It keeps changing, going up or Introduction to Marine Plywood in Asia Marine plywood is a potent form used in residential, Mon - Sat: 9:00 - 18:00 / Closed on Sunday. You can even cover up the edges with bevel cut on your miter saw. MDO is a special plywood made for strength and durability. Here is the compiled list of the ten best plywood alternatives you can use for your next project. It is very strong and durable, making it perfect for flooring, countertops, and other high-traffic areas. Thanks in advance for any help you guys can offer. plywood is that it is an extremely lightweight material, Is Rubberwood Good for Furniture? There are even cheaper alternatives to plywood. -The finish can be chipped or scratched if not handled with care. Although it is one of the most popular materials available, plywood has some drawbacks its heavy, can warp over time, and is not very resistant to moisture. Its also generally safe from termite attacks because of the chemicals used in its manufacturing process. Plywood is an extremely versatile type of timber that has many uses in several building applications. With the skyrocketing price of plywood subflooring, could one of these be used in its place? Furthermore, the inclusion of fiberglass-enforced polyurethane board at a slightly higher price adds significantly to its durability. The major downside of polyurethane board compared to plywood is its aesthetics, whereby a woody, grainy texture can never be truly replicated. Of all the plywood substitutes we have mentioned here, a board made of recycled materials has to be the strangest. MDF comes pre-finished and does not require additional finishing before use. Although the color scheme may seem gloomy, it also makes EKO Ply sheets immune to being vandalized. They do say that they use 100% recycled materials, so well just have to take their word for it that these are particularly environmentally friendly alternatives. You can get it for as low as $8-9 per 4x8 sheet. Its consistently strong, is less prone to warping, and even has better water resistance than plywood. MDF is another type of manufactured wood board made by binding together fibers of wood. You also wont risk ruining pricy hardwood with saw bites and burns. It is often used for kitchen countertops and waterproof plywood, which means you wont need to refinish it as frequently as other plywoods. They are more beautiful than plywood, thus having an emerging market that you can invest in! You can use hardboard for furniture, cabinetry, flooring, paneling, and wall coverings. Best of all, the manufacturing of OSB typically relies on non-formaldehyde resins or adhesives, so you can be sure that its an environmentally friendly product. Some of the applications include boatbuilding, sign making, and furniture. It is also more expensive than standard plywood. What is the procedure for making LVL? You can find plywood in just about any hardware store, and theres a good selection of different varieties available. In terms of sheer contrast with plywood, a polyurethane board has to be the most radically different plywood substitute. Before plywood was invented we used to sheath walls with shiplap. However, MDF is also more expensive than plywood. It is made from pressed wood chips and sawdust that have been glued together into a panel. -Not suitable for use near water because they will absorb moisture (and eventually rot). For example, Ive built a miter box out of MDF, and many carpenters make miter saw fences out of it, as it is cheap and dense. -They are moisture-resistant and will not warp or delaminate over time. The second disadvantage of particle boards is that they have an inherently rough surface that doesnt take post-processing techniques well. This means any form of paint, finishing, adhesives, or wallpapering should be avoided. Wax resin fiberboard is plywood with a waxy coating that makes it water and stain resistant. One of the best things about plywood stems from the fact that its one of the most popular construction materials around. Lets dive into the article now. Choosing plywood is pretty much a decision of compromising on strength for the sake of a lighter and cheaper material. People use plywood for several purposes, the most popular one being its use in construction. -Not suitable for use near water because it will absorb moisture (and eventually rot). The first is that they have very low structural integrity. While plywood is an excellent choice for builders and carpenters on a budget, it is worth exploring alternative materials before committing to plywood or one of its alternatives, given that the costs and characteristics of each material are unique. Although waferboard is more stable than plywood, it is not as strong and should not be used in high-stress applications. As a plastic, one of its physical properties that makes it a superior alternative to plywood is it is water-resistant, its tendency not to attract or hold moisture, and the ease at which adhesives can be applied to it. Since polyurethane doesnt absorb moisture, they are easier to apply adhesives compared to wood. It claims to be sturdier and more durable than standard plywood, not to mention being virtually impervious to water damage, natural rot, and corrosion. King Starboard HDPE is a plywood alternative that can be used in a variety of applications both indoors and outdoors. The plywood is treated with a water-resistant coating to prevent mold and mildew growth, but it is not waterproof. If you just need a sheet of something that will be covered up and is decently strong, its a great choice. The reviews for the particle board are quite mixed. But what if you dont want to or cant use plywood for some reason? Right now, you can pick a plywood product based on how thick you need it to be, whether you want it to be flexible or rigid, or according to the finish youre looking for. Plywood designed specifically for marine environments is another excellent regular plywood alternative. It has a smooth side and will take paint like MDF. Get It is also a good choice for projects where aesthetics are important because the face veneers have no voids or knots in them which make them look better when finished with paint or stain. Made from a mix of cement, sand, cellulose fiber and water, fiber cement board is a popular plywood alternative. Once such type is OSB (oriented strand board), this is often referred to as plywood, as the concept is the same. The companies need to bond large panels of rotary-peeled veneers together under heat and pressure to create them. However, one major drawback is that it doesnt handle moisture well at all. What makes these recycled board products, such as EKO Ply, hard to describe is the fact that their manufacturers often dont disclose exactly what materials go into the products. Did you know that China is the biggest exporter of plywood, generating $4.02 Billion per year? Although MDF is more stable than plywood, it is not as strong and should not be used in high-stress applications. The difference is that it is wood chips and glue pressed together rather than full thin sheets press together with regular plywood. Instead of loose wood fibers or particles, OSB is made from strips of wood of varied sizes that oriented strategically and bound together. Is plywood cheaper than wood? OSB isnt an alternative for projects where you need a nice show edge, but for projects where the OSB will be covered up it will usually be fine. -Fiber cement board is also affordable, making it a cost-effective option for many projects. Masonite board is strong and durable, making it ideal for use in high-stress applications such as cabinets or furniture. It's the lowest quality but paintable. -Ekoply is also affordable, making it a cost-effective option for many projects. Can You Burn Plywood In A Fire Pit? Although HDF is probably the most expensive plywood alternative on this list, it is undoubtedly the superior material in terms of strength, durability, structural integrity, adhesive acceptance, and aesthetics. OSB will look kind of terrible even painted. The price of this board can vary, but the customer reviews are very positive. It is denser and harder than plywood, making it a great alternative. If you need quickly procure materials for a shelf or interior partition, then plywood is still a solid option. GRP is very affordable and has one positive advantage over plywood. Just because something is more affordable doesnt make it junk! However, none of these are perfect substitutes, which is the reason why plywood hasnt exactly lost a lot of popularity. But, hardboard is not as strong as plywood and can dent and scratch more easily. They are sold in standard-sized sheets and have different density variants. Particleboard is by far the cheapest plywood alternative, given that it is made from recycled wood particles. HDF is environmentally friendly not only because of the use of recycled material and fast-growing plants, but also because it uses no glue or chemicals in its manufacturing process, instead of relying on a natural binding process with the help of lignin. Its dirt cheap and not great. Even if plywood remains the king of wooden construction panels, its still liberating to know that there are perfectly viable alternatives out there. If you Introduction to Film Faced Plywood Suppliers in Cambodia Presently, film faced plywood refers to as Commercial Plywood is also famous as MR Grade Plywood with many uses in the construction Offering top-notch excellence and durability, shuttering plywood stays as one of the essential parts of You are at the right place if finding the best formwork plywood supplier in the Shuttering plywood plays a significant role in Building Homes, offices, construction Furniture, etc. It requires minimum maintenance and has no additional charges after buying. Plywood everybody knows what it is, what it looks like, and probably has it in their homes. Since these are essentially recycled materials, MDF is both a more environmentally and economical alternative to plywood. Dont knock the thing holding you up! Green Oak Shrinkage, How to Neutralize Red Tones In Wood: Which woods have red tones, Why Is My Bandsaw Blade Twisting? How to fix Twisted bandsaw blade, What Happens If you dont Wipe off Wood Stain: Wiping Excess Stain. OSB comes pre-finished and does not require additional finishing before use. There are two major issues with particle boards that may not make them suitable for a lot of applications. You can get 1/2" plywood for $20 a sheet in my area. However, some kinds of wood Craftgecko is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com and affiliate programs with other sites. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[728,90],'craftgecko_com-large-leaderboard-2','ezslot_6',166,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-craftgecko_com-large-leaderboard-2-0')}; The improved durability of fiberglass-enforced polyurethane board makes it perfect for semi structures and smaller permanent structures, provided the structure in question will be under minimal external forces. We pomise.). Waferboard comes pre-finished and does not require additional finishing before use. It helps us keep the research and information for our readers free 100% of the time. So, it gives us peace of mind that it will last long without any hassle. Making an OSB board takes more than just applying an adhesive to these strips of wood. If MDF boards are still out of your budget range, then you can go to the absolute cheapest option particle boards. -It is fire resistant, moisture resistant and termite proof making it ideal for use in areas with harsh weather conditions. EKO Ply is made up of 100 percent recycled materials. Your three options really for sheeting is ply, OSB or MDF. Plywood is more stable than particle board, which means you can use plywood to build cabinets and furniture. -It is not as strong as plywood and may need additional support if used in large applications such as bridges or buildings with heavy loads on top of them. This means that you can expect different MDF products to have vastly different physical properties. With indoor furniture, there are countless options available to you when choosing timber. As the name implies, High-Density Fiberboard (HDF) is essentially the same as MDF. Reinforced Polyurethane Foam Boards are a great plywood alternative because they are strong, durable and lightweight. It has a fairly smooth surface and will show any marks, so it is best for projects that do not require painting. OSB is not as strong as plywood and may not be suitable for some high-stress applications. OSB can be found in various sizes, strengths, rigidity, and thickness. The traditional methods of bonding the wooden veneers together to create plywood made use of formaldehyde-based adhesives which have been proven to be harmful to the environment. The best you can do is do staining on the particle board, giving it a nice sheen and a smooth finish. Here's The Truth! Press J to jump to the feed. This makes EKO Ply an easy to clean, low-maintenance material that is suitable for permanent, outdoor structures. -Not as strong as plywood and may need additional support if used in large applications such as bridges or buildings with heavy loads on top of them. Waferboard is an engineered wood product that is made by pressing thin layers of wood veneers together. It is made with raw materials; hardwood plywood has a higher environmental impact. -It requires regular maintenance to prevent mold growth and staining that occurs due to water absorption over time (especially in hot climates where humidity levels are high). Particle board can be stained or painted to match the wood in your home, but plywood tends to look better when finished with varnish or paint. It has less strength when compared to other plywoods, making it better suited for indoor use only. It should be painted every two years or so to protect it from the elements. Plywood is so-called because it is made of thin layers of wood veneer or plies. These layers are glued together to achieve the desired thickness. For example, Ive built a. There are many different types of engineered wood sidings, and they come in a variety of colors and finishes. While some people like it, others have found it very flimsy. King Starboard HDPE is more expensive than plywood, making it a less affordable option for some projects. Since the wood fibers dont provide any structural integrity, the strength of MDF relies largely on the type of resin used to bind the fibers together. Much like MDF, particle boards are also a more environmentally friendly option compared to plyboards because they use recycled materials. Our best-selling category for concrete formwork purposes. Another one of the best plywood alternatives that you can use is the oriented strand board (OSB). We are compensated for referring traffic and business to these companies at no additional cost to you. Thermo-lite board does not show scratches or dents like regular plywood, and it can be stained or painted to match your decor. High grade plywood, treated for moisture protection can easily fetch north of $60 for a 48 sheet. Now, one can also think of another great alternative to plywood: hardwood plywood. MDF or medium density fibreboard is the cheapest alternative to plywood. Strong and durable, HDF is resistant to water damage making it ideal for use near areas prone to flooding or other natural disasters such as earthquakes where plywood might not hold up well over time due to its tendency to swell when wet. While plywood is a popular choice for construction projects, there are other materials that can be used as an alternative. Still, these substitutes may appeal to you based on their unique benefits. Many people love this flexible plywood because it is lightweight and easy to use. They are also lighter than both plyboards and MDF boards. -Rigid and durable, they can be used in a variety of applications both indoor and outdoor. 3M Reinforced Polyurethane Foam Boards, Bad Boy Mower Reviews: The Pros and Cons of Buying a Bad Boy Mower, 19 Mulch Alternatives for a Beautiful and Sustainable Garden, What Color Granite Goes With Cream Cabinets? It is made with a fragile veneer that makes it flexible and perfect for curved surfaces. Several uses of this particleboard count as furniture, shelving, and cabinetry. Thermo-lite board is made from dense plywood with a thermally treated surface. Does Plywood Warp When Wet? It has less strength when compared to plywood, making it better suited for indoor use only. Also, an engineered wood siding is manufactured by fusing wood strands with resins on a commercial level. You cant really paint OSB, you can apply paint to it, but its rough, bumpy and porous, the resulting paint job will look terrible. Due to its unique composition of hardwoods, it costs more than regular plywood. MDF is one of the most popular and widely used alternatives to plywood. Lets explore them below. Masonite Board is a plywood alternative that has been around since 1920. OSB is not as moisture resistant as plywood and can swell up when exposed to water. But still, with so many qualities, flexible plywood has a major disadvantage over normal plywood. It readily accepts paint and adhesives and is very easy to cut into shape and size. Orientated Strand Board (OSB) is manufactured out of scraped wood products which are ordered, processed, and combined with a combination of wax and resin to give it a uniform look and sturdy structure. If you're cutting it into intricate shapes, however, it won't be a durable. Yes, you should use the most worthwhile materials for your projects. However, some finishing can mitigate this negative aesthetic trait. High Density Fiberboard does not come pre-finished and must be painted or stained prior to use in order for it to last longer outside without rotting quickly from exposure over time. However, if it meets the requirements of your project then may as well use it. Not only does this make plywood resistant to splitting, but it also enhances dimensional stability so that it doesnt expand or shrink significantly when exposed to different conditions. Since MDF no longer has any wood grains, it does not contract or expand due to changes in temperature or humidity. HDF is also affordable, making it a cost-effective option for many projects. Hard to find anything cheaper in my experience. Ive certainly gone through numerous sheets in my day. More work, less money. This makes it a versatile plywood alternative that is resistant to warping and is more water-resistant than plywood. Not as strong as plywood and may need additional support if used in large applications such as bridges or buildings with heavy loads on top of them. It is the cheapest option on our list but is not as strong or durable as plywood. (15 Ideas), What Color Garage Door Goes with a Red Brick House? Particleboards have a rough surface that, while aesthetically pleasing on its own, does not take post-processing techniques well. Furthermore, it is an environmentally sustainable material since it is made from recycled scrap wood and the strips of fast-growing trees. Hardboard is one of those plywood alternatives that are cheaper and easier to work with. It is also chemical resistant, meaning the use of adhesiveness, paint, and the like do not cause EKO Ply to warp, deteriorate, or lose its rigidity. In a little while I'm going to start trying to build my daughter a loft bed that looks like a castle, which will involve putting up solid sides on it in certain places. Although plywood is one of the best materials to purchase for basic construction and furniture, due to its durability and sturdiness for such an affordable material, some alternatives have similar characteristics in a similar price range. Your email address will not be published. Since its made with plastic, it is not susceptible to water damage or splitting due to moisture absorption. However, its downside is quite expensive, costing around $75 per 4x8 sheet. Did you know that a GRPs 1/8 panel is just as strong as a 3/4 plywood? VINAWOOD DEVELOPMENT AND INVESTMENT COMPANY LIMITED, An Overview of 9 Formwork Plywood Alternatives, 10 Best Commercial Plywood Suppliers in Middle East, Film Faced Plywood from Vinawood in Vietnam: The Best Buy for Your Money, Vietnam plywood -Vietnam film faced plywood, 9 Excellent Formwork Plywood Suppliers in USA, 10 Best Film Faced Plywood Suppliers in Cambodia, 9 Amazing Shuttering Plywood Suppliers in USA, 9 Best Formwork Plywood Suppliers in Middle East, formwork plywood suppliers in middle east, 11 Amazing Shuttering Plywood Suppliers in Philippines, shuttering plywood suppliers in philippines, Top 10 Film Faced Plywood Suppliers in Asia, 10 Suppliers to Buy Marine Plywood in Asia. It is also less expensive than regular plywood, and we can use it for various purposes. Polyurethane boards can also be cut down to any desired shape or size using standard woodworking tools. OSB is a plywood alternative that is made by pressing together small wood chips and strands. LVL Basic is a type of Laminated Veneer Lumber for a wide range of purposes such as packing, door frame, and furniture frame. -They are not as strong as plywood and may need additional support if used in large applications. Most projects that use particle boards choose to retain their original finish simply because paint on a particle board doesnt look so good. Through some inventive use of wooden scraps, special plastics, or recycled materials, these plywood alternatives have been able to bridge the gaps that plywood cannot fill in. It is one of the leading shuttering alternatives because of its extra density than plywood and harder than particleboard. It was more expensive and performed worse for its intended use. The fact that plywood is made of different types of wood means that its possible for it to be made of both high-grade and inexpensive types of wood. Obviously not a smooth texture, though, so maybe not appropriate for OP's needs. Particleboard is one of the best plywood alternatives manufactured from wood chips, shavings, and sawdust that we blend with resins afterward. Compared to slabs of solid wood, plywood sheets can be made much larger. If youre in a house with wood framing youre likely standing on plywood thats below the top layer of flooring. It is significantly weaker than plywood while further lacking the rigidity and structural integrity of plywood. We also dont guarantee that its the best one, as we assume that all these brands use their own signature process and set of recycled materials. ready to have your mind expanded by the possibilities and taste a bit of the future before everyone else. Despite the resistance of plywood to expansion or shrinkage, prolonged exposure of plywood to water will almost certainly result in the sheets coming apart. Our Film Faced Plywood is one of the most reliable on the market. The EKO Ply sheet is one of the more popular examples of this product. MDF requires more care, as it can sag if not correctly supported. Plywood has been a staple of construction projects and furniture because of how inexpensive and versatile it is. Plywood has several advantages over solid wood; plywood is more stable, less likely to warp or bow over time, and costs less. Wax resin fiberboard can be sanded, stained or painted to match your decor, and it does not show scratches or dents like plywood. Thickness, quality and special treatment of the sheet are all factors in the price. Can you mount a Table Saw on a Miter Saw Stand? https://worstroom.com/plywood-alternatives/, https://3dinsider.com/lightweight-plywood-substitutes/, https://www.quora.com/What-is-a-substitute-for-plywood-in-making-furniture. The primary difference is that HDF uses exposed wood fibers that have been tightly compressed, making it stronger and denser than MDF. There are several uses of MDF, such as in flooring, wall coverings, and kitchen furniture. If youre looking for an affordable, yet durable material to use for your next home improvement project, plywood might be the wrong choice. Finally, although plywood may be more durable than MDF, there are options to purchase MDF that has been finished with wax and resin for added durability, should you be willing to make a small financial sacrifice. document.getElementById("ak_js_2").setAttribute("value",(new Date()).getTime()); I love diving into the latest and greatest in emerging technologies and seeing what they can do. Particle boards may look good because they have this characteristic wood particle finish, but they are mostly used for aesthetics and not for structural objects. The reinforced polyurethane board is just as suitable for structural and semi-structural works as any piece of plywood. Particle board is made up of thin layers glued together with an adhesive called formaldehyde resin, which makes it very durable. if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[336,280],'craftgecko_com-large-mobile-banner-2','ezslot_8',168,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-craftgecko_com-large-mobile-banner-2-0')}; Because particle board is the cheapest plywood alternative, its not surprising to find that it has some significant disadvantages when compared to plywood and other alternatives on this list: Consequently, while particleboard has a nice sheen and finish, it is one of the least versatile plywood alternatives, both aesthetically and for construction/building purposes. 3D Insider publishes news, tutorials, and reviews about the latest emerging tech. Your email address will not be published. Hardboard is an engineered wood product manufactured by pressing thin sheets of wood pulp together. -May not be suitable for projects in areas with extreme heat or cold temperatures. Its also remarkably lightweight and can have comparable durability if reinforced with fiberglass. Its great for specific purposes. Heres The Truth! It is strong, durable and water resistant making it ideal for use near areas prone to flooding or other natural disasters such as earthquakes where plywood might not hold up well over time due to its tendency to swell when wet. (7 Ideas), What Color Garage Door Goes with a Beige House? It is also more expensive than plywood, making it a less affordable option for some projects. The high pressure and heat make the bond very strong and durable for years. Although MDF is a fairly durable material, it still compares rather poorly to plywood. Despite the ubiquity of plywood, theres no material that cannot be replaced, especially with all the modern manufacturing methods we have nowadays. It is more expensive than plywood, which means it might not be cost effective in some applications where plywood would suffice just fine (such as building a shed). But if you dont want to or cant use plywood for some reason, dont worry; there are plenty of plywood alternatives available. -Installation is simple and does not require any special tools or skills. MDF is strong and durable, making it ideal for use in high-stress applications such as cabinets or furniture. Why would you want to replace plywood anyway? Finally, OSB is generally cheaper than plywood and the other plywood alternatives on this list.if(typeof ez_ad_units!='undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'craftgecko_com-leader-1','ezslot_1',167,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position!='undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-craftgecko_com-leader-1-0')}; Following on from the subject of environmentally sustainable plywood alternatives, we have EKO Ply. Although its possible to cheat with an artificial finish, nothing compares to the real thing. EKO Ply has this unusual but characteristic look defined by streaks of gray with a few patches of color. A place where people can come to learn and share their experiences of doing, building and fixing things on their own. Solid wood is plywoods main competitor. It is easy to purchase a Hardboard at your local hardware store. Although the strands are still considered wood scrap products, they are processed through specific methods to make them suitable for creating OSB boards. Lastly, theres particle board. It looks great when painted and is very easy to work with. Not many A bunch of plywood companies exists worldwide, but customers often wonder where to purchase the Film faced plywood prices never constantly remain the same. It has high strength but is very expensive for its high quality and durability. It is made with waterproof glue and unique treatments that make it resistant to rotting and swelling. LVL is suitable for beams, headers, and posts. A feature polyurethane board shares with plywood is that it is an extremely lightweight material while also surprisingly durable.