Things that you should know about Structural and Non-Structural Plywood, And How to Make the Best Us

Plywood is a wood-based building material that is very useful. It's a versatile and highly workable building material made by layering thin sheets of wood veneer for added strength and flexibility. It is widely used in furniture as well as structural and non-structural building elements. Plywood can be made from a variety of wood species, allowing you to achieve the look and feel of a rare and expensive wood species for a fraction of the cost of a project made entirely of solid wood. Because plywood only uses a thin slice of veneer obtained from a solid wood log. Because only a thin slice of wood is used over engineered wood rather than solid wood, a small amount of wood can be used on many projects.

Plywood is preferred for a variety of reasons, including its ability to hold screws and be cut to any shape. It also has a high resistance to shrinking, warping, cracking, and twisting. Plywood has been used in a wide range of applications, including interior and exterior applications, as well as marine, structural, and non-structural constructions.

Because of its high strength-to-weight ratio, plywood is ideal for structural applications such as flooring, shearwalls, and formwork. Chemicals, corrosion, and damage are not a problem for structural plywood. It has twice the shear carrying capacity of timber and has excellent dimensional stability. Structural plywood is used in permanent structures that require high strength, such as beams, bracing panels, and formwork. Structural plywood combines the structural strength of the wood used to make it. Cross-graining allows structural plywood sheets to resist splitting while also providing uniform strength for increased structural stability.

Key features of structural plywood

• Offers excellent resistance to damage
• High strength and stiffness to weight ratio
• Allows nailing close panel edges
• Offers a high degree of dimensional stability

Crates, boxes, outdoor furniture, and wall and roof bracing are all made from structural plywood. The adhesives used in structural plywood must be long-lasting and resistant to creep. Because Type A bond is used in its construction, structural plywood is preferred for use as structural elements in a building. It is available in the appropriate standard stress grades and five face veneer qualities.

Uses of non-structural plywood

Non-structural plywood, also known as interior plywood, is primarily used for decorative and aesthetic finishes like wall and ceiling lining. Non-structural plywood can create stunning visual effects, which is why it is also known as appearance-grade plywood. Non-structural plywood is used in applications that require a high-quality aesthetic finish, such as wall paneling and fitments. It is not, however, suitable for outdoor use because the glue bond deteriorates when exposed to wet and damp conditions. When a clear finish is required, A-grade non-structural plywood should be used, whereas B-grade non-structural plywood can be used with a paint finish.

Non-structural plywood of type C is recommended for use in high-humidity environments such as bathrooms. Non-structural plywood is also used outside for non-structural cladding and signs. However, all types of plywood used in outdoor applications should be treated to prevent fungal growth.

High-quality structural and non-structural plywood

Matilda Veneer offers high-quality A-Bond structural plywood that can withstand harsh weather conditions. Matilda Veneer's structural plywood is valued for its consistency of performance, ease of workability, and durability.

Marine grade and fire rated plywood

You will be able to choose the best plywood for your applications if you understand the distinction between structural and non-structural plywood. A little research will go a long way. Non-structural plywood, for example, may look great but is not a good choice for exterior applications. Matilda Veneer's experts can assist you here. You can always seek their advice if you're unsure about which type of plywood to use, structural or non-structural. Matilda Veneer offers Marine Grade Plywood, a special type of structural plywood. Without delaminating, marine grade plywood can withstand hours of continuous boiling.

Matilda Veneer's fire-rated structural and non-structural plywood is specially treated to withstand the spread of fire through flames for more than two hours. The plywood provides passive fire resistance, giving occupants enough time to flee before firefighters arrive.

Veneers to inspire you

Matilda Veneer also has a wide range of architectural veneers available, including sliced veneer, rotary veneer, enhanced veneer, and appearance grade panels. Matilda Veneer offers fire-rated solutions such as Fireply X, Matilda fireply, and hoop pine FR panel. Birch plywood, Matilda Lite Ply, and Fireply X are all appearance grade panels available at Matilda Veneer.

Matilda Veneer obtains structural and non-structural plywood from forests that are managed in a sustainable manner. You can be confident that Matilda Veneer will provide you with high-quality plywood and veneer. Remember that because this is a natural product, the actual plywood or veneer you receive may differ in colour and features from the ones shown in the pictures.

If you are looking for trendy or classic decorative wooden surfaces that deliver the highest standards in environmental performance, Matilda Veneer has the right solutions for all your projects.