Plywood seems to be the most economical option than natural wood. Plywood is easy to shape, easily accessible and comes in various patterns ranging from polished birch boards to speckled press-board. Plywood is a very versatile material that may be utilised for various structural, indoor, and exterior purposes. When remodelling your home, you’ve probably seen wood in a variety of shapes at the carpenter’s workplace or in your very own home. As such, plywood furniture in Melbourne is typically from wood obtained from Teakwood, Gurjan or Birchwood that seems to be joined together in sheets and can be used to manufacture furniture, particularly wardrobes and kitchen cupboards. Hence, it is your finest ally for creating interior furnishings in the coastal capital of Victoria.
Characteristics
Because of the scarcity of wood in Melbourne, solid timber furnishings have become unsustainable over time. Since then, plywood has become the material of choice for building permanent furniture such as closets, kitchen cupboards, beds, and desks in Melbourne. As such, there are several different varieties of plywood furniture in Melbourne, and you may choose the material that best meets your demands.
The following are some of the characteristics of plywood boards:
- The width of the panel is determined by the number of sheets, which would be provided in odd numbers for strength properties. The minimal amount of plies is three. However, 5 and 7 plies are most frequent.
- Plywood grades determine the quality and look of the board, with “A” indicating the highest quality and “D” indicating the lowest.
- The planks are often found in 4’ x 8’ or 3’ x 7’ slabs, with thicknesses varying from 1/8th inch to 14 inches.
- Typically, the initial price varies between $2 per sq ft (for the thickness of 6 mm moisture-resistant planks) and $3 per sq ft (for industrial-grade boards).
- Pre-laminated, as well as pre-veneered timber boards, are obtainable. This option shortens the project completion time; it has a relatively restricted variety of finishes.
- Plywood is solid and durable, and it retains screws securely without splintering.
- In order to avoid off-gassing, use plywood made with “green” techniques. Make sure that all materials are thoroughly sealed.
- Plywood, unlike MDF, cannot be moulded or channelled because of its multilayer composition.
- Water exposure might cause significant damage to the panel. Therefore, it is mitigated in the case of moisture-resistant and impervious boards. They are sometimes referred to as Marine boards in Melbourne.
- The surface is unfinished and will need to be completed with laminate, veneers, or a clear coat.
Plywood Varieties That Are Commercially Available
1. Plywood for Commercial Use
Industrial ply is susceptible to dampness and moisture damage. It may be utilised in dry spaces such as dormitories or guest rooms for furnishings, drawers, or closets. It outperforms MDF in terms of resistance. MDF expands and becomes ruined whenever exposed to even a trace of humidity.
2. Plywood From the Sea
Marine ply is the highest grade ply produced in Melbourne and is waterproof. It may be used outside because it is not harmed even when submerged in water. Boiling Waterproof (BWP) ply is another name for this ply.
3. Hardwood and Softwood
Softwood is timber, particularly from non-deciduous trees such as cherry and spruce. Softwood ply is less expensive than hardwood boards, such as teak, walnuts, or mahogany. Hardwood planks are more robust and long-lasting than softwood planks.
4. Plywood Décor
This is a board with a thin sheet of natural wood veneers on the top of fancy plywood. The top has the appearance of actual wood, complete with natural grains. It can also be polished and refinished the same way as genuine wood.