--- title: Answering The Most Frequently Asked Plywood Questions description: The Plyco team set themselves a challenge to answer a bunch of rapid-fire plywood questions straight from Google. The goal? To answer as many frequently asked plywood questions as possible. image: https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/P1033136.jpg --- [![plyco-logo-icon\_65x@2x](https://cdn.shopify.com/s/files/1/1506/5624/files/plyco-logo-icon_65x@2x.png?v=1537174952 "plyco-logo-icon_65x@2x")](https://plyco.com.au) ![search](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/search.svg "search") ![](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/search.svg) [![user](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/Plyco%20Assests%202020/user.svg)Login / Signup![cross](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/Plyco%20Assests%202020/cross.svg)](https://plyco.com.au/account/login) **[My account](https://plyco.com.au/account/login)** [![](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/Plyco%20Assests%202020/shopping-cart.svg)Cart](https://plyco.com.au/cart) Login to my account Enter your e-mail and password: New customer? [Create your account](https://plyco.com.au/account/register) Lost password? 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Expert plywood product tutorials and catalogue updates will have you completing your project in no time. Read More - [marine plywood](https://blog.plyco.com.au/topic/marine-plywood) - [MDF](https://blog.plyco.com.au/topic/mdf) - [laser plywood](https://blog.plyco.com.au/topic/laser-plywood) - [general plywood](https://blog.plyco.com.au/topic/general-plywood) - [bamboo](https://blog.plyco.com.au/topic/bamboo) # [Answering The Most Frequently Asked Plywood Questions](https://blog.plyco.com.au/answering-the-most-frequently-asked-plywood-questions) [Read More →](https://blog.plyco.com.au/answering-the-most-frequently-asked-plywood-questions) ### Categories ![Arrow](https://cdn2.hubspot.net/hub/3842749/hubfs/Pack-1%20Assets/Fold%20Arrow.png?width=13&height=8&name=Fold%20Arrow.png "Arrow") - [architectural plywood (13)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/architectural-plywood) - [artificial intelligence (7)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/artificial-intelligence) - [bamboo (10)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/bamboo) - [birch plywood (29)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/birch-plywood) - [cladding (3)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/cladding) - [competition (6)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/competition) - [complete guides (22)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/complete-guides) - [construction plywood (10)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/construction-plywood) - [cut to size (2)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/cut-to-size) - [Decoply (22)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/decoply) - [egger (1)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/egger) - [event (3)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/event) - [featured customer (16)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/featured-customer) - [forestone (1)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/forestone) - [formply (4)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/formply) - [general plywood (45)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/general-plywood) - [inspiration (7)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/inspiration) - [jobs (1)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/jobs) - [kitchen benchtops (13)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/kitchen-benchtops) - [laminate (1)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/tag/laminate) - - - [All Posts](https://blog.plyco.com.au) # Answering The Most Frequently Asked Plywood Questions - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) During the course of a regular week here at Plyco we’re asked many questions. Some of these questions we have addressed specifically through [in-depth blog posts](https://blog.plyco.com.au/) or on our [frequently asked questions page](https://landing.plyco.com.au/faq). However, this week we thought we’d have some fun and look at the most commonly asked questions about plywood according to Google’s auto-fill function. Using a rapid-fire format, we’re going to try and provide clear answers to a number of burning questions the woodworking community has. We’re sure many of you have searched a few of these questions yourself, and hopefully this can be of some assistance to those of you who are still out there searching for answers. ## Is Plywood Waterproof? Can Plywood Get Wet? No, plywood is not waterproof. In fact, no wood product can be truly considered “waterproof”. However, [Marine Plywood](https://blog.plyco.com.au/what-is-marine-plywood) exists for those of you wanting to use plywood in wet areas. While it might not technically be waterproof, [Marine Plywood](https://plyco.com.au/pages/marine-plywood-collection) is used for boat building, so it gets the job done. ![marine-plywood-panel-application-one](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/marine-plywood-panel-application-one.jpg?width=750&name=marine-plywood-panel-application-one.jpg) ## Is Plywood Strong? One of the most common misconceptions about plywood is that it’s of poorer or weaker quality just because it’s more affordable. This couldn’t be further from the truth! If you’re after something that is sturdy, any of our thicker options can be relied on without a second thought. There’s no way you can call a monster 40mm sheet of [Bamboo Plywood](https://plyco.com.au/products/bamboo-strand-woven?variant=40275552464) weak! ## Is Plywood Lighter Than MDF? This depends on the type of plywood that is being compared to [MDF](https://blog.plyco.com.au/mdf-vs-plywood). A sheet of [Poplar Plywood](https://plyco.com.au/products/poplar) will generally be lighter, but many other varieties will be heavier. This is a question that needs to be answered on a case-by-case basis. ## Is Plywood Sustainable? Is Plywood Environmentally Friendly? Yes! All of Plyco’s plywood products are sourced from sustainable plantations around the globe. The most sustainable and environmentally friendly product we offer is [Bamboo](https://plyco.com.au/products/bamboo-wide-grain), which we have detailed in-depth previously. ![plyco-laser-grade-plywood-bamboo](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Products/laserply/plyco-laser-grade-plywood-bamboo.jpg?width=1024&name=plyco-laser-grade-plywood-bamboo.jpg) > Plyco's Bamboo Plywood ## Is Plywood Hardwood or Softwood? Plywood utilises both [hardwood and softwood species](http://www.usply.net/types-plywood-hardwood-vs-softwood/), allowing you to pick depending on your personal preferences. ## Is Plywood Toxic? No. Plyco ensures that all of the materials used in our manufacturing process, such as the glue, are non-toxic. ## Is Plywood Cheap? Plywood products with lower face grades can be quiet affordable, but in general, plywood is extremely cost effective when compared to other timber products. You can check out [our full collection](https://plyco.com.au/collections/all)through our online store to compare prices. ![locker-room-plyco-spotless-laminate-block](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/locker-room-plyco-spotless-laminate-block.jpg?width=1000&name=locker-room-plyco-spotless-laminate-block.jpg) > Plyco's Black Spotless Laminate Plywood ## Can You Paint Plywood? Painting plywood is extremely common. Many people like to keep the natural look and feel of their plywood, but also add a splash of colour to it at the same time. This is the most popular alternative to using a coloured laminate. ## Where Was Plywood Invented? The first sheets of Plywood were manufactured in England, however, it exploded in popularity once it made its way to America, where industrial production began. ## When Was Plywood Invented? According to historians, the first recorded evidence of a plywood type product dates back to 1797, when [Samuel Bentham](https://www.britannica.com/biography/Samuel-Bentham) applied for patents that essentially described the plywood manufacturing process. ## Why Was Plywood Invented? The major reasons for the creation of plywood were that it was cheaper and the manufacturing process was a lot simpler than many of the other options at the time. ## What is Marine Grade Plywood? Marine Grade Plywood is a subset of plywood that has been officially certified to be able to withstand exposure to water and moisture. Various processes are used to achieve this certification, such as using different types of glue and eliminating core gaps. Marine Plywood also falls under two classifications: British Standard and Australian standard. To learn more you can check out [Plyco’s Official Guide to Marine Plywood](https://blog.plyco.com.au/the-plyco-guide-to-marine-plywood). ## What is OSB Plywood? OSB stands for Oriented Strand Board. This is a wood product that is manufactured by a unique process, involving the layering of strands and flakes of plywood at various angles. At Plyco, we offer [Poplar OSB](https://plyco.com.au/products/poplar-osb). ![poplar-osb-plywood](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/poplar-osb-plywood.jpg?width=1024&name=poplar-osb-plywood.jpg) > Plyco's Poplar OSB ## Who Uses Plywood? A better question would be “who doesn’t use plywood?” — absolutely anyone and everyone uses it! Whether it’s high profile architects, tradies, DIY warriors, or arts and crafts hobbyists, you’ll be hard pressed to find somebody who *can’t* find a use for plywood. One its greatest strengths is that it is so versatile and can be applied in an astounding amount of ways. ## Why is Plywood Used? Plywood is used for too many reasons to list. Some of the most common reasons are that it’s cost effective, can be used in a wide variety of applications, and that it is relatively light compared to other timber products. There are also more unique reasons, such as its ability to be used with [laser cutters](https://blog.plyco.com.au/what-is-laser-plywood). ## How Much is a Sheet of Plywood? Sheets of plywood at Plyco can range from costing not much more than a price that you could pay for with loose change, all the way up to hundreds of dollars per sheet. We’re confident that we have a price range to suit every customer. You can check out [our online store](https://plyco.com.au/collections/all) to get a better understanding of what your desired sheet will cost.   This is a search field with an auto-suggest feature attached. - There are no suggestions because the search field is empty. ![Search\_Image](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hs-fs/hubfs/Search_Image.png?width=15&name=Search_Image.png "Search_Image") ### Complete Guides - [The Plyco Guide to Legnoply](https://blog.plyco.com.au/plyco-guide-to-legnoply) - [The Plyco Guide To Easycraft](https://blog.plyco.com.au/the-plyco-guide-to-easycraft) - [Plyco’s Guide To Wall Panelling](https://blog.plyco.com.au/plyco-guide-to-wall-panelling) - [The Plyco Guide to MicroPanel](https://blog.plyco.com.au/plyco-guide-to-micropanel) - [The Plyco Guide to Architectural Plywood](https://blog.plyco.com.au/plyco-guide-to-architectural-plywood) - [The Plyco Guide to Construction Plywood](https://blog.plyco.com.au/plyco-guide-to-construction-plywood) - [The Plyco Guide to Cladding](https://blog.plyco.com.au/plyco-guide-to-cladding) - [The Plyco Guide to Melamine](https://blog.plyco.com.au/plyco-guide-to-melamine) - [The Plyco Guide to Riga Plywood](https://blog.plyco.com.au/plyco-guide-to-riga-plywood) - [The Plyco Guide to Formply](https://blog.plyco.com.au/the-plyco-guide-to-formply) - [The Plyco Guide to Quadro Plywood](https://blog.plyco.com.au/plyco-guide-to-quadro-plywood) - [The Plyco Guide to MDF](https://blog.plyco.com.au/the-plyco-guide-to-mdf) ### Popular Posts ## Subscribe For The Latest News ## Related Posts ## [Gaboon Plywood Now Back At Plyco](https://blog.plyco.com.au/gaboon-plywood-now-back-at-plyco) Announcing New Gaboon Stock After a brief hiatus from Plyco’s shelves, we’re thrilled to announce that Gaboon Marine Plywood is back. Beginning in May... [Plyco Team](https://blog.plyco.com.au/author/plyco-team) 7 July 2020, 11:00:00 am ## [Plyco Launches Sustainably Sourced Plywood Range](https://blog.plyco.com.au/plyco-launches-sustainably-sourced-plywood-range) Providing sustainable plywood products has long been a focus here at Plyco. Striking a balance between industry-leading quality while not harming our ... [Plyco Team](https://blog.plyco.com.au/author/plyco-team) 7 July 2020, 11:00:00 am ## [Win a $500 Plyco Exterior Plywood Gift Card](https://blog.plyco.com.au/win-a-500-plyco-exterior-plywood-gift-card) Plyco is excited to announce our latest competition, where you can go into the running for a $500 gift card to be used on select Exterior Plywood prod... [Plyco Team](https://blog.plyco.com.au/author/plyco-team) 7 July 2020, 11:00:00 am ABOUT PLYCO - Plyco staff dream of pine scented car fresheners. - A proud manufacturer, distributor and retailer of timber-based panel products, Plyco is 100% Australian owned. Sourced from all over the world in all sizes, thicknesses and grades, you could say our factories are the United Nations of timber.  [Read more.](https://plyco.com.au/pages/about-us) Company - [About Us](https://plyco.com.au/pages/about-us) - [Blog](https://plyco.com.au/blogs/news) - [Contact Us](https://plyco.com.au/pages/contact-us) - [Cut To Size](https://plyco.com.au/pages/cut-to-size) - [FAQ](https://landing.plyco.com.au/faq) - [Laserply Club](https://plyco.com.au/pages/laserply-club?smile_deep_link=home) - [Plyco New Zealand](https://plyco.co.nz/) - [Project Inspiration](https://plyco.com.au/pages/featured-customer-projects) - [Refund Policy](https://plyco.com.au/policies/refund-policy) - [Schools Laserply](https://plyco.com.au/pages/schools-laserply-program) - [Shipping](https://plyco.com.au/pages/shipping-information) - [Terms of service](https://plyco.com.au/policies/terms-of-service) Collections - [Architectural](https://plyco.com.au/pages/architectural-plywood-collection) - [Birch](https://plyco.com.au/pages/birch-plywood-collection) - [Caravans](https://plyco.com.au/pages/caravans) - [Cladding](https://plyco.com.au/pages/cladding-plywood-products) - [Construction](https://plyco.com.au/pages/construction-plywood-collection) - [Flooring](https://plyco.com.au/pages/plywood-and-particleboard-flooring) - [Kitchen Benchtops](https://plyco.com.au/pages/laminated-kitchen-benchtops) - [Laserply](https://plyco.com.au/pages/laser-cut-plywood-collection) - [Marine](https://plyco.com.au/pages/marine-plywood-collection) - [Tabletops](https://plyco.com.au/pages/tabletop-plywood-collection) - [Veneered Plywood](https://plyco.com.au/collections/veneered-plywood) - [Wall Panelling](https://plyco.com.au/pages/wall-panelling) Featured - [Decoply](https://plyco.com.au/pages/decoply-plywood-products) - [Formply](https://plyco.com.au/pages/formply-plywood-products) - [Laminex Surround](https://plyco.com.au/pages/laminex-surround-products) - [Legnoply](https://plyco.com.au/pages/legnoply-products) - [MDF](https://plyco.com.au/pages/mdf-panel-products) - [Melamine](https://plyco.com.au/pages/melamine-sheet-products) - [Micropanel](https://plyco.com.au/pages/micropanel-products) - [Particle Board](https://plyco.com.au/pages/particleboard-panel-products) - [Spotless Laminate](https://plyco.com.au/pages/spotless-laminate) - [Shadowclad](https://plyco.com.au/products/shadowclad) - [Vanply](https://plyco.com.au/pages/vanply-products) - [Weather Groove](https://plyco.com.au/pages/weather-groove-products) © Plyco - Timber and Plywood Panels Follow Us - [![facebook (1)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/facebook%20(1).svg) ![facebook](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/facebook.svg)](https://www.facebook.com/plyco1) - [![twitter-grey](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/twitter-grey.png) ![twitter-color](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/twitter-color.png)](https://www.instagram.com/plyco/) - [![instagram (1)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/instagram%20(1).svg) ![instagram](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/instagram.svg)](https://www.instagram.com/plyco/) - [![pinterest-grey (1)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/pinterest-grey%20(1).png) ![pinterest-color (1)](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/pinterest-color%20(1).png)](https://www.pinterest.com/plyco1) - [![youtube-grey](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/youtube-grey.png) ![youtube-color](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/youtube-color.png)](https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCdtNTBMWaIGmWbg29R_C9-w) - [![vimeo-grey](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/vimeo-grey.png) ![vimeo-color](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/vimeo-color.png)](https://www.instagram.com/plyco/) - [![linkedin-grey](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/linkedin-grey.png) ![linkedin-color](https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/linkedin-color.png)](https://www.instagram.com/plyco/) ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Plyco Team", "url" : "https://blog.plyco.com.au/author/plyco-team" }, "dateModified" : "2020-07-07T01:00:00.518Z", "datePublished" : "2020-07-07T01:00:00.000Z", "headline" : "Answering The Most Frequently Asked Plywood Questions", "image" : [ "https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/P1033136.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.plyco.com.au/answering-the-most-frequently-asked-plywood-questions", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/PLYCO%20Logo.jpg" }, "name" : "Plyco Pty Ltd" } } ```