No longer do we relegate plywood to building sites or areas that don’t even get seen — plywood is often used for remodeling projects.
We often think of plywood as a rather crude form of lumber, which isn’t too aesthetically pleasing but has its uses in a narrow set of applications. That’s beginning to change, however. No longer do we relegate plywood to building sites or areas that don’t even get seen. Lately, more and more people are using plywood for remodeling projects. Plywood may not seem luxurious, but that’s precisely why people use it in their remodeling projects. Let’s take a closer look.
What is Plywood?
Plywood is created by laminating multiple thin layers of wood veneer together using pressure and heat. It’s stronger and closer to traditional lumber than something like medium-density fiberboard or particleboard, but nonetheless, it’s an engineered lumber and unlike other kinds of wood.
It’s available in different plies, which are the layers, like three-ply or five-ply with three or five layers. Like other kinds of lumber, plywood is also on a graded system to help indicate its quality.
Why Use It?
Contractors and builders have been turning to plywood for years thanks to its relatively low cost-to-strength ratio, but we’re starting to see the general public adopt it more and more. That’s because being cheap and strong isn’t the only benefit. It also doesn’t suffer from many typical lumber woes, like warping, shrinkage, or expanding due to moisture or temperature changes.
Are There Drawbacks?
Compared to traditional lumber, plywood’s unfinished edges are generally considered undesirable and require finishing by either painting or using a laminate edge banding. Plywood is also surprisingly difficult to cut due to the engineering process used to create it, though thankfully, it is offered in a wide variety of sizes. If you cut or sand plywood, be careful not to splinter the edges or sand through an entire layer.
Is Plywood Safe?
As with any building material, there’s always a question of safety. Plywood is treated wood. When cutting it, you should be mindful of its chemical makeup. Wear a dust mask, avoid getting it in your face, and do as much sawing as possible outside. There used to be issues with certain glues in this kind of wood containing formaldehyde, but plywood is being made without formaldehyde thanks to current government standards.
Depend on Leland Fisher Lumber For Your Full-Service Lumber and Hardware Needs!
Leland Fisher Lumber is full-service lumber and hardware supplier. We’ve serviced homeowners and professional contractors in Montgomery County, Howard County, and Frederick County since 1894! Whether you want to remodel your home or upgrade your business, we have the professionalism and expertise to make any architectural vision come to life. Be sure to visit Fisher Lumber’s Designer Showroom featuring displays of Andersen Windows, Therma-Tru entry doors, Simpson and Masonite exterior doors, as well as a wide selection of interior doors featuring Simpson, Masonite, Lemieux, and JELD-WEN. Our knowledgeable experts are ready to assist you! Contact us at 301-424-6500 and follow us on Facebook, Twitter, and Pinterest.