Plywood is one of the most widely used building materials in the world! As it comes in many forms it has lots of uses, and it is mainly used for structural uses. At Beesley and Fildes, we sell a fantastic selection of top-quality, durable and versatile plywood, so we have put this guide together to help you figure out what type of plywood you need for your residential, commercial or leisure project. If you are interested in purchasing plywood sheets from us, then have a look at the sheets we have available and place your order.

What is Plywood?

In simple terms, plywood is created by attaching several thin layers of wood veneer together with glue at a 90-degree angle to one another, which is called cross graining and makes the wood extremely strong. If you would like to know more about the process in detail, then this is an excellent explanation post.

Plywood has a long construction history. The engineered wood was first used in ancient Egypt to build furniture such as stools and tables. Its popularity boomed in the 18th century and has continued to be so ever since. If you are interested in the history of plywood, this article is a great resource for you to read.

Since its use in the 18th century, plywood has become easier to manufacture over the last few decades. Therefore, it is more widely used than ever before. It is now used in many ways, with some of the most popular materials in furniture manufacturing, construction and building projects.

Learn more about the different types of plywood below, you can also check out this article that discusses the advantages and disadvantages of plywood.

Plywood Grades

Class 1: Suitable for interior or dry uses.
Class 2: Suitable for humid environments, where you can expect dampness.
Class 3: Suitable for wet conditions, including both interior and exterior use.

Types of Plywood & Their Uses

Softwood

Despite the name ‘softwood’, this type of plywood is relatively strong, and some types of softwoods like balsa are stronger than hardwoods. This type of plywood is incredibly versatile as it can be used for shelving, structural projects and outdoor fencing. Softwood makes up around 80% of all timber produced. When bought in classes 2 or 3, softwood is very visually appealing, making it both a practical and attractive choice for projects.

It is worth noting that softwood is not as durable as other options, as it can show wear and tear over time due to its low density. Additionally, it is not fire-resistant, so it should be used in areas that are not prone to fires otherwise this could be a health and safety hazard.

Examples of softwood:

Pine
Redwood
Cedar

Applications of softwood:

Sheds
Temporary flooring
Shelving
Structures
Fencing

If you are looking for a type of plywood that is flexible with its uses, affordable and high strength, then softwood is the best choice for you.

Hardwood

As the name suggests, hardwood is a solid, strong and durable type of plywood. Due to its density and high quality, hardwood is ideal for furniture and doors, as it does not show wear easily and can hold a lot of weight. If you use a high grade of hardwood, then it can be used outdoors. For example, it is a popular choice for decking because of its strength and ability to withstand harsh weather conditions. However, hardwood is more expensive than softwood, but it can last longer. Therefore it is cost-effective in the long run.

Examples of hardwood:

Birch
Oak
Maple
Mahogany

Applications of hardwood:

Furniture (e.g. tables and chairs)
Musical instruments
Doors
Toys

Are you interested in purchasing hardwood for its durability, density and versatility? Check out Beesley and Fildes extensive range of hardwood.

Marine

Marine plywood is a very durable material and it can be exposed to moisture for long periods of time, so it is often used in marine boat construction or for outdoor uses, as it can last in extreme wet conditions. This type of plywood is high quality and water-resistant so it does not easily show signs of wear. If you plan to use this type of plywood in very harsh environments, then you should consider getting it sealed further to ensure maximum efficiency.

Applications of marine:

Outdoor furniture
Outdoor decoration
Benches
Boat construction
Roofing
Flooring

Marine plywood is a durable material that is perfect for outdoor or marine applications. Check out our excellent range at Beesley and Fildes today!

Flexible Plywood

Flexible plywood is an extremely thin type of wood, with just a couple of layers. It can be shaped and bent easily. This makes it great for projects that require great flexibility for curved edges, such as for doors, panelling and DIY projects. If you need tools, screws or accessories for your project, take a look at our fantastic range.

Aircraft Plywood

Aircraft plywood is a type of hardwood that is used for projects involving air travel, as it has been specifically designed for that type of project. As a result, it is heat resistant for safety and practical purposes.

Do you need advice on what type of plywood to choose? Then please get in touch with us. We are knowledgeable, friendly and impartial! Alternatively, you can visit one of our local branches to view plywood in person to help you make your decision.