what is exterior plywood

What is Exterior Plywood?

What is Exterior Plywood?

Exterior plywood is a type of plywood that is designed specifically for outdoor use. It is made from high-quality wood species and is bonded with waterproof adhesives to make it resistant to moisture, decay, and insects. Exterior plywood is used in a wide range of construction and home improvement projects, including decking, siding, roofing, and flooring.

Different Types of Exterior Plywood

There are several types of exterior plywood that are commonly used for different applications. Some of the most popular types of exterior plywood include:

  1. Film Faced Plywood: Film faced plywood is a type of exterior plywood that has a smooth, plastic film coating on one or both sides. This coating provides a barrier against moisture and helps to protect the plywood from damage during transportation and storage. Film faced plywood is often used for concrete formwork, flooring, and other applications where a smooth surface is required.
  2. Hexa Plywood: Hexa plywood is a type of exterior plywood that has a hexagonal pattern on one or both sides. This pattern helps to increase the strength and stability of the plywood, making it a popular choice for flooring and decking applications. Hexa plywood is also known as hexa flooring.
  3. Plywood Slats: Plywood slats are thin, flexible pieces of exterior plywood that are used for a variety of applications, including privacy screens, garden fences, and wall cladding. Plywood slats are often made from thin, flexible types of plywood, such as baltic birch plywood.

Grades of Exterior Plywood

Exterior plywood is available in several different grades, which are determined by the quality of the wood and the bonding process used to make the plywood. Some of the most common grades of exterior plywood include:

  • A-Grade: A-grade exterior plywood is made from high-quality wood species and is free from knots, splits, and other imperfections. It is the highest quality grade of exterior plywood and is often used for furniture and cabinetry.
  • B-Grade: B-grade exterior plywood is made from lower quality wood species and may have knots, splits, and other imperfections. It is often used for rough construction and home improvement projects, such as decking and siding.
  • C-Grade: C-grade exterior plywood is made from the lowest quality wood species and may have significant knots, splits, and other imperfections. It is often used for temporary or low-quality construction projects.

Benefits of Exterior Plywood

There are several benefits to using exterior plywood for outdoor construction and home improvement projects, including:

  1. Durability: Exterior plywood is designed to be resistant to moisture, decay, and insects, making it a durable option for outdoor use.
  2. Versatility: Exterior plywood can be used for a wide range of construction and home improvement projects, including decking, siding, roofing, and flooring.
  3. Cost-Effective: Exterior plywood is a cost-effective option for outdoor construction and home improvement projects, as it is less expensive than solid wood and more durable than other types of engineered wood products.
  4. UV Coated: Some exterior plywoods come with UV coating, which provides protection from sun exposure and provides long-lasting color.
    Easily Available: Exterior plywood is readily available from wholesale suppliers, making it easy to purchase the materials you need for your project.

Different Uses of Exterior Plywood

  1. Decking: Exterior plywood is a popular choice for decking because it is durable, cost-effective, and easy to work with. Plywood for decking is typically made from high-quality wood species, such as birch or baltic birch, and is available in a range of thicknesses and grades to meet the needs of different projects.
  2. Siding: Exterior plywood can also be used for siding on homes and buildings. It is available in a range of finishes, including smooth and patterned, and can be painted or stained to match the exterior of the building.
  3. Roofing: Exterior plywood is also used for roofing in some applications. It is strong, durable, and can be easily cut and shaped to fit the needs of the project.
  4. Flooring: Exterior plywood is sometimes used for flooring, particularly in outdoor areas, such as patios and decks. Hexa plywood and UV prefinished plywood are popular choices for flooring applications.
  5. Furniture: Some grades of exterior plywood, such as A-grade and UV coated plywood, can also be used for furniture, cabinetry, and other decorative projects. Laminated birch plywood is a popular choice for furniture and cabinetry.

Choosing the Right Exterior Plywood for Your Project

When choosing exterior plywood for your project, it is important to consider the specific requirements of your project, including the type of use, the climate, and the desired finish. Some factors to consider when choosing exterior plywood include:

  • Grade: Choose a grade of exterior plywood that is appropriate for your project, taking into account the quality of the wood and the type of use.
  • Finish: Choose a finish for your exterior plywood that meets the needs of your project, whether it be a smooth surface for painting or a patterned surface for a more decorative look.
  • Thickness: Choose a thickness of exterior plywood that is appropriate for your project, taking into account the weight and load-bearing requirements.

Conclusion

Exterior plywood is a versatile, cost-effective, and durable option for outdoor construction and home improvement projects. It is available in a range of grades, finishes, and thicknesses to meet the needs of different projects. When choosing exterior plywood, consider the specific requirements of your project, including the type of use, the climate, and the desired finish. With the right choice of exterior plywood, you can ensure the success and longevity of your project.