, and humidity.

Keep Furniture Away from Damp Walls

Perhaps it's all the moisture from exterior walls, thanks to constant rain, which means never placing plywood furniture too close to walls; always maintain a minimum 2-inch gap where possible for airflow, and regularly check walls for any leakage options.

Improve Ventilation Indoors

Improved ventilation can reduce trapped humidity. When it's not raining, try to keep windows open, use exhaust fans in kitchens and bathrooms, and keep the airflow undisturbed by avoiding piles of furniture in well-ventilated areas.

Avoid Mopping Wet Around Plywood Furniture

While cleaning your floors during the rainy season, be mindful. While mopping with a damp, not wet mop, use caution not to let water pool around table legs or a chair leg. In some cases, water can be absorbed into the wood.

Use Camphor or Baking Soda to Absorb Moisture

Put camphor balls, neem leaves, or open containers of baking soda into wardrobes and cabinets where moisture can easily accumulate. These products absorb moisture, which also acts as a natural fungicide that deters fungal growth.

Elevate Furniture Bases

When elevating a furniture base, use as many available materials as possible (such as plastic caps, rubber stoppers, etc.) to raise the furniture slightly off the floor. This will help limit water absorption through the base when there is minor flooding or when your floors are damp.

The way to get around this? Start with the correct type of plywood, and maintain it correctly.Types of Royale Touche Plywood for Monsoon

Royale Touche offers a range of engineered plywood ranges that are ideal for damp weather. Below is our summary of the best plywood for monsoon conditions:

Moisture-Resistant Plywood (MR Plywood)

Also referred to as commercial plyw ood, the moisture-resistant plywood from Royale Touche is treated to withstand occasional humidity. This plywood is well-suited for indoor furniture such as:

• Wardrobes
• Study tables
• Bookshelves
• TV units

While it is not designed to withstand direct water exposure, it will perform well in bedrooms living spaces, which may occasionally produce humidity.

Waterproof Plywood

Royale Touche's waterproof plywood has been specifically engineered to withstand rooms and areas with consistent levels of moisture or condensation. This plywood is joinery-bonded using a waterproof synthetic resin to deter water-based and fungal infestations. Waterproof plywood is recommended for:

• Cabinets that face windows or balconies
• Vanity units
• Wall-mounted storage

Not only does furniture manufactured from waterproof plywood deter swell, but it also provides structural durability and longevity.

Marine Plywood

Marine plywood is the best choice when it comes to moisture. Manufactured from the best-quality hardwood veneers and phenolic resin bonded, Royale Touche's marine plywood continues to perform even without any loss of strength when submerged in water for long periods. Best applied for:

• Kitchen furniture
• Cabinetry in bathrooms
• Outdoor furniture (with suitable finishes)
• Utility room storage

If you live in a flood-prone or coastal area, marine plywood is your safest option for reliable, monsoon-proof furniture.

Boiling Waterproof (BWP) Plywood

Royale Touche's boiling waterproof plywood is made to withstand high humidity and even boiling water. It is an ideal option for spaces that require moisture and ceiling humidity on a daily basis, particularly:

• Modular kitchen units
• Bathroom vanities
• Undersink storage
• Outdoor balconies or tables

BWP plywood is a long-term investment for homeowners seeking both durability and performance in the most demanding conditions.

Real-Life Tip: What if My Plywood Furniture Gets Wet?

If you do manage to get your furniture wet from rain leaking down from above, or your furniture gets wet from water seepage (i.e. leaks from cistern watering pipes, etc.), then follow this protocol:

• Quickly dry the surface of the furniture with a soft microfibre cloth.
• Move furniture into a ventilated room, or use a fan or a dehumidifier to circulate the air.
• Avoid placing it in the sun, as this could cause the plywood to crack.
• Once the furniture is dry, inspect it, check for warping or signs of fungal growth.
• Consider applying a coat of clear sealant to enhance moisture protection further.

If the plywood or wood was Marine or BWP grade, there's a good chance it will be fine in the long run. This emphasises the value of sourcing the best-quality plywood suitable for the monsoon from the start.

Common Mistakes to Avoid in the Monsoon

• Using untreated plywood in kitchens or bathrooms
• Failing to seal edges or leaving chipped laminate corners unattended
• Restricting the ventilation of your furniture by stacking or crowding pieces together
• Not checking your windows and/or ceilings for leaks
• Allowing damp clothing or shoes to rest on plywood furniture
• Avoiding these mistakes will help you avoid expensive repairs to your interiors.

Why Royale Touche Plywood?

Royale Touche is known for its decorative surfaces, as well as the quality of the core materials, including weather-resistant and moisture-resistant core materials. Here's why Royale Touche plywood has the right grades for monsoon conditions:

• Phenolic resin bonding that provides water resistance
• Anti-fungal and anti-bacterial treatments
• Borer-proof and termite-proof composition
• High-dimensional stability
• Use is ideal inside a variety of residential and commercial interiors

When we provide grades like Waterproof Plywood, Marine Plywood, Moisture-Resistant Plywood, and Boiling Waterproof Plywood, we offer solutions specially designed for your every environment and every season.

Conclusion

The monsoon doesn't have to bring mouldy furniture and misaligned cabinets; with the right amount of planning, product specification, and care, you can maintain beautiful, intact plywood interiors year after year.

You start with the best plywood for monsoon protection, by exploring the Waterproof Plywood, Moisture-Resistant Plywood, Marine Plywood, and Boiling Waterproof Plywood from Royale Touche. They are designed to resist moisture, withstand everyday wear and tear, and be beautiful for your interiors season after season.

Make every season a reason to love your home, rain or shine.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which plywood is best for protecting furniture during the monsoon?

Marine Plywood and Boiling Waterproof Plywood from Royale Touche are ideal for the rainy season, particularly in areas prone to moisture, such as kitchens and bathrooms.

How do I make plywood furniture last longer during the rainy season?

Use waterproof laminates where applicable, seal the edges, do not place furniture on wet ground, and ensure good ventilation in the room to prevent moisture build-up.

Is moisture-resistant plywood enough for the monsoon?

Moisture Resistant is suitable for dry zones inside your home, such as bedrooms or offices; use marine or waterproof varieties in wet areas.

What do I do if plywood furniture starts to smell musty during the rains?

Wipe it dry, ventilate the area, and place camphor, neem leaves, or baking soda inside the furniture to absorb moisture and eliminate odours.

Can Royale Touche plywood be used for outdoor furniture in the monsoon season?

Yes, you can properly treat and finish BWP and Marine grade plywood from Royale Touche for use as semi-outdoor or balcony-grade furniture.

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