10 Types of Plywood You Should Know About

Plywood is one of the most versatile building materials available — but not all plywood is the same. Here are the 10 types you'll encounter most in Indian furniture and construction.

1. Commercial Plywood (MR Grade)

The most common and affordable type. Moisture-resistant but not waterproof. Suitable for indoor furniture in dry environments.

2. BWR Plywood (Boiling Water Resistant)

Can withstand intermittent exposure to water. Good for kitchens and areas with moderate humidity.

3. BWP / Marine Plywood

The highest grade — made with waterproof phenol formaldehyde resin. Used for marine applications, outdoor furniture, and permanent wet areas like bathrooms.

4. Blockboard

A core of solid wood strips sandwiched between veneer layers. Better for long-span applications like doors and shelves where sag resistance matters.

5. Flexible Plywood

Has very thin cross-grains that allow it to bend without breaking. Used for curved furniture, columns, and rounded cabinetry.

6. Fire-Retardant Plywood

Treated with fire-retardant chemicals. Required in commercial buildings, hotels, and public spaces under safety regulations.

7. Structural Plywood

Made to withstand load-bearing applications. Used in construction rather than furniture.

8. Decorative Plywood

Topped with a decorative veneer layer. Used when a natural wood appearance is desired without solid wood cost.

9. Calibrated Plywood

Sanded to exact thickness tolerance on both surfaces. Essential for CNC machining and modular furniture production where dimensional accuracy is critical.

10. Pre-Laminated Plywood

Factory-laminated with a decorative surface. Saves on-site lamination time and cost.