A more detailed list of the types of plywood, along with their specs (thickness, sizes) + pros & cons :-
This helps you select the best type of plywood for your Project.
Common Sizes and Thickness of Plywood :-
Standard size: 8 ft×4 ft (≈ 2440 mm×1220 mm) - Most common and widely available size. Other less common / alternate sizes are also available, These being 7 ft x 4 ft, 6 ft x 4 ft, and smaller pieces for small furniture items.
Typical thickness values: 3 mm, 4 mm, 6 mm, 8-9 mm, 12 mm, 15-16 mm, 18-19
Common mapping of thickness vs. intended use (very rough guidelines): Thin sheets – lightweight, decorative, internal lining; medium thickness (12-16mm) – wardrobes, cabinets; 18-25mm –-heavy-duty furniture, structural components.
Note: Plywood Actual thickness will vary slightly from the nominal thickness or tolerance.
Type of Plywoods : Specifications & Uses
Below are the primary types of plywood, their specs, advantages, as well as disadvantages.
1. MR Grade Plywood (Moisture Resistant/Commercial Ply) :-
All thicknesses: 3 mm, 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm, 18-19 mm, 21-25 mm Affordable. For indoor furniture making, wardrobes, cupboards, non-wet surfaces (bedrooms, living rooms). Not waterproof. Should not be used in kitchens or bathrooms/wet spaces. May disintegrate when exposed to high water content.
2. BWR Plywood (Boiling Water Resistant) :-
Same size sheets (8×4 ft etc.); thickness from approx. 4 mm up to approx. 25 mm. More water resistant than MR Plywood good for semi-wet conditions like kitchens, utility rooms; better durability and termite-resistance than MR Plywood. Not waterproof, exposure to water or constant wet conditions may result in damage; not as suited for water-resistance as other types like BWR, TEka, etc.
3. Marine / WBP Plywood :- Boiling Water Proof Plywood Pre-cut standard sizes, thickness usually around 6 mm +, possibly 9, 12, 16, 18/19, 25 mm Waterproof / water-resistance → kitchen, bathroom, outdoors, high moisture levels, heavier applications → very strong, heavy, capable of withstanding heavy weights. Higher cost, heavier, not very practical if not water-resistant.
4. Flexi or Bendable Plywood :-
It is comparatively thin, ranging from 4mm to 19mm, to enable flexibility.
It can be bent and can be used to create decorative furniture, bent surfaces, and designing elements where flexibility is required.
It has less strength and cannot be used to prepare heavily loaded furniture or furniture that has to be structurally strong, unlike the standard rigid plywood.
❌ How to Choose Based on Need - Quick Guides :-
1. Furniture (dry interior furniture)
Wardrobes, cabinets (bedroom, living room)
Best for Use :- MR Grade plywood with a thickness of 12-18 mm.
2. Kitchen, Baths, utility spaces where exposure to moisture is medium
Best for Use :- BWR plywood, and thickness should be 12-16 mm for cabinetry and shelves.
3. Water-exposed areas or humid climate zones (cabinets in the bathroom and other cabinets in areas with humid climate)
Best for Use :- BWP (Marine) plywood – thickness of 16-25 mm.
4. Curved, decorative furniture/inner panels
Best for Use :- Flexi plywood should be used, but not in the case of furniture which requires heaviness. Make sure that you acquire standard-sized sheets of material where possible, 8x4 ft; easier for carpenters, less material is wasted during cutting.
