Ever been confused about choosing wood materials for furniture or construction? From the outside, all plywood looks similar, but each type of plywood has different characteristics and functions. Some are strong enough to withstand the weather, some are more suitable for beautiful interiors, and some are even specially designed for heavy construction projects. If you choose without knowing the differences, your furniture may quickly deteriorate or your building may not last long.
Well, don’t worry! This time, we will thoroughly discuss the various types of plywood, their advantages, and practical tips for choosing the right one so that your project will be more durable and produce maximum results. Let’s take a look!
Types of Plywood
There are various types of plywood. Each type has its own characteristics, ranging from those suitable for home interiors to heavy construction. Here, we will discuss each type one by one!
1. Regular Plywood (MR – Moisture Resistant)
This type of plywood is the most commonly used for interior needs, such as walls, partitions, or lightweight furniture. It is relatively affordable and easy to find in the market. However, its weakness is that it is not water-resistant. If exposed to moisture too often, this plywood can warp or become damaged, so its use should be limited to dry areas.
2. Moisture-Resistant Plywood (BWR / Marine)
This type of plywood is made with special moisture-resistant glue, making it suitable for kitchens, bathrooms, or semi-outdoor areas. In terms of quality, it is much more durable against moisture than regular plywood. However, it is more expensive and heavier, so it is often chosen for needs that require extra durability.
3. Film Faced / Phenolic Plywood
This type is coated with film or phenolic on its surface, making it stronger, weather-resistant, and often used in construction projects, especially for concrete formwork. Its surface is smooth, easy to clean, and can be used repeatedly. However, from an aesthetic point of view, it is not suitable for interior furniture. In addition, it is relatively expensive because it is intended for repeated use.
4. HMR (High Moisture Resistance)
HMR plywood is specifically designed for rooms with high humidity levels, such as bathrooms or kitchens. It is more moisture resistant, has a smooth surface, and is durable. However, continuous exposure to water can still damage this material, and in terms of price, HMR is generally more expensive than standard plywood.
5. Melamine/Decorative Laminate Plywood
This last type of plywood is coated with melamine, HPL, veneer, or other decorative materials to enhance its aesthetic appeal. It is commonly used for interior furniture such as tables, cabinets, or shelves because its finish is practical and its decorative appearance adds visual value. However, its coating is prone to peeling if frequently exposed to water or scratches, making it less than ideal for humid rooms.
Tips for Choosing the Right Plywood
By choosing the right material from the start, you can save on repair costs in the future and ensure a more durable result. To prevent your project from deteriorating quickly, consider the following before purchasing plywood!
1. Check the Quality of the Glue
Make sure the glue used is suitable for your needs. MR is sufficient for dry indoor areas, but for humid areas, choose plywood with WBP glue or waterproof glue.
2. Thickness vs. Number of Plies
Thicker plywood with more layers is usually stronger and less prone to warping.
3. Surface & Finishing
If you need a neat appearance, choose types that are laminated, film-faced, or phenolic. A smooth surface also makes finishing or painting easier.
4. Moisture & Weather Resistance
For outdoor construction, areas exposed to water, formwork, or outdoor projects, choose moisture-resistant plywood, marine plywood, HMR, or HMCP.
5. Budget & Frequency of Use
For one-time projects or light decoration, regular plywood may suffice. However, if you need reusable materials or for heavy-duty projects, investing in high-quality plywood will be more beneficial.
So, each type of plywood has its own role, depending on whether you need it for interiors, damp areas, or outdoor construction. For needs such as furniture or building projects, it’s best to choose the right plywood so that the results are durable and not disappointing. The point is, don’t just choose randomly, consider the function, durability, and location of use.
When it comes to quality, if you are looking for moisture-resistant HMR plywood or decorative plywood, Hojaya has everything you need. We provide HMR & HMR Melamine plywood designed for areas with high humidity, as well as various other types of plywood such as Albasiah Palem, MC Uty, BBCC Export, OVL, Blockboard, and Multi Melamine. Every product undergoes strict quality control, and we also provide a complete stock at competitive prices.
So, if you want results that not only look good today but also remain strong for years to come, consider Hojaya as your preferred supplier of quality plywood!
