Structural Plywood

What is Structural Plywood?

Structural plywood is a high-strength engineered wood product designed made by layering thin sheets of wood veneer, called plies, which are glued together with their grains alternating at right angles for enhanced strength and stability. This cross-laminated structure ensures the plywood can withstand significant loads, resist warping, and maintain its structural integrity under various environmental conditions. Structural plywood is commonly used for flooring, roofing, wall sheathing, and other load-bearing purposes.

Structural vs Shuttering Plywood

Though they look similar, there are some key differences between Structural and Shuttering plywood that may be important to you depending on your intended project. Structural plywood is designed for permanent load-bearing applications - commonly used in flooring, roofing, and wall sheathing. Shuttering plywood on the other hand, is designed mostly for temporary use - such as in concrete formwork. It provides a smooth surface for concrete molds and is typically treated with a release agent to prevent sticking. Shuttering plywood must withstand the pressure of wet concrete but does not need the long-term durability of structural plywood, as it is removed after the concrete sets.

Hardwood vs Pine Plywood

Pine plywood is made from softwood species, making it generally lighter and easier to work with. It is often used for construction purposes, cabinetry, and furniture where cost-efficiency and ease of handling are important. Conversely, Hardwood ply is made from hardwood species like oak, birch, or maple, offering greater strength, durability, and a more attractive finish. This makes it suitable for high-quality furniture, cabinetry, flooring, and decorative panelling.