Exterior grade plywood is a type of plywood designed specifically for outdoor use. It is composed of multiple layers (also known as plies) of wood veneer and waterproof adhesive, resulting in a stronger and more weather-resistant board than other types of plywood.
Its excellent strength-to-weight ratio and resistance to warping, shrinking, and swelling make it an ideal building material for outdoor structures, such as decks and poles, as well as for interior projects that require superior strength, such as furniture and cabinetry.
While exterior grade plywood is typically more expensive than interior-grade plywood, its superior durability allows it to provide long-term value and performance.
What’s the difference between interior and exterior plywood?
Interior and exterior plywood are two types of plywood that differ in their intended purposes and strength level. Interior plywood is designed for indoor use, where it does not require protection from the elements.
It usually has a smooth sanded finish and many layers of waterproof adhesive for a strong bond. Exterior plywood is more resistant to the harsh elements and is intended for use outdoors. It typically has cross-laminated layers of wood plies with strong glue that is resistant to water and moisture, making it far more durable than interior plywood.
It also has an extra layer of waterproof coating, which gives it an added level of protection as well. Finally, exterior plywood typically has more drilling and fastening options than interior plywood.
What Can exterior plywood be used for?
Exterior plywood can be used for a variety of applications, both indoors and outdoors. It is comprised of several thin layers of wood glued together, which gives it superior strength and durability compared to traditional lumber.
It is used for siding, sheathing, subfloors, and sheds, as well as for outdoor furniture and decks. It’s easy to paint, making it a great option for adding decorative accents to the exterior of a home or other structure.
Exterior plywood is also used for interior wall paneling in certain commercial and residential applications, adding a unique look to any space. When treated with a finish such as spar varnish, exterior plywood can also be used as exterior window shutters and trim accents.
Finally, exterior plywood can be used as outdoor storage units, or decorative enclosures for outdoor grills or fire pits.
How long does exterior plywood last?
Exterior plywood can be used for a variety of outdoor projects, from building decks to outdoor siding and more. When properly sealed and treated, exterior plywood can last for decades if not longer. High quality plywood treated with oil-based stain sealers can last up to 40 years.
Treated plywood with water-based sealers can last up to 25 years. Plywood used in harsher environments may need to be replaced or maintained more frequently. To get the best results from exterior plywood, it must be installed properly according to the manufacturer’s instructions and sealed with the appropriate materials for the environment.
Proper maintenance is key for extending the life of your exterior plywood. Regularly check for signs of wear and tear, and re-seal or paint as needed.
Is interior plywood waterproof?
No, interior plywood is not waterproof. Interior plywood is made from thin layers of wood veneer, and although it is made to be as water-resistant as possible, it is not waterproof. While interior plywood is suitable for indoor use, it is not recommended for outdoor use or for areas that are likely to come into contact with moisture or water.
Exterior plywood is designed specifically for outdoor applications, and is made with several layers of waterproof adhesive, as well as weather-resistant outer ply layers which help it to resist water better than interior plywood.
Which is the better plywood for exterior wall sheathing?
The best plywood for exterior wall sheathing is oriented strand board (OSB). OSB is created from flakes of wood that are combined with adhesives and then pressed together in hot presses to form a stable, strong panel.
These panels are very consistent in quality and strength, making them highly effective for a variety of applications. OSB is also very dense and has excellent water resistance, making it ideal for exterior wall sheathing.
In addition, OSB has a much lower cost than plywood, making it a much more affordable option for many areas of home building or renovation.
What type of plywood is strongest?
The strongest type of plywood is Structural 1, rated as having the highest strength and stiffness among all plywood grades. Rated as PS1, this type of exterior-grade plywood is made up of at least five layers of veneer, with all the wood grain running in the same direction to provide superior strength and stiffness.
The glue used to bond the layers of veneer is a waterproof, exterior-grade adhesive for added durability and longevity. Structural 1 grade plywood can be used for a variety of construction applications, from framing walls and floors to roof sheathing and exterior sheathing.
It is a great choice for projects that require extra strength and durability, such as outdoor furniture, playhouses and play structures.
What is the most common type of plywood?
The most common type of plywood is interior grade softwood plywood, also known as softwood ply or CDX. It is made of softwood veneers bonded together with an exterior grade adhesive, making it strong and reliable.
It has minimal bending strength and is not as strong as other plywood varieties, but is typically used for lightweight construction. It is available in a variety of thicknesses and can be used for many indoor applications such as flooring and wall paneling, furniture, and cabinetry.
It is also made with a variety of finishes, coatings, and textures to meet your specific project needs.
Which ply is best?
This question is subjective and there is no one-size-fits-all answer as the best ply will depend on the individual situation and needs. Generally, plywood with a higher number of plies is more expensive and is more suitable for projects that require stability and strength.
Most construction projects use plywood with at least 5 plies, though more are often used in applications where strength is important, such as in boatbuilding and in furniture that will experience a lot of wear and tear.
Plywood made with lighter weight plies is usually suitable for projects such as cabinetry and shelves, where weight is a more important consideration. With so many types of plywood available, it is important to consider the project requirements in order to select the best ply for the job.
What is moisture resistant plywood?
Moisture resistant plywood is a type of plywood that is made with waterproof or water-resistant glue, allowing it to used in areas or environments that are prone to higher levels of humidity or moisture build-up.
The extra resistance to moisture and humidity helps protect the wood from wetness, warping, and fungal growth. Moisture resistant plywood is typically found in sheet form or as 5/8” tongue and groove plywood.
It is also Super Exterior (SE) grade and can be finished with a variety of applications such as paint, tile, and veneer. The advantages of using moisture resistant plywood are that it is lightweight and strong, yet can offer superior protection from moisture.
It is also more off-the-shelf affordable than other types of water-resistant building materials and is easier to work with during construction projects. Moisture resistant plywood is typically used in subflooring, wall sheathing, exterior siding, soffit boards, and other applications where moisture protection is essential.
