--- title: The Key Differences Between Marine Plywood and Exterior Plywood description: Marine Plywood and Exterior Plywood are both very similar. They're both designed for exterior applications, but that doesn't mean that Exterior Grade Plywood and Marine Plywood are interchangeable. In this blog post, Plyco will guide you through the key differences between the two. image: https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/HsQM7Jd2Qlysfyk9SgvX_logarska-valley-5.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) - [z\_engage](https://blog.plyco.com.au/topic/z_engage) # [The Key Differences Between Marine Plywood and Exterior Plywood](https://blog.plyco.com.au/marine-plywood-vs-exterior-plywood) [Read More →](https://blog.plyco.com.au/marine-plywood-vs-exterior-plywood) ### 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) # The Key Differences Between Marine Plywood and Exterior Plywood - [Tweet](https://twitter.com/share) *[This post is part of Plyco’s Guide to Marine Plywood](https://blog.plyco.com.au/the-plyco-guide-to-marine-plywood) and highlights the important differences between Marine and Exterior Grade Plywood.*   It’s one of our most commonly asked questions regarding [Marine Plywood](https://plyco.com.au/pages/marine-plywood-collection). Without clear information, it can be extremely difficult to choose a side in the Marine Plywood vs. [Exterior Plywood](https://plyco.com.au/products/ext-ply) battle. On the surface, they seem extremely similar, but knowing the key differences between [Marine Plywood](https://blog.plyco.com.au/what-is-marine-plywood) and [Exterior Plywood](https://homeguides.sfgate.com/exterior-plywood-99463.html) can save you from a lot of headaches further down the line. [![Marine Plywood Brochure Download](https://hubspot-no-cache-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/default/4078144/820f1509-f184-4c7e-b349-6282de1d33df.png)](https://hubspot-cta-redirect-ap1-prod.s3.amazonaws.com/cta/redirect/4078144/820f1509-f184-4c7e-b349-6282de1d33df) ## The Similarities Between Marine Plywood and Exterior Plywood Before we get into the details of what separates these Plywood cousins, it’s important to acknowledge their similarities. The most obvious similarity is that both [Marine Plywood](https://plyco.com.au/pages/marine-plywood) and [Exterior Plywood](https://plyco.com.au/products/ext-ply) are designed to be used externally. Both products utilise an A-bond glue, allowing them to stand strong in the face of all the unique challenges that come with being used in the unpredictable outdoors. You’ll also see similar face grades between Plyco’s [Hardwood Exterior Plywood](https://plyco.com.au/products/ext-ply) and some of the cheaper Marine Ply options (like [Pacific Maple Marine Plywood](https://plyco.com.au/products/pacific-maple-marine)). From here however, the two products begin to diverge from one another and begin to display how unique they are. ## Marvellous Marine Plywood ![A lake pier constructed from Plyco's Marine Plywood](https://lh6.googleusercontent.com/zM_SQMEE0N1vKRMOM_oUSGj4IXO409y_wDyWGKEAuscRGRy6EG-vgemIl3UwGoxg4qz-8NuAb3snMrx94AnNbeybRj99FwLp-ltq3khtJNFgnu_2TG-_ZA3btKhuCJo7tYCCPfFI) While the A-bond glue used in Exterior Plywood makes it similar to a Marine Plywood, there is [so much more going on](https://blog.plyco.com.au/marine-plywood-properties)under the hood that the comparisons actually start to look a little bit silly. Firstly, to be classified as a Marine Plywood, the product needs to meet strict standards. Regardless of whether it’s British Standard or Australian Standard, a Marine Ply needs to go that extra mile to actually receive the “marine” title officially. For greater detail, you can read about this in our [“What is Marine Plywood?”](https://blog.plyco.com.au/what-is-marine-plywood) blog post, but the summary version is that: (i) there must be absolutely no core-gaps, (ii) the veneers used must be of the highest quality, and (iii) the glue needs to be waterproof. Without just one of these factors present a Plywood cannot be considered marine grade. Another large difference is aesthetic quality. Particularly in our Gaboon Marine Plywood and Hoop Pine AA Marine Plywood options, the aesthetic quality is significantly higher than what you would find in an Exterior Grade Plywood. This difference is why we often see customers using Exterior Plywood for something like a trailer, or various storage applications where appearance isn't important. In comparison, Plyco’s Marine Plywood will be often used for its stunning looks to create magnificent boats, as it strikes a balance between the strength and water-adaptive qualities and the visual qualities. ## Exceptional Exterior Plywood ![Plyco's Hardwood Exterior Plywood](https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/BNJJTc8E8mAl17NgcMOuWjhhOU7pRxrjg5ELN3dosmXcd6-7V3_79f1pRCLeCFc_MteFRqvcYAw5gxQ--v1Lv7v6SLdccr-lu2TSdFk9Bzybu25VLeITzZP9mrde_MTCw7F8p1xK) A big difference that our Exterior Plywood offers is that it comes in three different sheet sizes, allowing for greater flexibility when building. Because of this, our Hardwood Exterior Plywood is a good choice when you need an exterior product, but don’t necessarily need something Marine Grade. As mentioned, a Marine Ply has to be knot free in order to get its official classification, but with Exterior Plywood you can find knots of up to 1 and a half inches present! Similarly, you can also find core gaps present, although they do have to be under an inch wide or the Ply will lose its exterior grading. Exterior Plywood and Marine Plywood are closely related, however we hope this post has been able to help you distinguish these two outdoor Ply boards from one another. If the Marine Plywood vs Exterior Plywood debate has been settled and you know exactly what you’re looking for, head on over to [Plyco’s online Plywood store](https://plyco.com.au/collections/all) where you can shop our entire product range. Alternatively, if you’re still looking for more information you should take a read of our blog post “[The Key Things to Know About Marine Plywood vs MDF](https://blog.plyco.com.au/marine-plywood-vs-mdf)”. 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) 4 Mar 2019, 3:35:14 pm ## [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) 4 Mar 2019, 3:35:14 pm ## [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) 4 Mar 2019, 3:35:14 pm 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" : "2019-11-26T01:06:55.119Z", "datePublished" : "2019-03-04T04:35:14.000Z", "headline" : "The Key Differences Between Marine Plywood and Exterior Plywood", "image" : [ "https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/HsQM7Jd2Qlysfyk9SgvX_logarska-valley-5.jpg" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.plyco.com.au/marine-plywood-vs-exterior-plywood", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.plyco.com.au/hubfs/PLYCO%20Logo.jpg" }, "name" : "Plyco Pty Ltd" } } ```