6 Reasons Why Structural Plywood Should be Your Choice Construction Material Compared to Natural Wood
Are you a seasoned carpenter, lumberjack, furniture specialist or merely a buyer interested in finding reliable information but still weighing your options? If this is the case, you might have been once dragged in the never-ending debate pitting plywood against solid wood. Which one is more superior? Well, after careful research, analysis and comparison of various factors, we found that plywood has several merits compared to natural wood.
In this post, we shall discuss why plywood remains the choice material for many people in the construction industry.
Strength of Material
Natural wood is typically stronger along its grain and weaker across its grain. For this reason, its strength distribution is not even and can't be controlled. In contrast, structural plywood has cross-adjacent sheets that help distribute strength uniformly across all directions. When you add veneer to its surface using durable adhesives, plywood acquires the perfect strength compared to natural wood.
Lightweight Material
Structural plywood is generally lightweight compared to natural wood and thus suitable in designing a wide variety of furniture. This attribute gives it a broader range of application than natural wood whose extra weight makes it unsuitable for designing furniture for commercial applications.
Split Resistant
When subjected to more stringent conditions and pressure, natural wood, however sturdy it may be, can split along its grain. However, the multi-layered characteristic of structural plywood makes it resistant to extra strain, allowing you to nail into it without causing much damage to the surface.
Ability to Create Curved Surfaces
You'll have an easier time making curved structures from plywood than you would with natural solid wood. Also, chipped wood intended to make curved surfaces is less smooth and uniform than structural plywood. If you want to design your structures or furniture in any desired shape, plywood can allow you to achieve this easily.
Eco-friendly
If you love nature and focus your efforts towards environmental preservation, then plywood can offer you an eco-friendly solution. It helps you reduce deforestation since fewer logs are used in its manufacture than are used in natural wood that is entirely solid. Today, fewer harsh chemicals are used to make structural plywood products, making it much safer to the environment.
Cost-Effective
This reason is one of the most crucial when opting to use plywood in your residential or commercial projects. Compared to solid wood, structural plywood is highly economical and affordable. Its lightweight characteristic allows for easier transportation as well as minimizes wastage. You'll receive great value for your money working with structural plywood.
Conclusion
These are the top reasons why structural plywood should be your ultimate construction material when compared to wood. Make a sound decision to invest in structural plywood and enjoy all the benefits it offers.
To learn more about structural plywood, consult a resource in your area.