Plywood is a wood that is applicable in many construction projects, as it is a thin but durable wood that can be shaped into different configurations. It is also used to make bins, boxes, crates and packaging and is applicable for shelving, cabinetry and structural beams. If you are entering the do-it-yourself world, and you will be using plywood, here are the differences between structural plywood and non-structural plywood.

PLYWOOD GRADES

Both structural and non-structural plywood are available in what is known as a 'grade face,' which measures the amount of knots and defects in the wood. Grade faces are ranked from A to D, with an A face free of all visible defects and suitable for decorative projects, a B face with very few visible defects, a C face that has some visible knots and defects and a D face which has many visible defects and knots and is only applicable if the appearance of the wood isn't important in the overall construction.

STRUCTURAL PLYWOOD

Structural plywood is used when you are going to build a structure that has permanence to it. This would include items such as cabinets, shelves, tables, chairs, fences, windows and scaffolding for roofs. Structural plywood is made from a blend of hardwood and softwood, which also makes it suitable if you are building wood braces to support a structure. The wood is also preservative-treated, which means that it is coated with a chemical that extends the life of the wood, resists moisture and helps preserve the wood grain from fading. Unlike non structural plywood, which is not suitable for constructing permanent structures, structural plywood is coated with what is known as a Type A resin for additional durability.

NON STRUCTURAL PLYWOOD

Non-structural plywood is recommended for use in construction that isn't designed to be part of a permanent structure. So for example, you would use non-structural plywood to lay down a backing underneath a floor. Non-structural plywood is available in thinner dimensions than structural plywood, and it weighs less as it is mostly made from softwood timber, which doesn't have the strength, durability or life span of hardwood timber. Most non-structural plywood has what is known as a 'pallet grade,' which refers to the suitability of using it as the main material when building pallets. If you are making your own pallets, then non-structural plywood is ideal for that kind of job.

For more information, contact a business such as F.A. Mitchell & Company Pty Ltd.

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