Plywood is a crucial material for construction projects of all sizes. Whether you are building a custom home or a large condo building, you will likely use some form of plywood during the construction process. Though most forms of plywood have a similar appearance, some types of plywood are more suitable for certain projects over others. As leading providers of plywood and other construction materials, the team at Country Lumber understands the importance of choosing the right material for the job. That is why our team has provided some information on the types of plywood we provide to help you choose the best option for your project.
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What is Plywood?
Plywood is a strong and inexpensive alternative to solid wood that is widely used in a variety of construction projects. It is manufactured with 3 or more layers of wood veneers (thin sheets of wood) that have been pressed or glued together. Each ply of wood is laid down with its grain running perpendicular to the one before it to help it maintain a high level of durability and strength. Plywood is available in a variety of different types, each with different properties, durability, and suitable uses.
4 Main Types of Plywood
Plywood is available in many different types based on your project requirements. The following 4 types of plywood are among the most common:
Standard Sheathing
Standard sheathing plywood is commonly used for floors, walls, and roofs. Standard sheathing is available in spruce or fir and can be purchased in various thicknesses based on your project requirements or local regulations.
Formply
Formply is constructed with Douglas fir for enhanced strength and stiffness. As a structural plywood, it is overlaid on both sides with a resin-impregnated film that has been fused into the surface veneer under heat and pressure. The resulting surface is moisture resistant and suitable for use in concrete framework projects.
OSB
OSB (Oriented Strand Board) is an engineered wood product that is formed by layering strands or flakes of wood in specific orientations. OSB is mainly used for floor, wall, and roof sheathing. It is an economical option compared to standard plywood while retaining a high level of durability.
Specialty Plywood
In addition to fir and spruce, plywood can be crafted from a variety of specialty materials such as mahogany and maple. These specialty materials tend to be used for furniture and prominent wooden features for homes due to their enhanced durability and aesthetically pleasing appearance.
To learn more about our selection of plywood products and other construction materials, get in touch with the team at Country Lumber. We can be reached through our online contact form or by phone at 604-533-4447 and will be happy to answer any questions you may have regarding our products.