Shuttering Plywood vs Marine Grade Plywood: Which One is Best for You
When it comes to choosing the right plywood for a specific project, two common options that often confuse people are shuttering plywood and marine-grade plywood. While they might look similar at first glance, they have distinct characteristics and serve very different purposes.
In this blog, we’ll break down the characteristics of shuttering plywood and marine-grade plywood, their differences, and the factors to consider when deciding which one is the best choice for your project.
Shuttering Plywood
Shuttering plywood, also known as sheathing plywood, is primarily used for construction and formwork purposes. It Is used mostly for setting up the ceiling and holding the cement. It prevents concrete from leaking through the moulds. The best quality shuttering plywood is a go-to option for building concrete foundations, walls, and slabs.
Characteristics of Shuttering Plywood
Let’s have a closer look at the features of shuttering plywood.
- Core Material: Shuttering plywood typically has a softwood core, which makes it less expensive. This core material is not suitable for long-term exposure to moisture.
- Surface Finish: The surface of shuttering plywood is usually rough and unsanded, as it is mostly used for construction and framework purposes.
- Moisture Resistance: Shuttering plywood is not water-resistant, and it can deteriorate quickly if exposed to moisture or extreme weather. It’s essential to keep it dry to maintain its structural integrity.
- Cost: Shuttering plywood is cost-effective and serves its purpose well for temporary construction needs.
Application of Shuttering Plywood
Due to its versatility and cost-effectiveness, shuttering plywood is used in numerous projects. Shuttering plywood is used to construct dams, flyovers, bridges, tunnels, beams, etc. In some cases, worksite offices, high-altitude military houses, stalls, and luggage racks are also made with shuttering plywood.
Marine Grade Plywood
Marine-grade plywood is the highest quality plywood in the market, known for its water-resistant capabilities. Marine-grade plywood is designed to withstand harsh environmental conditions, especially water exposure.
The best plywood manufacturers use special phenolic resin in manufacturing marine-grade plywood to prevent delamination. It is used in boat building, outdoor furniture, and any application where the wood will come into contact with moisture or be submerged in water.
Features of Marine Grade Plywood
Let’s have a closer look at the features of Marine Grade Plywood.
- Core Material: Marine-grade plywood features a high-quality hardwood core, such as mahogany or Douglas fir. This core offers superior durability and resistance to moisture.
- Surface Finish: The surface of marine-grade plywood is smooth and sanded, making it ideal for applications that need a premium look.
- Moisture Resistance: Marine-grade plywood is built to repel moisture. It uses waterproof adhesives and is designed to resist rot, fungal growth, and delamination even when exposed to water.
- Cost: Marine-grade plywood is more expensive than shuttering plywood due to its superior quality and durability.
Application of Marine Grade Plywood
Marine-grade plywood is used for projects that demand the highest quality and are more prone to coming in contact with moisture and water. Marine-grade plywood is mostly used to construct docks, piers, lighthouses, fishing boats, bathroom benchtops and wall panels, kitchen cabinets, flooring, etc.
Key Differences between Shuttering Plywood and Marine Grade Plywood:
Now that we’ve looked at the basic characteristics of shuttering plywood and marine-grade plywood let’s summarize the key differences:
Purpose:
The best quality shuttering plywood is primarily used for construction and formwork purposes, while marine-grade plywood is used in projects that need the highest quality and long-lasting waterproofing.
Core Material:
Shuttering plywood is made of softwood, which makes it lightweight and robust. In contrast, marine-grade plywood employs hardwood for increased strength and durability.
Surface Finish:
Shuttering plywood has a rough finish, while marine-grade plywood has a smooth and sanded surface.
Moisture Resistance:
Shuttering plywood is not suitable for exposure to moisture, while marine-grade plywood is built to withstand water.
Cost:
Shuttering plywood is budget-friendly, whereas marine-grade plywood comes at a premium price due to its quality.
Choosing the Right Plywood:
Now that you know the differences, choosing the right plywood should be more straightforward. Here are some tips:
Understand the Project Demand:
Understand your project demand to choose the most suitable one. If you’re working on a construction project that involves concrete work, shuttering plywood is the way to go. If it’s for outdoor furniture, boat building, or any other project exposed to moisture, opt for marine-grade plywood.
Consider Your Budget:
Consider your budget before choosing plywood. Shuttering plywood is a cost-effective choice for temporary needs, while marine-grade plywood is more expensive due to its superior quality and durability.
Now, if you have decided which one you should buy for your project, you can consider Zander Ply, one of the leading plywood manufacturers in India. Our products are known for their uncompromised strength and durability.
Wrapping It Up:
In conclusion, both shuttering plywood and marine-grade plywood have their unique strengths and weaknesses, and the choice between them should be based on your specific project needs. Shuttering plywood is a reliable choice for temporary construction needs, while marine-grade plywood is the go-to option for moisture-resistant and long-lasting applications. So, whether you’re building a concrete foundation or crafting a boat, we hope now you have the knowledge to make an informed choice.
