Marine Plywood

What rings into your consciousness when you hear about marine plywood? Is the water-resistant plywood usable in frigid zones? Well, that is, perhaps, the assumption for most people. But is there a fraction of truth in this claim? Well, that is what we seek to answer in this guide.

Often referred to as marine plywood, marine-grade plywood is not what many people think it is. This plywood is not waterproof. However, it is excellent hardwood plywood engineered with waterproof glue. Because it is not chemically treated, it is not resistant to rot. Marine plywood has good grades, are robust, lightweight and defect-free.

What is Marine Grade Plywood?

Marine plywood is a robust and high-quality product that is not chemically treated. Instead, the thin plies are set up perpendicularly in a plywood-making process known as cross-lamination that gives the material much strength to make the marine plywood sheets.

However, heat and pressure are also applied to arrange the marine ply sheets well since the wood is not decay or rot-resistant.

When Should You Use Marine Grade Plywood?

If you want to construct certain kinds of stable structures such as decks and boats, it will not be prudent to go for the regular plywood—this where marine-grade plywood comes in handy.

Marine plywood is an impeccably durable and versatile sheet material, especially when using it in water applications. Besides these benefits, marine plywood price is not higher than that of regular plywood. As such, you ought to make the right decisions on your investments. With that in mind, when should you consider marine plywood? We have collected some of the prime projects.

Boatbuilding

Regardless of the size of the boat, you are building; marine plywood sheets are the best materials to use. The material is durable, easy to work with, and will protect your boat in case of a leak.

Covered docks

Yes, your guess was correct. Marine plywood is an excellent option for docks. While other wood types need sanding and annual treatment, the case is different for marine plywood. It withstands harsh environments with little maintenance every year. As such, it doesn’t warp or rot due to water conduct.

Lake platforms

Just like docks, plywood sheets come in handy in building lake platforms. However, in this case, several sheets should be nailed and glued together, and a waterproof sealer applied as a finish.

Bathrooms

For interior use, marine plywood preferred for use in bathrooms. This because it can withstand high moisture content surrounding the bathroom.

Kitchen

The kitchen is another interior place where marine plywood used. The moisture experienced in the kitchen can compromise the integrity of standard plywood, so plywood sheets are preferred. Marine plywood is also an excellent option for making cabinets and flooring, depending on the amount of water these places come in contact with.

Benefits of Marine Grade Plywood

Using marine plywood offers you a wide range of benefits. Some include:

Pliable

Thanks to its structure, marine plywood can bend without compromising its structural integrity. It doesn’t crack or warp either.

Impact resistance

Marine plywood sheets provide excellent impact resistance thanks to their complex and dense outside layer.

Surface finish

It has a superior surface finish which is very smooth and soft to touch. So, you don’t have to worry about splintering.

Conclusion

For applications where moisture is an issue, marine plywood is the best material to choose. It will offer you great value for your money in terms of durability and appearance.