Seven Techniques to Identify Marine Grade Plywood

Projects that need to be present in a marine setting are best constructed using Marine Grade plywood. This is a sturdy and high quality plywood made using Douglas-fir or Western Larch and is not treated with chemicals.  However, even if it doesn’t get damaged against, it is not completely waterproof and rot resistant. Areas of use include docks, boat building, piers, furniture products in coastal areas, and others.

Buy From an Experienced Manufacturer

Using plywood to prepare products is all about maintaining quality, and even the quality of plywood should be good in such a case. Therefore, contractors must take care to purchase Marine Grade plywood from reputed manufacturers only. After all, the quality of plywood is hugely responsible for the final product.

Marine Plywood and Normal Plywood- Similarities and Differences

Both the above kinds of plywood are meant for external use. They both make use of waterproof glue, enabling them to remain strong in the wake of different outdoor challenges. Similar face grades may be found with certain sets, but that’s where the similarities end.

Compared to normal plywood, the Marine Grade is many times stronger and more durable. Regular plywood has a lot more voids in comparison to Marine Grade. Spaces and air pockets in regular plywood are more than the Marine Grade. Aesthetic quality of the Marine Grade is also much higher.

Determining the Need

The type of plywood chosen is based upon the amount of moisture present on the floor that gets exposed. If there have been toxic moulds in a house over the past, marine plywood will keep the home in a better condition. If there is a lot of dampness in the surrounding weather, it would also be beneficial to have this type of plywood.

Ways to Identify Marine Plywood

1. Gaps and Voids – Low quality plywood consists of several gaps and voids, due to which moisture invariably spoils it. Such gaps are not present in marine plywood. Veneer sheets in this type of wood are always glued well together.
2. Overall Finish – Both sides of this wood are smooth. In comparison to the same, individuals will find regular plywood to be rough. Moisture and dust do not enter marine plywood due to the smooth finish. The finish enables this plywood to be used without paint.
3. Heavier than Regular Plywood – Since it is made from solid wooden veneers, its density is high and weighs much more than regular plywood. The weight can be gauged by picking up the plywood from one side.
4. Layers – Normal plywood comes with 5-7 veneer sheets while the Marine Grade has 9 solid sheets sealed together.  
5. Checking the Certification – Find out about the certification standard for plywood and check to see whether the same has been mentioned on the Marine Grade or not. Such plywood makes use of good quality adhesive.
6. Surface Knots – Very few knots are present in high quality plywood such as Marine Grade
7. More Expensive – Due to higher quality, the price of marine plywood will invariably be higher than regular plywood.