When starting a DIY project there are a lot of questions you’ll be asking yourself about plywood. Some of these may seem simple to veterans, but as someone just starting out they can be confusing and daunting. One of these questions is often “do I need structural plywood for this project?” This is actually a really good question and one that is important to ask. It’s so important that the team here at Plyco have decided to lay out all the differences between structural and non-structural plywood so it’s easier to decide what’s the perfect match for you.
The biggest difference between Structural Plywood and Non-Structural Plywood is all in the type of glue used when the sheets are being produced. To be officially and legally classified as a structural plywood, sheets need to meet certain standards and structural requirements. One of these requirements is having an A-bond glue. Plywood sheets manufactured with an A-bond are resistant against being weakened by environmental causes, such as rapid temperature changes and various other potential hazards for the structural integrity of the plywood board. B-bond glues also fall under the Structural Plywood banner, however, as you can obviously tell by the name they aren’t quite as extravagant as the A-bond variety.
On the other hand, Non-Structural Plywood sheets use glue that is a C or D-bond. This means the boards do not have a structural rating and in general should be kept away from being exposed to environmental hazards as there are serious chances that the integrity of the board would falter.
Every single sheet of Structural Plywood that Plyco sells conforms to Australian and New Zealand structural standards and are also Forest Stewardship Council certified.
So now that we know what sets these two options apart what exactly should we be using Structural Plywood for? Well, as you could imagine based purely on first glance it’s for applications that need that extra bit of strength and a guarantee that the plywood won’t ever splutter under pressure. This means Plyco’s Structural Plywood is the perfect candidate when you’re looking for supplies in building and construction. You’ll also find that it’s great for wall and ceiling bracing, flooring and even concrete formwork. Basically, if strength and structural integrity are a concern for your project you’re going to want to go with the Structural Plywood option.
Unsurprisingly, Non-Structural Plywood is your go-to choice when you don’t require a structural rating for whatever you’re building. Of course, there’s no reason why you can’t still use a structurally rated plywood option for these kinds of applications, but if you’re looking to cut down on costs this a good place to do it. As for what you can use Non-Structural Plywood for? Well, the possibilities are almost limitless! Some of the common applications we see here at Plyco include furniture, cladding, and basically any DIY, handyman or general building purpose you have. When it comes to a DIY or home project, Non-Structural Plywood tends to be a suitable option about 99% of the time.