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"Plywood" is not one product — it's a family of engineered panels with very different performance characteristics. Selecting the wrong type can mean costly rework on site. This guide helps importers, contractors, and distributors choose the right plywood for every application.
The 5 Main Types of Plywood (Available from Solland)
| Type | Core Wood | Best Application |
|---|---|---|
| Commercial Plywood | Poplar, eucalyptus, combi | Furniture, packaging, general construction |
| Birch Plywood | 100% birch | Premium furniture, cabinets, laser cutting |
| Film Faced Plywood | Poplar/eucalyptus/birch with phenolic film | Concrete formwork |
| Marine Plywood | Multiple hardwood veneers, WBP glue | Boats, outdoor furniture, wet areas |
| Shuttering Plywood | Mixed hardwood, WBP | Concrete formwork (economy option) |
Understanding Plywood Grades
Plywood face grades (commonly used in international trade):
- B/BB — Best quality, no knots
- BB/CP — Minor repairs, good for furniture backing
- CP/C — Visible knots and repairs
- C/D — Lowest grade, structural use only
For visible surfaces (cabinet doors, decorative walls), choose B/BB or BB/CP. For hidden structural use, CP/C or C/D is sufficient.
Glue Types — The Most Important Specification
| Glue Type | Water Resistance | Common Name | Application |
|---|---|---|---|
| MR (Melamine) | Moisture resistant | Interior | Furniture, indoor construction |
| WBP (Phenolic) | Boil-proof, weather-proof | Exterior | Outdoor, formwork, marine |
| E0 / E1 | Low emission | Eco-grade | Indoor furniture, kids' rooms |
Always check the glue type first — it determines where the plywood can be used.
Thickness Selection
| Thickness | Common Use |
|---|---|
| 3mm–6mm | Backing panels, drawer bottoms, packaging |
| 9mm–12mm | Wall linings, wardrobes, subflooring |
| 15mm–18mm | Cabinets, furniture, general construction |
| 21mm–25mm | Heavy-duty formwork, flooring substrate |
Core Wood Comparison
| Core | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| Birch | Strongest, most stable, light color | Most expensive |
| Eucalyptus | Strong, good for formwork | Slightly darker |
| Poplar | Lightweight, easy to cut | Lower density |
| Combi | Balanced cost/performance | Variable quality |
| Hardwood (mixed tropical) | High reuse in formwork | Heavier, harder to source |
Solland Plywood Selection Guide (Quick Reference)
| Your Project | Recommended Plywood |
|---|---|
| Kitchen cabinets | Birch plywood, BB/CP, E1 glue |
| Office furniture | Commercial plywood, BB/CP |
| Wall lining (dry area) | Commercial plywood, MR |
| Wall lining (wet area) | Marine plywood, WBP |
| Concrete slab formwork | Film faced plywood, 18mm, WBP |
| Roof sheathing | OSB or commercial plywood |
| Outdoor decking sub-base | WBP-treated plywood |
| Packaging / one-time use | CP/C or C/D |
Common Buyer Mistakes
- ❌ Choosing MR glue plywood for outdoor use — it delaminates
- ❌ Buying thin plywood (≤9mm) for flooring — it flexes and squeaks
- ❌ Ignoring formaldehyde emission for indoor furniture — health risk
- ❌ Assuming "marine plywood" means "waterproof" — only if it's true WBP
- ❌ Not checking edge sealing for tropical climates
