Essential 3 Plywood Types for Beautiful Interiors

Astra

18 min read

Dec 09, 2024 Oct 30, 2024

When it comes to creating spectacular interior furniture by using good quality plywood sheets, the mention of quality interior plywood is a must. Right from plywood for beds to plywood for wardrobes, it is up to marine ply for the kitchen to regular alternate plywood for budgetary interior design uses of ply occur.

The timeless appeal and incredible versatility of plywood furniture make it an indispensable part of Indian homes.

From the intricate carvings of traditional furniture to the sleek lines of contemporary kitchen cabinets, quality plywood has seamlessly blended tradition with modernity in Indian interior design.

Whether you’re renovating your old home or constructing a new one, the best plywood has to be your best pal in this journey. If you’ve doubts about how to use quality plywood in your projects or what kind of plywood types you can use, Alacritys has your back.

Also, you must know the plywood sheets price before you start with your interior work. This helps you in finalizing your budget for the furniture work.

Continue to know every tit and bit related to different types of plywood uses for interior furniture in India.

What Role Does Plywood Play in Interior Design?

If there is one thing that professional residential interior designers need to bring their ideas to life during interior designing then it’s an ideal furniture plywood.

From creating amazing kitchen cabinets by using alternate plywood to stunning wall paneling by using commercial plywood or marine ply when it comes in contact with external surfaces of bathroom walls or similar walls.

Plywood furniture does wonders in interiors. Have a look at key uses of plywood in the realm of interior design.

1.Wonderful wall panelings with alternate plywood and waterproof plywood

Are you looking for awe-striking walls for your projects? Go ahead and start using alternate plywood for wall paneling.

Interior designers can use stained, painted, or plywood of their natural finish to add warmth and character to a room.

Waterproof plywood wall paneling for walls in interiors is used that comes in contact with exterior walls and bathroom walls.

The alternate plywood sheets price varies based on the number of layers and the core types inside them. This decides the plywood thickness and you can decide if you can use plywood for wall paneling.

2.Fantastic wood flooring by adding marine ply at their back

Marine Ply is a versatile base layer for hardwood, laminate, and vinyl flooring. It provides a stable and even surface.

This is one of the recognized and popular in-demand plywood types in India to make your wood flooring moisture-resistant and water-resistant.

Over 1000 ply companies in North and South India offer Marine plywood. Plywood sheets price vary by brand and quality, but established brands have a general range.

3. Charismatic ceilings with the use of structural plywood

Structural plywood is a great material to use to craft decorative ceiling designs, such as coffered ceilings or exposed beam ceilings.

Its durability and flexibility allow for creative and intricate plywood ceiling treatments.

The structural plywood thickness for ceiling work in the interior is 5/8″ or 3/4″. The thickness of the plywood will depend on the span of the ceiling and the load it will be supporting.

4. Stately wardrobes with the use of MR plywood

It is ideal for functional storage. Order plywood sheets in bulk to avoid quality variation.
You can create durable wardrobes that fit perfectly to specific spaces and storage needs with this one of the best kinds of plywood types.

MR plywood is resin-treated plywood that’s strong, durable, and water-resistant. It’s used for a variety of purposes, including:

Furniture making
Shelving
Scaffolding
Construction
Roofing

This plywood sheet price in India varies depending on the attribute and bulkiness of the plywood. The price range is from Rs.16 to Rs.40/ sq. ft.

5. Stunning Staircases with BWR plywood and even Marine ply

When planning to construct staircases, Boiling water-resistant plywood and Marine ply are ideal choices. This strong, durable plywood type is ideal for interior stairs. It’s resistant to water and decay, making it a sturdy and reliable framework.

Some known brands that sell BWR plywood in India include:

- Greenply
- Century Plyboards
- HDFC Plywood
- Sonali Plywood
- Impex Plywood

In the world of interior design, the best plywood sheets are valued greatly for their structural qualities and ability to contribute to the overall design aesthetic.

To achieve a wide range of interior plywood furniture, from contemporary to rustic, you can go for dependable interior design services.

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Popular Types of Quality Plywood in Interior Design That You Should Use

As mentioned above, the uses of plywood in interior design are vast. Using the right ply from alternate plywood and commercial plywood up to flexible plywood and BWP plywood can help you create stunning pieces.

Before you start using these interior plywood types, you need to know which ply is best for you.

Just for your ideas here we are giving some tips for your furniture design that how uses of plywood vary –

Best plywood for kitchen – Go for Marine ply or BWR plywood

Best plywood for bed – Go for regular (white and red core both in alternate pattern) alternate plywood or MR plywood (here you should go for only light red core in alternate pattern)

Best plywood for wardrobes – Go for commercial plywood

For curvy furniture – Go for flexible plywood sheets

For high ceiling or double-height ceiling design – Go for structural plywood

For accent walls, hardwood flooring, and sophisticated trim work – Go for tropical plywood

Here are popular types of quality plywood used in interior design, with their applications and details, to help you decide the plywood sheet cost.

1. Commercial Plywood

The leading type of interior plywood is common plywood and it is standard plywood with limited ability to withstand moisture and humidity.

It’s also known as MR plywood wherein MR stands for moisture resistance. All MR ply can be commercial ply but all commercial ply need not be MR ply.

But, it’s not the best waterproof ply as it can only bear mild moisture exposure. This limited ability makes this type of plywood perform only for places where exposure to moisture is minimal.

They are ideal for making cabinets, wardrobes, and interior paneling. If you’re planning to use it as plywood furniture then make sure you construct furniture that is not exposed to direct water.

Commercial plywood sheet price range based on their solidness starts from Rs.25 and up to Rs.90/ sq. ft.

2. BWR or Boiling Water Resistance Plywood

Boiling water-resistant plywood is the best furniture plywood for moisture-resistant applications.

BWR plywood is better than MR-grade for occasional water exposure, so it’s the best plywood for kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and built-in furniture in humid areas.

The plywood sheets price in India varies depending on the class and plywood thickness. The average price is around Rs. 2,500 per sq ft, but it can range from Rs. 1,500 to Rs. 5,000 per sq ft or more.

3. BWP or Boiling Waterproof Plywood

Next, we have BWP plywood to recommend. This is the highest quality plywood when it comes to moisture resistance. It can easily withstand prolonged water exposure without delamination.

BWP plywood sheets for interior plywood furniture where waterproofing is essential, such as in bathrooms, and wet areas, and outdoor applications like balcony and terrace flooring.

This BWP plywood is winning hearts. The cost of plywood sheets for the BWP range is below –

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4. Marine Plywood or a Combination of BWP and BWR

Marine ply often known as BWP marine plywood is the most water-resistant plywood available. Mostly, it’s a combination of BWP and BWR grade plywoods and can bear the constant exposure to water.

Because of its laudable water-resistance abilities, these types of plywood are perfect for achieving the highest level of waterproofing in interior design projects.

Marine plywood uses are perfect for creating outdoor furniture and the interior of extremely humid or wet environments.

Marine plywood sheets price range based on their density is below –

Why Choosing the Right Interior Plywood Matters?

In the realm of interior design, great projects are only shaped when creativity blends with the right plywood furniture. A right design with the wrong plywood quality can create structural disasters.

This is why any interior designer should learn the art and science of using the best interior plywood based on the cost of plywood sheets. This is important for the reasons mentioned.

Best plywood adds great structural integrity

The best plywood for interiors is that the structural components, such as walls, floors, and ceilings, are sturdy and can support the intended loads.

Using subpar plywood can lead to structural issues and compromised safety. That’s why the best plywood for furniture is important to use.

Furniture plywood leads to unmatched aesthetic appeal

Plywood’s grain and finish can affect the look of a room.

If you’re not choosing the correct plywood types, a stunning design will not give good vibes. Hence, your time, efforts, and investments will be wasted.

Quality plywood durability is important

When you’re choosing the best plywood for furniture, you’re adding durability to the furniture. Good quality furniture plywood can bear the wear & tear with pride and can last longer than your imagination.

Great plywood warrants impressive water resistance

Use waterproof plywood in kitchens and bathrooms to withstand moisture.

Such waterproof or marine ply can prevent warping, delamination, and other issues caused by moisture exposure.

Sustainable plywood thicknesses vary

Buying the best plywood from certified sources promotes sustainability in interior designing as it can last longer. You don’t have to replace your designs frequently, which comes with a great deal of expenses.

Which Kind of Plywood is Perfect For Your Outdoor Areas?

The job of an interior designer is not limited to enhancing the look of interior areas.

Professional residential architects are also responsible for crafting a stunning outdoor area of a house that will lure everyone in one glimpse.

Use exterior plywood for outdoor areas. It’s hardwood plywood that can withstand harsh conditions.

Hardwood or exterior plywood is way too different from other plywood and has distinct features. For instance:

It’s made of waterproof wood veneers, often high-quality hardwood or softwood, layered with alternating grain direction for strength and stability.

Hardwood plywood gets an extra treatment to tolerate rain, snow, humidity, and temperature fluctuations without warping.

They are available in different grades like A grade, B grade, and C grade. A grade refers to the highest quality standards whereas C or lower grades means substandard quality.

Examples of exterior plywood are CDX Plywood, Pressure-Treated Plywood, and Marine Ply.

These plywood boards are ideal to use in a wide range of outdoor projects such as decks and porches, fences, outdoor roofing, siding, and exterior wall sheathing.

Hardwood plywood might need extra maintenance and periodic resealing to extend its lifespan.

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Perfect Plywood Board Types For Interior Designing

Finding the right kind of plywood boards for the interior can be daunting as there are so many options with different characteristics and features.

However, with the dependable help of Alacritys and its interior services, you’ll have no hassles in learning about the ideal plywood boards for your projects.

Here is a quick breakdown of the leading sub-categories of the best plywood in India.

1. Softwood Plywood

Made out of softwood veneers like cedar, pine, or fir, softwood plywood is an expensive plywood that you can use for structural and non-visible applications.

Softwood plywood type is perfect for constructing subfloors, roof decking, and sheathing. As it paints and stains well, creating stunning designs is possible.

The price of softwood plywood sheets in India ranges from Rs. 200 to 1000 per square meter, depending on the thickness, grade, and finish of the sheet.

2. Hardwood Plywood

This variety of plywood is constructed using hardwood veneers like Oak, cherry, or maple. Because of its great durability and attractive grain patterns, this is the best plywood for furniture, wardrobes, and decorative paneling.

The popular hardwood plywood types in India are:

Teak plywood
Rosewood plywood
Sheesham plywood
Walnut plywood
Mahogany plywood

These plywoods are made from high-quality hardwoods that are known for their strength, durability, and beauty. They are used in a variety of applications, including furniture making, cabinetry, and flooring.

Hardwood plywood cost per sq ft in India ranges from Rs.650 to Rs. 5000, depending on the type of wood, thickness, and finish.

3. Structural Plywood

This plywood is strong and ideal for frames or areas that need structural integrity.

It’s perfect for creating beams, load-bearing walls, and joints.

The most cost-effective structural plywood types are:

Douglas fir plywood
Southern yellow pine plywood
Spruce-pine-fir plywood
Western hemlock plywood
Birch plywood

These plywoods are strong and durable, and they can be used for a variety of structural applications.

They are also relatively affordable, making them a good choice for budget-minded owners.

The price of structural plywood sheet price can range from Rs.30 to Rs.100/ sq ft. This varies depending on the types of plywood, the thickness, the size, and the quality.

4. Tropical Plywood

Made from tropical hardwood species like mahogany or teak. It is the best plywood known for its resistance to moisture and insects. Because of these qualities, this plywood is perfect for exterior furniture.

The cost of tropical plywood in India ranges from Rs.20 to Rs.100 per square foot, depending on the types you choose in them.

Some of the uses of these plywood sheets in the interior:

Flooring
Furniture: Tropical plywood is also a popular choice for furniture because it is strong and easy to work with. It can be used to make a variety of furniture pieces, such as tables, chairs, and cabinets.

5. Flexible Plywood

This plywood is easily bent and used for rounded surfaces, arches, and curved cabinetry.

Flexible plywood thicknesses in India range from 3mm to 25mm. The most common thicknesses are 6mm, 9mm, and 12mm.

This Plywood type is available in a variety of grades, from economy to high quality. The grade of plywood will affect its price and its suitability for different applications.

3mm to 12 mm Flexible plywood sheet cost in India varies from Rs.1250 up to Rs. 3780/-

6. Veneer Core Plywood

Veneer core plywood is made of thin wood veneers sandwiched between face and back veneers.

This type of plywood is made of cross-grained veneer sheets that are glued together. The core material can be plywood, MDF, or particleboard.

It has amazing stability and flatness as compared to softwood plywood making it an excellent choice for high-quality furniture, cabinets, and architectural millwork.

Economic veneer core plywood cost range for 4mm to 18 mm thick plywood is Rs.10 and up to Rs. 30/ sq. ft.

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7. Alternate Plywood

Lastly, alternate plywood is a cost-effective alternative to traditional wood, made from a mix of yellow and red-tinged woods.

You can use it at places where you don’t need the strength of hardwood. You can also use it to construct cabinetry, furniture, and millwork where precise dimensions are essential.

Economic alternate plywood cost range for 6mm to 18 mm thick plywood is Rs.18 and up to Rs. 38/ sq. ft.

That’s it! This is the end of the list of common types of plywood that you can use for different projects.

As you can see, each subtype has its unique characteristics. Hence, we strongly recommend paying attention to factors like budget, intended use, aesthetics, and environmental considerations while selecting the best furniture plywood.

Technical Specifications of Leading Plywood Types

While you plan to have your hands on the best plywood in India for your project, you can’t proceed without knowing about the technical specifications like available sizes, thickness, and layers of the plywood sheets.

Each specification holds a different purpose and meaning in the realm of interior design. Let’s explain these specifications to you.

1. Standard Plywood Sizes:

4×7 feet: This plywood size is relatively smaller and is often used for applications where smaller sheets are required. For instance, low-height wardrobes, drawers, or smaller furniture projects.
4×8 feet: The 4×8 size is the most common and widely used plywood. It is versatile and suitable for a wide range of applications, including wardrobes, wall paneling, and sheathing for interior projects.
4×9 feet: 4×9 type of plywood size is used for large surface areas with fewer seams, e.g., wall paneling, large furniture, commercial or industrial projects.
4×10 feet: Large plywood size is ideal for large surface coverage, such as commercial installations, industrial projects, and building construction.

2. Standard Plywood Thicknesses:

3 mm: This thin material is used for lightweight applications like cabinet backs, decorative wall panels, and crafts.
5-6 mm: This plywood thickness range is used for lightweight furniture, cabinet doors, and decorative paneling.
8-9 mm: If you’re looking for furniture plywood for constructing shelves and cabinets then get a sheet of 8-9 mm thickness.
8-9 mm: If you’re looking for furniture plywood for constructing shelves and cabinets then get a sheet of 8-9 mm thickness.
18-19 mm: This thickness range is used for heavy-duty furniture, tabletops, countertops, and cabinetry.
25 mm: The thickest sheets are used for strong, durable applications like tabletops, workbenches, and architectural elements.

3. Standard Plywood Layers:

3-ply/layers: 3-ply layers of plywood consist of veneer wood bonded with adhesive, with the grain direction alternating.

A three-ply plywood is commonly used for non-structural and lightweight applications like wall paneling, cabinet backs, and craft projects.

2. 5-ply/layers: 5-ply layers of plywood sheet comprises five layers of wood veneer, similarly bonded together with alternating grain directions.

It is suitable for a wider range of applications, including furniture making, cabinetry, and shelving.

3. 7-ply/layers: In 7-ply layers of plywood sheets, there are seven layers of wood veneer.

It is often used in the construction of structural elements, such as beams and joists as they have great load-bearing capacity.

4.9-ply/layers: Simply, 9-ply layers of plywood consist of nine layers of plywood veneer that makes it suitable to withstand heavy loads and stresses.

They are perfect for building construction.

5.13-ply/layers: Furniture Plywood with 13 layers or plies is among the most robust options we have.

A total of 13 layers of wood has the ability to withstand significant loads making it an ideal option for the construction of bridges & ships and load-bearing flooring.

Expert Advice
- The more layers of plywood, the stronger it is.
- Flexible plywood is highly pliable and bendable and is available in MR grade with 3-5 ply layers.

Decoding The Differences Between MR, BWR, and BWP Plywood- A Head-to-Head Comparison

For anyone interested in learning about the best furniture plywood, knowing about different plywood grades is important.

MR, BWR, and BWP are confusing terms for beginners. Interior designers need to know the difference to pick the right types of plywood.

We’ll explain plywood grades in this extensive comparison so you don’t have to deal with the confusion anymore.

	MR Plywood	BWR Plywood	BWP Plywood
Moisture Resistance	Can bear mild mixture exposure Not suitable for areas where prolonged water exposure is present.	Offers better moisture resistance than MR plywood. Can withstand occasional exposure to water.	Provides the highest possible water resistance and is a waterproof plywood. Can tolerate prolonged exposure to water.
Glue Type Used	Made using urea-formaldehyde-based adhesives.	Made using phenol-formaldehyde-based adhesives.	Made using phenol-formaldehyde-based adhesives.
Interior Designing Use Cases	Useful for making living room furniture, wall paneling, and other indoor projects.	Perfect for kitchen cabinets, room cabinets, wardrobes, wall ceilings, and patio furniture.	Can be used in all sorts of areas and designs. Perfect for creating kitchen and bathroom cabinets, outdoor furniture, and furniture for marine areas.
IS Certification	IS:303 Specification	IS:303 Specification	IS:710 Specification

Your Gains And Losses With MR, BWR, and BWP Plywoods

If you must have paid due diligence on what we have mentioned in the above section, you must have better clarity on different grades of plywood.

We will make the job easy for you with our crisp rundown of key advantages and disadvantages of MR grade, BWR, and BWP plywood. Now let’s focus on good things first and learn about the advantages of MR, BWP, and BWR plywood.

Moisture-resistant plywood is cheaper, easier to work with, and suitable for interiors.

Boiling water-resistant plywood is perfect for moderately damp environments and is strong enough to carry heavy loads on it.

BWP Plywood is 100% waterproof which makes it perfect for outdoor interiors.

Let’s look at the disadvantages of MR, BWP, and BWR plywood.

Moisture-resistant Plywood is not durable for moisture-prone areas and has interior-grade glue that can reduce indoor air quality.

Boiling water-resistant plywood is a heavier and more expensive type of plywood than MR plywood.

BWP plywood may not be eco-friendly and is not widely available.

Different grades of plywood have pros and cons. Weigh them and pick the best for your project.

Factors to Keep in Mind While Selecting The Best Plywood For Your Interior Projects

Plywood choice is crucial for interior projects as it affects stability and functionality. Don’t choose randomly.

You have to have your hands on the best furniture plywood and this is possible if you keep the below-mentioned points in your mind.

A. Your Project Area and Environmental Conditions Around It

Choose plywood for furniture based on its intended use and environmental conditions. For example, plywood for wardrobes doesn’t need to be waterproof, but plywood for kitchen cabinets should be. Strong plywood is best for beams.

B. Know the Plywood Manufacturers

Only a professional manufacturer can supply quality and premium grease furniture plywood. So, if you plan to get the best plywood, you first need to research the leading plywood manufacturers.

Research their quality standards, user reviews, certifications, and catalogs.

C. Learn about Plywood Grades

Understand the various grades of plywood and choose the grade that matches your requirements. This is important as grades can affect the appearance and structural integrity of the plywood.

D. Edges of Plywood

Plywood edges should have the following qualities:

Smooth surface with no bumps
Uniform thickness at all four corners
Check for the full density
No hollow sounds when tapped, as this indicates air pockets

If you find any of these qualities lacking, the plywood edges may not be of good quality and should not be used.

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E.Look for Authenticity Marks of Plywood

Authenticity marks from authorized bodies like ISI indicate that the plywood meets certain quality and safety standards.

F. Inspect the External Surface Quality of Plywood

Pay attention to the external surface of the plywood for imperfections like knots, patches, and surface irregularities.

G. Do a Quick Plywood Nail Test

The easiest way to check the strength of the furniture for plywood is a quick nail test. The best plywood for furniture in India will hold the nail firmly without splitting or crumbling.

H. Plywood Thickness Test

It is done using a micrometer or a caliper. The test is important to ensure that the plywood meets the required thickness specifications.

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I.Plywood Boiling Test

It is conducted by boiling a piece of plywood in water for a certain period of time. The results of the test are used to assess the plywood’s strength, durability, and water resistance.

J. Check the Plywood Price

Plywood prices vary. Consider your budget and quality requirements to find the best fit.

If you pay attention to these attributes, you can make informed decisions about the best plywood in India and will be able to find a plywood that will meet the specific requirements of your project.

Conclusion

Perfect plywood is essential for perfect interior designs. When choosing quality plywood, consider cost, grades, quality standards, waterproof features, and other factors.

Consult with trusted residential interior designers in India and make the job easy. They will help you find the best plywood and nudge you in the right direction.

To make sure that you have your hands on ideal plywood types, don’t hesitate and ask them these questions-

What are the different grades of plywood available in the Indian market?
What are the different trustworthy companies and their plywood sheets’ price ranges?
What certifications or standards should one look for when choosing the perfect plywood?

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FAQs

What is plywood, and how is it made?

Plywood is a versatile engineered wood product made by gluing together multiple layers of thin wood veneers, or plies, with each layer’s grain direction perpendicular to the adjacent layer.

What are the best types of furniture plywood available in India?

The best types of plywood in India include:

- Moisture-resistant plywood
- Boiling water resistant Plywood
- Commercial Plywood

Marine Ply

Each type serves specific purposes, with varying levels of moisture and termite resistance.

How do I choose the right furniture plywood for my project?

Consider factors such as the type of wood used, thickness, grade, and intended application.

How do I check the quality of the plywood before purchase?

To ensure you purchase the best plywood, examine the veneer quality, adhesive used, and the presence of any certifications or standards (e.g., IS:303, IS:710).

What is the standard size and thickness of sheets in India?

Standard plywood sheet sizes in India are 8’x4′ and 8’x3′. Thickness options vary, typically ranging from 4mm to 19mm. The choice depends on your project requirements.