Different types of Plywood – MR Grade Plywood The MR here refers to moisture resistant plywood. This is one of the most common types of plywood that carries the Indian standards specification number IS:303. You should not confuse the term moisture resistant with waterproof. MR plywood is by no means waterproof in nature it can merely resist moisture and humidity. It is also known as commercial ply and features a formaldehyde glue that makes it suitable for use only in the interiors. it can be used to make furniture, but, it is mostly suitable only for furniture that would be kept away from water.
BWR Grade plywood- The term BWR refers to boiling water poof plywood. The glue used to bond the plies is phenolic in nature and is used in making plywood that stays together even if a block of plywood of this grade is cooked in a pressure cooker for about 5 whistles. It is suitable for both interior and exterior use and most suitable for making kitchen cabinets, furniture, paneling etc.
BWP – This refers to boiling waterproof boards that are almost similar in construction and glue used to the BWR plywood grades. But, one distinguishing factor is that BWR refers to plywood grades while BWP stands for blockboard grade. Hence, it is important that you do not get confused with the two grades.
Marine grade plywood- The marine grade plywood differs from the MR plywood in that it is highly waterproof and is quite strong enough to be used in marine applications as well. it includes even making boats. The marine plywood grade acquires these properties owing to the unextended or undiluted phenolic resins that are used for bonding of the plies under pressure. The high-quality wood veneers that have good weight are used in the manufacturing of the plies which make it an ideal choice for making home furniture that would be placed in areas where it would be in constant contact with water, for decks that are closer to the swimming pool, for making boats and ships owing to the properties that prevent it from danger even when it is submerged in water for more than 72 hours. It is suitable for use both in the interiors and exteriors and is the most expensive and high-quality plywood that you can ever have.
However, you have FR grade which is indicative of the fire retardant properties, Structural plywoods meant for industrial use, flexible plywood that can be rolled into sheets. Depending on the consistency with which the different brands produce different grades of plywood they may be termed as the best in producing a particular grade of plywood. The MR, BWR, and Marine are three plywood grades that are commonly used.
