What is exterior plywood?
Texture of exterior plywood
Exterior plywood is the general term for weather-proof plywood primarily used for outdoor applications.
It is made from several layers of wood veneers bonded together using phenolic resin. The glue hardens to form a crystalline substance, making the plywood more resistant to moisture and humidity.
To make exterior plywood, manufacturers typically use wood from hoop pine. Other plywood materials include spruce, mahogany, Douglas fir, birch, oak and maple.
They treat the veneers with preservatives to make them more suitable for external use. This allows the plywood to withstand harsh weather conditions such as strong winds and heavy rain.
Similar to other plywood products, exterior plywood also comes in different ratings. Each grade represents the quality of the plywood sheet.
A (cabinet grade)
C-D (construction grade)
X (suitable for outdoor use)
C-D-X (most common grade)
Uses
Ariaply plywood used as plywood ceiling panels for a commercial centre in Sydney.
Most builders use exterior plywood for non-structural, exterior applications. They take advantage of the plywood's properties to create a high-quality aesthetic finish. Visit any building and you'll likely see the plywood used for its outdoor walls and ceilings.
But this plywood type isn't only limited to outdoor applications. Some builders have used this plywood in interior settings as well. These include storage and refrigerated areas.
Exterior plywood also works great as a subfloor. Its water-resistant nature doesn't allow moisture to penetrate the floor whether from the surface or below.
Some other interior applications of this plywood include:
Sinks
Benchtops
Kitchen cabinets
