Plywood

Plywood for internal and external applications

Plywood is a strong and versatile building product that is widely used in residential and commercial properties. It’s durable and cost-effective, making it a popular choice for builders and property owners.

The engineering process for plywood involves gluing multiple thin sheets of timber (veneer) to create a solid board that can be cut into various sizes. The quality of the external finish can vary depending on the product’s use. For example, marine plywood uses timbers that are high strength and naturally resistant to moisture. When purchasing plywood, it is important to ask about:

  • Overall thickness and width per panel
  • Plywood type and standard
  • Stress grade
  • Face and back grades
  • Glue bond type
  • EWPAA products certification stamp
  • Preservative treatment level if required

Understanding this detailed information will ensure you select the correct plywood for its intended application.

What glue is used to bond plywood?

There are four types of glue bonds used to manufacture plywood: A, B, C and D, with A being the most durable and suitable for exterior and structural applications. Type B bond is suitable for applications involving concrete formwork plywood and is included in the exterior plywood standard. Type C and D bonds are interior bonds and should not be used in exterior or wet conditions or for structural applications.

How is plywood graded?

Plywood is graded based on the characteristics of face and back veneers, which are categorised into grades A, B, C and D. Grade A is a high-grade veneer with minimal defects and is typically suitable for clear finishes. Grade B is suitable for a high-quality paint finish but is not generally suitable for clear finishing. Grade C is a non-appearance grade veneer with a solid surface that is designed specifically for applications requiring a non-decorative surface. Grade D is an unsanded, non-appearance grade with permitted open imperfections, designed specifically for structural applications where decorative appearance is not a requirement.

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    Key features

    • Available in a variety of finishes
    • Used for internal & external applications
    • Can be treated to prevent termite attack & rot
    • Covers large areas quickly
    • Easy to cut and shape
    • Timbers sourced from environmentally friendly plantations
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    Delivery capability

    We can save you time and money by delivering directly to your worksite.

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    Supply availability

    With our fully equipped warehouse, we always have the stock available so you can get on with your job.

    Types of plywood

    As Perth’s leading timber supplier, we work hard to source the highest quality and most practical timber products on the market. Our range of plywood comes from Australian and overseas suppliers and is available in a variety of finishes. Whatever your project or budget is, we’ll have the plywood you need.

    Detail of renovation or new construction building exterior with spray painted fascia board and plywood sheathing, copy space, vertical aspect

    Exterior Plywood

    Resistant to moisture, suitable for semi-exposed external applications, though regularly used internally.

    Suitable for shop fit outs, DIY projects and alfresco areas.

    • Structural Rating: N/A
    • Glue Type: A Bond
    • Origin: Australia

    Interior Plywood

    Suitable for internal applications only.

    Regularly used for furniture, joinery making, ceiling linings and acoustic panels.

    • Structural Rating: N/A
    • Glue Type: C-Bond
    • Origin: Australia
    Modern, black table with tall bar stools in stylish kitchen with birch plywood cupboards
    piles of pine plywood lie on top of each other

    Marine Plywood

    Resistant to moisture, high strength, very high quality.

    Suitable for boat building, construction in extreme marine environments and high-grade furniture.

    • Structural Rating: F-14
    • Glue Type: A-Bond
    • Origin: Australia

    Structural Plywood

    Can be used for internal or external applications where aesthetics are not critical but where structural integrity is important.

    Used in flooring, construction, DIY projects and wall sheathing.

    • Structural Rating: F-8, F-11, F-14, F-17
    • Glue Type: A-Bond
    • Origin: Australia & Imported
    Scaffolding along the city sidewalk
    Construction crew working on the roof sheeting of a new, two story, commercial appartment building in Oregon

    Non-Structural Plywood

    Can be used for internal or external applications where aesthetics is not critical.

    Used in general DIY projects, plank on ply flooring, packaging and general building applications.

    • Structural Rating: N/A
    • Glue Type: A-Bond
    • Origin: Australia & Imported

    T&G Flooring Plywood

    Can be used in structural and non-structural flooring applications where strength and loading are important.

    • Structural Rating: F-11, F-14, F-17
    • Glue Type: A-Bond
    • Origin: Australia & Imported
    A plywood path around a construction site
    Carpenters hold in place a sheet of plywood to be nailed in place. A soffit ceiling of a house under construction or renovation.

    Treated Plywood

    Where high moisture and low ventilation conditions prevail, treated plywood can be used to protect against insect damage and rot.

    Suitable for roofing, heavy construction, and high-risk areas.

    • Structural Rating: Varies F-8, F-14
    • Glue Type: A-Bond
    • Origin: Australia & Imported

    Pre-Finished Plywood

    Best suited for internal or weather protected applications.

    Regularly used for alfresco area ceilings and eave linings.

    • Structural Rating: N/A
    • Glue Type: A-Bond
    • Origin: Australia
    Plywood internal cladding
    Joinery. Plywood bending process close-up. Gluing and clamping bend wooden panel. Bend furniture manufacture

    Bending Plywood

    Specialised product designed for internal applications.

    Regularly used for office fit out and furniture making.

    • Structural Rating: N/A
    • Glue Type: C-Bond
    • Origin: Australia & Imported
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    Contact Us

    Address

    252 Gnangara Rd, Landsdale, WA 6065

    Phone: (08) 6558 1266

    Email: sales@austim.com.au

    Opening Hours

    • Mon – Fri: 7.30am to 4.00pm
    • Sat: Closed
    • Sun: Closed

    We are located in Landsdale, we can deliver anywhere in Western Australia including the South West, Northern WA, Perth, Welshpool, Mandurah, Rockingham, Yanchep and even further.

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      “The timber quality is excellent, the price was competitive, the communication spot on and the delivery just right. Well done and thanks again”

      Michael

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