Plywood is the most preferred choice in furniture making due to its versatility and strength. Furniture made from plywood is not only stylish and durable but also very cost-effective in comparison to hardwood.It is also highly customizable which explains its popularity. However, do you know there are some factors to consider when choosing the right plywood for your home or office furniture?
In this article, we will be discussing some key factors to check when you are visiting a plywood showroom in Ahmedabad.
- Types of Plywood
There are many varieties of plywood based on your requirements and designs. Some of them are:
Commercial Plywood – For cabinets and normal interior works, consider MR (moisture-resistant) plywood for its durability and versatility in creating unique designs.
BWR / BWP Plywood – For areas that can be in frequent contact with moisture like the Kitchen and bathrooms, you may select BWR ( Boiling Water Resistant ) or BWP ( Boiling Water Proof ) Plywood for superior protection from moisture. However, these are slightly expensive in comparison to other regular plywoods but the quality of these plywoods makes up for it.
Marine Plywood – These types of plywood are best suited for building outdoor furniture or furniture in high moisture areas as they are waterproof thus making it highly durable.
- Certifications / Brands
There are a number of companies supplying plywood in the market for different
budgets. We cannot be assured of the same level of quality from every brand. Thus it is even more important to look out for some certifications like ISI mark that ensure it is of good quality. Check for certifications like IS:303 (for MR/BWR) and IS:710 (for Marine plywood).
Check out for brands like Century Ply, GreenPly , KitPly, etc available at some of the best plywood suppliers in Ahmedabad.
3. Thickness of the plywood
It is of utmost importance to go for plywood with reasonable thickness to ensure its durability. Some commonly accepted thickness levels are 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, and 18mm.
For Cabinets, Shelves, and regular household furniture, it is advisable to go for a plywood of 12mm thickness. For heavier and stronger items like Doors and Tabletops, plywood of 18 mm and above thickness is generally considered. You can opt for 6mm or 9mm thickness for partitions or back panels of cabinets.
4. Gaps & Layers
One of the most important factors that distinguishes a cheap plywood from a branded high-quality one would be the gaps and layers it has in it. Top quality plywood would have no gaps in between and would feel heavy. Gaps are a sign of compromised quality. A good quality plywood would have a smooth surface without any cracks or bubbles and it would be very heavy to lift.
5. Warranty/ Resistance
We would not want to make furniture frequently so it is very important to go for good quality plywood with a warranty. Check if the manufacturer provides a warranty or some quality assurance on the plywood. There are some reputed brands that offer a warranty of 10 – 25 years. Also some plywood suppliers in Ahmedabad offer chemically treated plywoods to provide resistance from termites and Borers for their prolonged life.
There are multiple cheaper options for plywood available in the market that can vary with its thickness, gaps, and brand. However, it is wise to not compromise on money and contact some of the best plywood showrooms in Ahmedabad before buying. They will provide complete transparency and help in your decision making process. Go for a proper thorough inspection of plywood before buying it to ensure it lasts long and thus save your money and efforts in buying new furniture.