Here’s a short but handy guide to the types of ply boards (plywood), Their common specifications- Good to know when you’re building furniture, wardrobes, cabinets, or home interiors.
Common Types of Ply Boards & Their Specs :-
1. MR Grade Plywood (Commercial Grade Plywood) :- Moist-resistent (not waterproof)
Best for Use - Interior furniture, cupboards, and wardrobes (in dry rooms like living rooms, bedrooms).
2. BWR Plywood (Boiling Water Resistant) :- Higher resistance — able to withstand dampness or splashes of water.
Best for Use - Used in kitchens, bathrooms, utility areas.
3. BWP Plywood / Marine Plywood (Boiling Water Proof) :- Waterproof (resists water effectively for prolonged periods), has high durability and resistance against water.
Best for Use - moisture-prone regions: modular kitchen, bathroom, outdoor furniture, or regions involving high moisture and rain.
4. Hardwood Plywood :- Good strength and durability (resistance to wear and tear)
Best for Use - Heavy-duty furniture: beds, tables, load-bearing cabinets.
5. Softwood Plywood :- Lightweight, easy cutting & handling – moderate strength
Best for Use - Light furniture, ceilings, walls, or non-loaded parts of furniture.
6. Flexi (Flexible) Plywood :- It can be bent or curved easily, but it's relatively weak under heavier loads, but has high flexibility.
Best for Use - Curved furniture, interior decor, design, curved cabinets, and so on.
7. Special Purpose Ply (e.g. Fire-resistant/termite-resistant/zero emission) :-Treated for special resistance (fire, insects, low formaldehyde emission)
Best for Use - Special uses where fire resistance, pest resistance, or indoor air quality is an issue.
✔️ Choosing Based on a Need :-
1. For basic furniture and cabinets (in dry environments): Use MR Grade Plywood – cost-effective and sufficient.
2. In kitchens, bath units, or wherever water/humidity conditions exist occasionally: choose BWR Plywood.
3. Where high humidity, outdoor, and/or repeated water exposure are common scenarios, use BWP / Marine Plywood.
4. When it comes to heavy furniture, load-bearing storage, or something that has to last many, many years, select Hardwood Plywood .
5. For light, ornamental, curved objects, you may also use Softwood or Flexi-Ply “'Fire-resistant, termite-resistant, or low-emitting options? Consider special-purpose treated ply boards.”
