Features that Make Fire Rated Boards and Marine Plywood Useful for Specific Applications

Author: William Ramos

Every year, hundreds of homes and businesses in Australia are destroyed by accidental fires, bushfires, or forest fires. However, significant fire protection can be achieved by using fire rated boards in the construction of houses or buildings, which provide passive fire resistance by preventing the spread of flames for up to two hours and also reduce the emission of smoke, which causes deaths due to choking. A fire-rated board gives the occupants enough time to escape for safety while also saving valuables before active fire suppression systems, such as hydrants, or the fire-fighting team arrive at the location.

Water, mold, termites, bacteria, and impact are all resistant to fire rated board. These are now required for both compliance and to provide adequate fire protection to the occupants of adjacently constructed buildings. The boundary wall systems allow for space efficiency, maximising internal space and land use, and can be built without requiring access from the adjoining property.

Specially-treated products to enhance the fire performance

Matilda Veneer's fire rated boards can withstand temperatures of up to and exceeding 1200 degrees Celsius, which is why construction companies, architects, and designers rely on the long-lasting performance and effectiveness of Matilda Veneer's fire rated boards. Fire rated boards can be used to improve the fire performance of walls and ceilings in areas where fire is a concern, such as kitchens, auditoriums, school laboratories, and specialised applications. You can choose from a variety of fire rated boards that differ in thickness, size, and fire resistance properties. Matilda Veneer's fire rated boards have exceptional acoustic properties, making them an excellent choice for use in apartments, hospitals, hotels, and healthcare facilities.

Matilda Veneer can also supply prefabricated fire separation wall panel systems and fire rated boards with all services pre-installed and ready to connect. Matilda Veneers offers high-quality fire-rated boards that have a long lifespan and can be reused in situations where replacement and maintenance are not required.

Marine plywood for use in wet and moist areas

Marine plywood is made with tough face and core veneers that can withstand humid and wet conditions for an extended period of time. Marine plywood is best suited for use in areas with high humidity and exposure to water, such as boats, kitchens, ships, restrooms, laundry, and so on, with a minimal core gap to limit the amount of water trapped inside the plywood and the use of a stable glue bond. Marine plywood is also an excellent choice for use in coastal areas with significantly higher natural air moisture levels.

Some of the other popular uses of marine plywood are:

  • Pergolas and patio furniture
  • Porches and decks
  • Boats and sailing equipment
  • Planters
  • Bathroom and kitchen subfloors
  • Lake platforms

Specially selected plant species is used in the construction of marine plywood

Marine plywood from Matilda Veneer is made with the highest grade veneers throughout the panel. It is made from plant species chosen for their density, impact resistance, and bending strength. These are made in accordance with AS/NZS2272 using a specific marine species, such as hoop pine plywood. To prevent delamination, marine plywood is engineered from hardwoods rather than softwoods, with each layer affixed and a high quality waterproof glue, such as phenolic resin. While regular plywood is typically made of three plies of wood that are glued together, marine plywood is made of five plies of wood, or even up to twelve plies, that are glued together with the help of waterproof adhesive.

The most common types of marine plywood are A-A, A-B, B-B, HDO, and MDO, each with its own set of specifications. Marine plywood is made to resist bending, snapping, and breaking while maintaining high structural integrity. The timber planks or sheets are arranged and joined in such a way that no crevices are left. This arrangement of marine plywood construction provides it with the ability to resist delamination in humid conditions.

More choices for your inspirational creations

Matilda Veneer's experts will help you in selecting the best quality fire rated board, marine plywood, and other veneer products for your construction and building needs. Matilda Veneer, as an environmentally conscious company, ensures that all of its veneer and plywood products are sourced from sustainably managed forests. Chain of Custody certification ensures the products' integrity throughout their transportation and storage journey. Matilda Veneer also offers Quarter Cut Black Bean, Crown Cut Red Cedar, Queensland Maple, Crown Cut Smoked Oak, Plantation Eucalyptus Truewood, Rough Cut American Walnut, and more in addition to marine plywood and fire rated boards.