What Is Plywood and What Is It Used For?
Plywood is one of the most versatile building materials available today. Whether you’re renovating your home, working on a DIY project, or tackling a larger construction job, it offers an ideal mix of strength, stability, and affordability.
In this guide, we’ll explain what plywood is, how it’s made, and the many ways you can use it around your home, garden, or on site.
What Is Plywood?
Plywood is an engineered wood sheet made from thin layers of natural timber, called veneers. These layers are glued together with each grain running at a 90-degree angle to the previous one.
This cross-graining method gives several advantages:
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Excellent strength and load-bearing ability
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Reduced risk of warping or twisting
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Enhanced stability compared with solid wood
It’s this construction that makes plywood dependable for both structural and decorative use.
How Plywood Is Made
The manufacturing process involves:
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Peeling logs into thin veneers
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Drying the veneers to remove moisture
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Layering and gluing them with resin adhesive
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Pressing under heat and pressure to create a solid sheet
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Sanding the surface smooth for painting or finishing
Different adhesives and numbers of layers create different grades of plywood — some ideal for indoor projects, others designed to handle moisture and outdoor use.
Types of Plywood
Plywood isn’t one-size-fits-all. Clarke Fencing supplies several high-quality options for different applications.
Hardwood Plywood (Class 2)
Made from durable hardwood veneers such as birch, hardwood plywood is ideal for:
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Furniture making
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Flooring
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Shelving
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Joinery
It has a smooth finish, strong structure, and accepts paint or stain extremely well.
Structural Plywood
Also known as standard plywood, this grade is built for strength and load-bearing performance.
Ideal for:
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Roof decking
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Flooring
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Wall sheathing
Our 18mm Structural Class 2 Plywood (PINEX) is a popular choice for general construction.
Mesh-Faced Rhino Board
A specialist anti-slip plywood sheet featuring a resin-coated mesh face.
Best for:
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Vans and trailer floors
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Platforms and ramps
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Industrial environments
It provides excellent grip and durability under heavy use.
OSB (Sterling Board)
While not technically plywood, OSB3 is widely used in similar applications.
It’s ideal for:
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Sheathing
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Subfloors
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Roofing
Its strength-to-weight ratio makes it a favourite in construction. We sell both 11mm OSB3 and 18mm OSB3
Common Plywood Uses
1. Building & Construction
Plywood is used extensively for:
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Floors
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Walls
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Ceilings
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Roofs
It’s easy to cut, drill, nail, and screw — making it a reliable choice for professionals and DIY users.
2. Furniture & Joinery
Hardwood ply is perfect for:
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Cabinets and wardrobes
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Shelving
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Worktops
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Tables
It provides a smooth, clean finish while remaining lighter than solid timber.
3. Garden & Outdoor Projects
When sealed or treated, plywood can be used for:
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Sheds
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Garden furniture
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Planters
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Storage boxes
Always choose an exterior-grade for outdoor use.
4. Vehicle & Trailer Flooring
Anti-slip Rhino Board is designed for high-wear environments such as:
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Vans
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Trailers
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Pickup beds
Its textured surface improves grip and durability.
5. DIY & Home Improvements
It is a go-to material for:
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Loft boarding
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Workbenches
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Underlayment beneath carpets or vinyl
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Built-in storage
Its versatility makes it suitable for almost every indoor project.
Why Choose Plywood?
It offers several advantages:
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Strong and stable due to its cross-grained construction
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More cost-effective than solid wood
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Lightweight and easy to work with
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Suitable for structural, decorative, and DIY tasks
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Efficient use of timber resources, making it more environmentally friendly
With proper sealing and installation, it can last for decades.
Choosing the Right Plywood Thickness
Different thicknesses suit different tasks:
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5.5mm – 9mm: Drawer bottoms, cabinet backs, lightweight panels
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12mm: Partitions, wall linings, general joinery
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18mm: Structural flooring, roofing, heavy-duty use
All sheets from Clarke Fencing are supplied in 2440mm x 1220mm (8′ x 4′) for maximum compatibility.
Related Materials You May Need
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C24 Structural Timber – for framing and support
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Roofing Products – felt, membrane, and fixings
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Timber battens – for spacing and support
How to Cut and Install Plywood
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Use a sharp blade or fine-tooth saw to avoid splintering
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Support both sides of the sheet during cutting
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Seal all exposed edges with paint, varnish, or sealant
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Use screws or nails evenly spaced for a secure finish
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Store flat in a dry environment to prevent warping
For further guidance, see our in-depth guide:
👉 How to Build with Timber: A Beginner’s Guide
Final Thoughts
Plywood is a strong, cost-effective, and versatile sheet material suitable for hundreds of indoor and outdoor projects. Whether you’re building, renovating, or creating something new, choosing the right type ensures a high-quality, long-lasting finish.
Explore our full range of plywood and roofing products — available for delivery across Suffolk and surrounding areas — or visit us in-store at Clarke Fencing for expert advice.
