Exterior Plywood vs. Marine Plywood

For seasoned builders, knowing the difference between exterior plywood and marine plywood is crucial. Despite having a similar appearance, these two varieties of plywood have important distinctions that determine how they should be used.

To assist readers in making wise judgments, this article examines the qualities and uses of marine plywood and exterior plywood.

What is marine plywood?

A high-quality wood product called marine plywood is made of many layers of wood veneers joined together with water-resistant weather- and boil-proof (WBP) glue.

One of the highest-quality plywoods available, in the opinion of many individuals, is marine-grade plywood. Marine plywood is renowned for its durability, resistance to damage, and capacity to survive harsh environments.

It is created using tropical hardwood that is inherently water-resistant, compressing the thinner plies with a specialized glue to boost strength.

This guarantees that the plywood that results has no flaws. Even when you cut the sheets, there won't be any core gaps. It also contributes to the distinctive hardness and damage resistance of plywood.

Marine plywood is available from plywood producers in a variety of grades. There are certain knot sizes and frequencies for each grade. Additionally, each of them has a distinct weight and thickness.

Uses

Boat construction is one of the most frequent uses for marine plywood. It is used to create several watercraft components, including the hull. They benefit from the plywood's superb flexibility and water resistance.

Of course, sailing is not the only use for marine plywood. These marine-grade plywood planks may be used to cover any outside wall of a home or business. It is incredibly helpful for building projects in places with a lot of rain, moisture, and/or temperature changes.

For this reason, marine-grade plywood is often used in commercial settings. This plywood is used in the kitchens and bathrooms of hotels and restaurants. cabinets and work surfaces. Benchtops and cabinets are kept watertight by it.

The use of marine plywood as flooring is another illustration. It keeps moisture and water from penetrating through it from above or below.

What is exterior plywood?

Weather-resistant plywood that is predominantly utilized for outside purposes is referred to as exterior plywood.

It is constructed from many layers of wood veneers that are joined with phenolic resin. The plywood becomes increasingly moisture- and humidity-resistant as the glue crystallizes into a hard, crystalline structure.

Manufacturers generally employ wood from hoop pine to create external plywood. Spruce, mahogany, Douglas fir, birch, oak, and maple are other plywood materials.

The veneers are given a preservative treatment to make them more appropriate for outdoor usage. As a result, the plywood is able to endure severe weather conditions, including high winds and torrential rain.

Exterior plywood has varying ratings, much like other plywood products. Each grade is a representation of the plywood sheet's quality.