How Plywood is Made

Plywood is basically a pile of layers bonded together and covered with a veneer on the front and
back. The simplest plywood consists of a particle board center with a veneer on both sides. Next
is a veneer core with several additional layers of veneer set crosswise to each other and finished
with front and back veneers. The last type is made of layers of cross-faced veneers and finished
front and back like the others. This layering gives plywood its strength, but the cross-facing can
sometimes make very thick plywood hard to work with and cut through.

Types of Plywood

Plywood can be made of soft woods, hardwoods or a mix. The most popular softwood used to
make plywood is Douglas fir. Cedar, pine and redwood are also common. Hardwood plywood can
be made of ash, birch, mahogany, maple and oak. Hardwoods are more expensive, but they are
also more durable. The advantage to the many different types of wood used is that you can find
the perfect one for your project.

Uses For Plywood

Plywood is used in almost every type of building project. It comes in different thicknesses and is
suitable for a wide range of projects like shipbuilding and decorative lawn ornaments. In home
building, plywood is used for walls, floors, closets, cabinets, doors and shutters. It is often used
as headboards and foot boards, wall paneling and as the bones of upholstered furniture.
Plywood can be treated to be resistant to hazards such as bugs, fire, mold and water.

Advantages and Disadvantages of Plywood

The advantages of plywood include its availability and cost, as long as you aren't set on the more
expensive hardwood varieties. It is very strong and the thinner cuts are easy to work with.
Plywood that is faced with a good quality veneer can be stained to look like almost any wood
and is easy to paint.

The disadvantages of plywood are that it is not always easy to find more than the most common
types. While plywood comes in several standard thicknesses, the manufacturer's claims aren't
always accurate. It is difficult to finish the edges of plywood without applying thin strips of
veneer which can be an issue for those new to woodworking. Another disadvantage is that
plywood veneers made of expensive woods such as black walnut tend to be very thin. This
makes them unsuitable for use in high traffic areas, or in homes that have rambunctious adults,
young children or energetic pets where the risk of scratching or other damage is high.

Benefits & Disadvantages Of Hardboard Wood

Hardboard is a type of engineered wood that gives the appearance of real wood without
investing too much money. The board is quite durable and comes with several years of warranty.
It is mostly used to construct siding & furniture products. Besides that, the product comes with
several benefits & disadvantages as mentioned below;

Benefits

Durable: Hardboards are quite durable and sturdy if properly cared & maintained. It has been
recommended to avoid cleaning hardboard products with power washers as the process can
cause dents in the surface that will eventually infiltrate moisture.

Affordable: Hardboard products are quite inexpensive compared to similar products made of
real wood & metal. Besides that, hardboard products can withstand weather elements for long if
covered properly with a protective finish.

Appearance: An unknown person cannot distinguish hardboard & real wood products due to
their similar appearance. An experienced person can distinguish products from grain & texture.

Eco-Friendly: Hardboard products are considered environmentally friendly as the initial product
is manufactured from the leftover wood fibers. Real wood products are the cause of heavy
deforestation.

Disadvantages

Moisture: Hardboard products are susceptible to moisture and absorb water easily due to which
it cannot be outside or moisture sensitive areas.

Less Durable: Once hardboard products are compared with other types of engineered wood
products such as MDF & plywood, the durability is quite low.

Medium Density Fibreboard (MDF) is an artificial wood product. Wood residuals are used to
make MDF board. It has a large scale use in furniture making. Advantages and disadvantages of
Medium Density Fibreboard are discussed below.

Advantages of Medium Density Fiberboard

Followings are the advantages of MDF:

MDF has economic value to common people as it is cheaper at cost and inexpensive. So, they are
within everyone’s reach to purchase.

MDF saves trees as it is recycling process.

It is easy to take any color where wood takes long tenure for staining different colors

MDF does not have knots or kinks which disturbs the smooth surface.

MDF is resistant to some insects as some chemicals are used for the processing of MDF.

It can be painted or stained and given a look just the same as real wood. So, it can replace the
place of wood furniture.

Depiction on MDF is easier than on wood.

To provide MDF a look like real wood veneers, laminators may easily be attached to it.

The solid, dense, flat, stiff MDF is a good choice instead of wood.

MDF has no grain as it’s not a natural product, it’s easy to cut, drill without damaging.

It has excellent machining character for its suitable density.

Disadvantages of Medium Density Fibreboard

Followings are the disadvantages of MDF:

MDF is comparatively weaker than wood. Furniture made up of MDF don’t last long. Though
MDF is cheap, it, on the other hand, is a loss of money.

MDF can crack or split under extreme stress.

MDF absorbs water quicker than wood. So MDF may swell and everyone has to become
conscious of using MDF.

MDF doesn’t take nails and screws easily. During nailing, the fraction may appear around it. Pilot
holes should be used while screwing.

MDF contains VOC, containing urea formaldehyde, that can cause irritation to lungs and eyes.

Dust produced during the manufacture of MDF is very harmful to breathing.

keywords: Advantages of MDF, Disadvantages of MDF, Advantages & Disadvantages of Medium

Density Fibreboard, Advantages of Medium Density Fibreboard, disadvantages of Medium
Density Fibreboard, fiberboard, MDF advantages, MDF disadvantages

Advantages of WPC boards

1. WPC boards are 100% termite proof and waterproof. Which means they are a durable
product. Some of the venders give lifetime on the product when it comes to being waterproof
shades and termite-proof board.

2. WPC do not corrode and are highly resistance to rot, decay and marine borer attack. Thou the
do absorb water into the wood fibre embedded in the material.

3. WPC board does not require painting, staining and oiling and it avoids using potentially
polluting preservative but if you want to duco paint or texture paint you can do it, only the thing
is first you have to apply PVC primer on the board.

4. You can cut any design on WPC boards with a CNC router. Finishing of WPC grill (jali) is better
than MDF and stronger also.

5. As per the requirement and need, It can be moulded into different shape and sizes. Due to
this, it can be used for making for designer doors and window which will give you rich look and
fine polishing.

6. WPC boards is a polymer-based product it is self-extinguishing and doesn’t ignite the fire
when in touch with a fire source.

7. WPC board is fire retardant material. It does not help the fire to get spread it does not burn
with a flame. Whereas plywood support fire to spread because it burns with flame. So WPC is a
better option when you choose a panel for the fire-prone area.

8. Eco-friendly-WPC boards are free of formaldehyde, lead, methanol, urea and other hazardous
chemicals. This harmful volatile chemical enters in the human body through contact and
inhalation and causes the serious health-related problem. Especially in children and elder
people. WPC is 100% VOC free and also it does not emit formaldehyde in the atmosphere.

No trees are cut in there making, that means

they are environment-friendly products leading to a green revolution. It is manufactured with
rise /wheat husk and virgin thermoplastics. It is made up of recycled plastic and waste food
hence it is sustainable and green material. It comes with guaranteed quality which consists of
the modifier, foaming agents, stabilizers and various elements that are mixed in specific and
strict ratio.

9. Laminate or veneer can be pasted on WPC board with the help of Fevicol Heatx adhesive. The
surface of the WPC board should be rubbed with 80 no. sandpaper for proper bonding. If you
want more thickness two WPC boards can be jointed with the help of cement solvent or PVC
solvent. For covering, the edge of WPC boards PVC edge banding taps can be used.

10. All types of screw and nails can be easily nailed with the help of a conventional tool. WPC
boards have better screw and nail holding capacity than plywood. Even you can screw and
unscrew at the same position more than 10 times. It does not get loose.

11. It will not rot, crack, warp as like other timber used for interior and furniture making. You can
use WPC boars in sunlight, it does not get spoiled in sunlight. You have to just paint or polish it
after certain time intervals and it will remain new and strong for years. You can use weather coat
paint and PO polish on WPC. Also, it is a maintenance-free material.

Disadvantages of WPC Boards

The resistance of WPC to extreme temperature is low as compared to wood. If you put kitchen
utensils directly on WPC boards it will cause melting impression if the temperature is more than
70°C.

The laser cutter cannot be used on WPC boards as it will burn the boards.

It contains a plastic polymer and wood fibres so the shortcoming of both this material will be
present in it.

The cost of WPC material is higher as compared to other material used for the same purpose.

It lacks the natural wooden texture due to which the feeling of natural wood is missing.

Uses and Applications of WPC Boards

WPC boards can be used in interior applications, exterior applications and for advertisement.

In interior application, WPC boards can be used in modular kitchen, home & office furniture, wall
panelling, ceiling solution, wardrobes, industrial section, control cabinets& panels, bathroom
cabinets, window & doors frame and railing.

In exterior applications, WPC boards can be used in constructions/ shuttering boards, exterior
wall cladding, garden furniture, park benches & fencing, prefabrication house, other exterior
applications, outdoor deck flooring.

For advertisement WPC boards can be used in signboards, display boards, direct digital printing,
exhibitions stands & graphics.

Advantages of Blockboard

Followings are the main advantages of blockboard:

The stability of block boards are well enough stability, These can even show stability in humid
environment those have moisture resistance.

They are inexpensive.

It can take varnish, paint, and laminate coat on the surface by using glue. Block boards are good
for screwing and nailing.

For warping or twisting this is a good choice for its resistance quality.

They can hold screw, nail and laminating coat and for this, it is easy to work on it.

Carpenters can easily use their wood processing tools also for block boards.

The lightweight of blockboard made it convenient to use. The bulk of the board made up of core
block are also popular for its light weight as made from softwood and easy for transportation.

BWP, one variety of blockboard are stronger enough and resistant to both water and humidity.
Disadvantages of Blockboard

Followings are the main disadvantages of blockboard:

Block boards are lighter in weight so not much dependable hard material.

They are weaker, don’t have long durability.

The unwanted gap between softwood strips make them difficult to work for carpenters

Screwing and nailing must be done carefully otherwise it may crack.

Shrinkage and swelling of the board may occur.

Deterioration of block board is not guaranteed.

If the strips inside are from cheap, low quality wood, may be attacked by insects. ;

Advantages/Pros:

Flush door provides an attractive appearance.

It is simple in design and hence less expensive and easy to produce.

This door has a pleasing appearance, simple construction, high strength and durability and
economical as compared to other types of doors, particularly panel door.

The flush door gives the excellent appearance if proper plywood, veneer or laminate for facing is
used.

They are easily available.

It has a good stability against twisting.

Solid core door has greater lasting durability and is a better quality door.

Hollow core door is light in weight because the interior core of the door is hollow, sometimes
made of a honeycomb material. Therefore it is easy to handle and install.

It can’t split, peel, and hence don’t require regular refinishing.

It’s also unaffected by humid environments and offers good cleanliness.

It has resistant to stains, scratches and crash.

It is easy to clean.

It is cheaper as compared to panel door, require less maintenance.

The flush door requires less effort and accessories to install.

It provides better sound

As they are factory made, easy to make and procure for large use for large projects.

Disadvantages/Cons:

The flush door is factory made and hence correct or perfect size of the door opening must be
given, as subsequent alterations are very difficult.

Plywood covered flush door cannot be used where they will be exposed to rain and the sun.

The biggest disadvantage for a solid core door is that it is heavy. So it is difficult to handle and
transport to your home.

They are difficult to repair one the top veneer or laminate or plywood starts delaminating on
account of effects of temperature, moisture, etc.

Advantages/Pros of Wood Veneer Sheets

01. Aesthetics like Natural Wood with Low Cost

Wood veneers provide aesthetics like natural wood with less cost. As there is scarcity of natural
wood nowadays, it has become expensive. Wood veneers are only thin slice of wood; they can
be easily glued to an engineered wood substrate to provide wood-like aesthetics.

02. Flexibility in Designs

Each wood veneer sheet is unique as each tree is unique. Even within a tree log, each layer is
different. Hence there are endless design possibilities to give your furniture an exclusive look. In
comparison to laminates, natural veneers can be customized with polish or varnish to change its
shade from light to dark more easily. It helps to achieve edge and surface finishes with
uniformity and gives a timeless look to the space.

03. Increased Strength and Durability

Apart from increasing aesthetics, applying wood veneer sheets to weak engineered woods like
particle board can help in increasing its strength. Fiberboards like MDF and HDF are susceptible
to damage in presence of water, hence applying wood veneer sheets will protect them from
damage and increase its durability. It resists warping and fragmentation. Being natural product, it
lasts longer than laminates. However, when wood veneer sheets come in contact with water, its
polish may get damaged.

04. Eco-Friendly

It is an eco-friendly material and can be easily recycled. After its intended lifetime, wood veneers
can be crushed to make wood waste which can be utilized in making particle board and MDF.

05. Better way of Wood Utilization

Wood veneers help in better utilization of wood, as only a thin layer of wood is used to make
furniture. A tree log can be used to create only few pieces of furniture, while the same tree log
can give you numerous wood veneer sheets which can be utilized as covering materials for many
pieces of furniture.

06. Non-toxic

Unlike laminates, wood veneers are a natural product. They are generally non-toxic. Nowadays
there are non-toxic adhesive available in the market which do not emit VOCs. These adhesives
can be used in applying wood veneer to the substrates.

Disadvantages/Cons of Wood Veneer Sheets

01. Susceptible to Water Damage

Over prolonged exposure to water, wood veneers can get damaged. Unless a sealant is applied
on the surface, wood veneers are prone to water damage in wet conditions.

02. Installation Requires Skilled Workers

Wood veneer sheets are not easy to install like laminates. They require skilled workers are air
gap must be properly removed to get a perfect finish. Also the sheets are to be acclimated
before installing, i.e. you have to keep the sheets in the room for 3 – 5 days before installing.

03. More Maintenance

Wood veneers require more maintenance and they need to be polished from time to time. For
increased durability, they must be polished periodically.

04. Cannot be Repaired

Unlike natural wood furniture which can be easily repaired by sanding several times, it is
impossible to repair wood veneer. As it is very thin, once damaged cannot be repaired.
05. Formation of Cracks

Wood veneer is often overlaid on MDF or plywood which has a different expansion and
contraction rate than the wood veneer on top. The result is that when the wood veneer naturally
expands or contracts according to the climate changes, the material below it does not expand or
contract at the same rate. It sometimes causes the wood veneer to crack.

Wood veneers can provide an astonishing look to your home interior, if properly installed. They
have become a popular material as they provide aesthetics of wood in less cost. They do not last
more like solid wood furniture. After going through the above advantages and disadvantages of
wood veneers, a homeowner must make judicial choice depending upon the requirements.

laminates

Advantages/Pros:

01. It is easy to clean.

02. It is easier to install than many traditional surfaces.

03. It is more economical and requires less skill to install.

04. It is available in numerous designs, patterns, colours and textures and hence it is pleasing.

05. It is very durable, hygienic and relatively easy to maintain.

06. No polishing painting is required.

07. It is the best choice for heavy use environments.

08. It can be installed over almost any existing floor.

09. It is moisture resistant. Also, it is an impact, shock and pressure resistant.

10. Sweeping or vacuuming is typical, all it takes to get laminate clean.

11. It is highly resistant to scratch and abrasion.

12. Availability of huge range leads to least wastage.

Disadvantages/Cons:

01. While it can follow the look of a veneer, laminate flooring does not come close to the feel of
those textures of a veneer. No matter how high in quality, it cannot simulate the feel of real
wood under your feet.

02. It is known to be toxic as it is known to release formaldehyde, the volatile organic

compounds.

03. Once the top layer has been worn through, the whole floor must be replaced.

04. It is difficult to be recycled.

05. It is a brittle material hence is prone to clipping.

06. Laminate flooring has been very slippery, and affecting your safety.