Marine Plywood Sheets 18mm & 12mm | DIY Building Supplies

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Marine Plywood

Marine plywood is the ideal choice for high moisture or humidity environments where standard plywood would not be suitable. Though it is not a 100% waterproof ply, the sheets (plies) are glued with waterproof glue, which makes it a more water-resistant alternative to standard plywood.

Why is it called Marine Plywood

Marine plywood is called "marine plywood" because it is specifically designed and manufactured to withstand exposure to moisture and harsh marine environments due to a number of factors:

Water-Resistant Adhesives: Marine plywood is bonded with waterproof adhesives that are resistant to water and moisture. These adhesives prevent the layers of wood from delaminating or separating when exposed to water.
High-Quality Plies: The plies (thin layers of wood) used in marine plywood are of higher quality compared to standard plywood. They have fewer defects, such as knots and voids, which can weaken the plywood and make it more susceptible to water damage.
Durability: Marine plywood is made from durable wood species that have natural resistance to rot, decay, and fungal attack.
Consistency: The manufacturing process ensures that the plywood has consistent thickness and strength throughout, which is essential for its performance.

When to use Marine Grade Plywood

Though most people imagine that marine plywood is only for use in boats and docks, it actually has a myriad of uses. It is particularly popular in kitchens and bathrooms when building cabinetry and counters, and in flooring where moisture exposure is a concern. It is also commonly used in Gyms as a hard-wearing, cleanable and moisture-resistant surface, and in roofing and fascias. One aspect of Marine plywood is it’s generally smoother surface which can make it a more attractive choice for aesthetic projects, regardless of moisture levels.

Sizes of Marine Plywood

We carry two of the most popular sizes of marine plywood - 12mm and 18mm plywood - like most plywood, it comes in a standard size of 1220 x 2400mm (4x8 ft).

Buy Marine Plywood Online

At DIY Building Supplies, we stock high-quality Marine Plywood designed to withstand moisture and humid environments, making it an excellent choice for kitchens, bathrooms, flooring, and even outdoor projects. Available in popular sizes like 12mm and 18mm, our Marine Plywood sheets are durable, smooth, and versatile, ideal for a wide range of applications.

Our Marine Plywood is competitively priced and available in standard sizes of 1220 x 2400mm (4x8 ft), ensuring you have the right materials for your project. With fast and reliable delivery, you can count on us to supply what you need, when you need it.

What Makes Marine Plywood Different?

Marine plywood sheets represent the pinnacle of engineered wood technology, constructed using waterproof phenolic resin adhesives and high-grade hardwood veneers with minimal defects. Unlike standard exterior plywood, every ply in marine-grade sheets undergoes rigorous quality control, with voids and gaps that could compromise water resistance systematically eliminated during manufacture.

Our marine plywood sheets comply with BS 1088 standards, the internationally recognised benchmark for marine construction materials. This certification guarantees consistent quality across every sheet, with manufacturers like Elliott Bros and Robbins Timber maintaining the exacting standards that have made British marine plywood renowned worldwide.

Applications That Demand Marine-Grade Performance

Boat Building and Marine Construction Marine plywood sheets form the backbone of quality boat construction, from small dinghies to luxury yacht interiors. The material's exceptional strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to delamination make it indispensable for hull construction, decking, and bulkheads where failure simply isn't an option.

High-Moisture Environments Bathroom installations, kitchen fittings, and conservatory projects benefit enormously from marine plywood's moisture resistance. Unlike standard materials that can warp or delaminate in humid conditions, marine-grade sheets maintain their structural integrity and appearance even in consistently damp environments.

Exterior Construction Projects Garden structures, outdoor furniture, and exposed architectural features require materials that can withstand Britain's unpredictable weather. Marine plywood sheets provide the durability needed for these demanding applications whilst maintaining workability for both trade professionals and dedicated DIY enthusiasts.

Technical Excellence You Can Trust

Our marine plywood sheets typically feature 7-9 ply construction with face veneers of premium hardwoods including birch, okoume, and sapele. The waterproof phenolic adhesive system ensures delamination resistance even under prolonged exposure to moisture, whilst the precision manufacturing process creates sheets with exceptional flatness and dimensional stability.

Available in standard thicknesses from 4mm to 25mm, our marine plywood sheets accommodate everything from lightweight panelling to heavy-duty structural applications. The smooth, defect-free faces accept stains, varnishes, and marine coatings beautifully, ensuring professional-quality finishes on every project.

Why Choose DIY Building Supplies for Marine Plywood?

We understand that marine plywood represents a significant investment in your project's success. That's why we maintain strong partnerships with established UK manufacturers who share our commitment to quality and reliability. Every sheet undergoes inspection before dispatch, ensuring you receive materials that meet our exacting standards.

Our technical support team combines decades of practical experience with comprehensive product knowledge, helping you select the optimal thickness and grade for your specific application. Whether you're planning a weekend boat repair or a major marine construction project, we provide the expertise needed to ensure success.

Ready to source premium marine plywood sheets for your project? Contact our specialist team today for technical guidance and competitive pricing on all grades and thicknesses. We're here to help you navigate the complexities of material selection, ensuring optimal outcomes for your most demanding applications.