Why Plywood Works So Well for Certain Projects

SmartCore Mariner Plysqareish

For some projects, plywood is a natural choice. It gives you durability you can rely on. And its strength can make it the perfect pick for plenty of jobs. The modern version of this wood product is a relatively recent invention, going back less than two centuries. And ever since, professionals have depended on it for projects big and small. RoyOMartin offers furniture grade plywood and other wood choices to help you get the job done and keep your clients happy.

Plywood: What It Is and What It Isn’t

This wood product is created when layers of wood are pressed together to form a strong, single piece of material. The layers are combined so that the wood grain of each layer is positioned at a right angle against the board next to it. This design gives plywood its characteristic sturdiness with flexibility advantages over solid wood. 

There are examples of similar laminated wood materials that date as far back as Ancient Egypt. But modern plywood became more commonly used around the mid-1800s. Since then it has been used for everything from wall and deck surfaces to furniture, cabinets, and shelving

Today, plywood is graded for its quality, with A being at the top and D at the bottom. But it’s important to remember that the quality you need will depend heavily on your project. For instance, we offer SmartCore® AC Plywood with a smooth A-grade surface that comes ready to stain or paint when the look of the C-side isn’t as important for the project. But we also provide AA, AB, and a variety of other panel combinations depending on your needs.

However, one thing to note is that particleboard is not the same as plywood, and it should not be used for the same projects. It is crafted differently and will not provide the strength and durability of plywood.

What Are the Benefits of Choosing Plywood?

It’s true that plywood is recognized for its strength and durability, but it also provides plenty of other advantages over other wood options for certain jobs. For one thing, it’s a lighter-weight material when compared to solid wood. This makes furniture grade plywood a great option for furniture projects to keep the weight down. And the lower weight can also make it easier to work with.

Additionally, plywood is less prone to splitting, thanks to its sturdy, layered design. The layers within the plywood allow it to keep its composure at times when solid wood might not. Because of this, it also handles screws and nails well, helping to keep them firmly in place. And its composition is especially helpful when the furniture moves because it can prevent cracking. Also, since RoyOMartin offers plywood selections with a length of 96 inches and a width of 48 inches, you will have plenty of material to work with for your project.

Need Furniture Grade Plywood or Another Type for Your Next Project? RoyOMartin Has You Covered

No matter what you’re working on, you need materials you can trust. At RoyOMartin, we provide a great selection of high-quality wood products to help you build it better. This includes furniture grade plywood, solid wood materials, OSB panels, and more. And because all RoyOMartin products are available Forest Stewardship Council® (FSC®) certified, you can have added peace of mind when purchasing your materials from us. If you have a question or would like to know more about our products, give us a call at 800-299-5174 or contact us online. We’re always ready to help.