Selecting the Right Plywood Sheeting for the Job

What is Plywood Sheeting? 

Plywood sheeting is a versatile, engineered timber product made from thin layers of wood veneer that are glued together at alternating right angles. This method enhances the strength and stability of the finished sheet, minimising expansion, warping and shrinkage, and resisting splitting. Plywood sheeting is widely used in construction due to its durability and ability to support loads. 

Plywood Uses 

Plywood sheeting is a versatile building product, suitable for a range of construction applications. These include; 

Walls: Structural plywood can be used for wall bracing. It offers structural strength and serves as a base for exterior cladding or wall finishes. Decorative ply is often used for interior walls and ceiling lining, providing aesthetic appeal and visual interest to a room.  

Floors: Plywood sheeting is commonly used for subfloors in residential and commercial buildings. They provide a durable and level substrate for flooring materials such as tiles, carpet, vinyl or hardwood. Soe plywood structural flooring come with a tongue and groove edge for quick and easy installation. 

Roof: Plywood provides a solid and stable base for roofing materials such as Asphalt shingles. This type of roof sheathing is often used to reinforce the roofing material, brace the roof frame and to support weight. 

Types of Plywood 

Different types of plywood are designed for specific applications, and selecting the right one ensures the best results. 

Hardwood Plywood: Made from hardwood species like oak, maple, or birch, this plywood is known for its strength, durability, and aesthetic appeal. It is ideal for furniture, cabinetry, and high-end interior applications. 

Softwood Plywood: Constructed from species such as pine, softwood plywood is commonly used in construction for structural purposes like flooring, wall bracing or cladding and roofing. 

Marine Plywood: Designed for use in moist or wet conditions, marine plywood is made with waterproof glue and high-quality veneers. It is perfect for boat building, docks, and other marine applications, as it is designed to resist delamination and fungal attacks. 

Decorative Plywood: Featuring attractive veneers, decorative plywood or non-structural plywood, is used in applications where there are no structural requirements and appearance is important. Applications include furniture making, interior panelling, ceiling lining and architectural features. 

Plywood Face Grades 

Plywood grades indicate the quality of the veneer surface or face. Each grade has different characteristics suited for various applications. Ply sheeting does not always have the same grade on both sides. Eg, Plywood used for external cladding may have one A grade face, which is exposed, and a D grade back. This is represented as AD. 

Grade A: The highest quality with a smooth, sanded surface free of defects. Ideal for applications requiring a decorative finish, such as cabinetry, furniture, cladding and panelling, and architectural features. 

Grade B: Contains minor defects that have been repaired. Suitable for visible surfaces where a high-quality appearance is still needed. 

Grade C: Has more visible defects and is not as smooth as A and B grades. Used where appearance is not critical, such as in subflooring or behind drywall. 

Grade D: The lowest grade with visible knots and defects. Suitable for structural applications where the surface will be covered. 

Bowens Plywood Range 

Plywood sheeting is available in a wide selection of thicknesses, sheet sizes and grades to accommodate different structural requirements. Choosing the right plywood for the project will provide long term durability and longevity. 

Bowens offers a wide selection of plywood sheeting suitable for a range of residential and commercial properties. Explore our ply products online or visit a Bowens store today and chat with one of our friendly staff members.