In the past, we have spoken about the differences between British Marine Ply and Australian Marine Ply standards when it comes to Marine Plywood, but that wasn’t enough for the team here at Plyco, so we’re back with another blog post. This time we’re focusing on some important facts everyone should know before starting their next project with Marine Grade Plywood.
At Plyco we offer a diverse range of Marine Ply products. We offer Pacific Maple Marine Plywood, which is manufactured to British Standard, as well as Gaboon Marine and Hoop Pine that are both perfect options if you need something to withstand use in wet areas while also having a beautiful architectural finish. Our Pacific Mable and Gaboon are available in 2440 x 1220mm sheet sizes with thicknesses varying from 3mm to 25mm, while our Hoop Pine comes in the standard 2400 x 1200mm sheet size and can be anywhere from 4mm to 25mm in thickness.
Plyco's Pacific Maple Marine Plywood
But before you jump over to our online store to check out our entire range of Marine products, here are five facts you should know!
One of the key attributes of all great Marine Ply is that they use the highest quality grade of veneer possible. This is arguably the most important thing when it comes to this variety of plywood because without it you’re going to see whatever project you’re working on slowly deteriorate, which is less than ideal. The veneers used for Marine Plywood must have no defects and absolutely no core gaps present, while also lacking any knots, giving the board either an A or B face grade. This is done as a preventative measure to resist delaminating, fungal attacks and to stop water from getting inside the plywood to keep the glue bond stable. All of this proactive work combines to make our Marine Ply the only grade of plywood that is approved for constant submersion in water.
Even with all the extra bells and whistles, at the end of the day, a sheet of Marine Plywood is still very similar to regular plywood. It’s still manufactured in mostly the same way, with numerous thin layers of wood being glued together and placed under extreme pressure to press it all together. Just like regular plywood, during this process, the grains are generally pressed at right angles to bolster the wood’s strength capabilities. While there are a number of extra add-ons used to ensure it’ll survive constant moisture, Marine Plywood is the same versatile timber product you would find in all of Plyco’s other plywood products and can be used for many of the same applications if you desire!
If you’re looking for the highest quality Marine Plywood around that also has a stunning architectural finish to it, Hoop Pine Marine is the product you’re after. Hoop Pine is specifically manufactured from species that will maximise its density, core strength, impact resistance and high surface finishing capabilities. In addition to this, it has an A-grade face, back and core with an A-level glue bond and manufactured to Australian Standard. To top it all off, it’s manufactured in the most environmentally-friendly way possible to limit the number of emissions produced. There is no arguing that this is the defining product when it comes to Marine Plywood.
When a boat travels through water it comes under impact from plate action as well as any floating debris. To combat this Marine Plywood is specifically designed to be able to withstand and absorb these forces without losing any of its quality. Our Marine Ply is able to easily handle these conditions thanks to it being the closest plywood to solid wood, and actually goes one better as solid wood has defects that need to be graded out, while Marine Ply doesn’t.
Sitting on the dock of the bay
While the name “Marine” Plywood does immediately send your mind to the waterfront, it’s not just boats, docks and other projects by the water that are perfect for this range. Marine Plywood can be used for limitless applications wherever the danger of moisture is present. Whether that is something being constructed and in danger of being rained on or construction in kitchen or laundry areas where water from taps and household appliances are present, you’re only held back by your imagination when it comes to utilising Marine Ply.
Now that you know just a little bit more about the world of Marine Ply, why not head over to Plyco’s online store where you can pick up Marine and a whole bonanza of other plywood varieties? You can explore our Marine Ply range and while you there you might discover something you never knew you needed!