Plywood is a strong, flexible and versatile material that can be used in any form of construction. Its thickness is one of the deciding factors to consider when selecting the right plywood for a specific project. This thickness helps in determining the strength, weight, and the kind of projects they can be used in.
Understanding Plywood Thickness
Plywood comes in a variety of thickness ranging from 2mm to 30mm. Commonly used plywood thickness is between 6mm to 18mm.
Thin Plywood (2mm to 6mm):Thin ply is light and finds its applications in curved surfaces or lightweight decorative pieces requiring less strength. They are used as decorative panels, especially small furniture parts.
Medium Plywood (7mm to 12mm): This plywood thickness is used in strength-to-weight criteria within a set range, medium plywood finds its application in furniture building up from cabinets and tables to shelves. The further employment may be of wall paneling and partitions.
Thick Plywood (13mm and above): Thick plywood is strong and is used for load-carrying activities such as flooring, roofing or structural work. They have load bearing capacity compared to thinner ones.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Plywood Thickness
Application and Purpose
Always evaluate the application when choosing the plywood thickness. When making furniture like bookshelves or cabinets, 12mm plywood would be ideal considering its durability and weight. Thicker options like 18mm and 25mm are ideal for flooring or subflooring where more strength and stability is required.
Load-Bearing Capacity
If the project requires support and load bearing capacity, one needs to go for thicker plywood that bears weight or is subjected to heavy use. For example, if one is making a countertop or a deck, using 18mm or 25mm plywood ensures it can bear that weight without warping or bending.
Flexibility
Some projects require more flexibility like curves or intricate designs. In such cases, a thinner plywood is recommended, maybe 3mm or 6mm. Thin plywood is softer, easier to mould and can be used in creative applications
Moisture Resistance and Stability
Moisture resistance and stability also depend on plywood thickness. Plywood of greater thickness has higher dimensional stability and is less likely to warp or swell in moist conditions and is more durable. If the project is to be done outdoors or areas with continuous presence of moisture like kitchen and bathroom, make use of thicker plywood.
Weight Considerations
The weight of plywood depends upon its thickness. Thicker plywood is heavier and is more difficult to handle or assemble when assembling DIY projects.
Need for visual appeal
Depending on the desired aesthetics and visual appeal, plywood thickness can be chosen. A thick plywood creates a full, chunky look whereas thinner plywood is suitable for applications that require a slim profile like drawer bottoms or cabinets’ back panels.
Common Plywood Thicknesses and Their Uses
3mm Plywood: The decorative works, craftwork, and curved surfaces would look best when done with 3mm plywood.
6mm Plywood: It is used for partitioning, lightweight furniture, or back panels of cabinets.
9mm Plywood: This plywood has versatile thickness and can be used in shelving units, wall paneling, or smaller furniture pieces.
12mm Plywood: This thickness of plywood has a perfect blend of strength, flexibility and can be used in cabinet, wardrobe, and partition construction.
8mm Plywood: Load-bearing structures made from this plywood include countertops, flooring, and stairs.
25mm Plywood: This type of plywood is best suited for heavy-duty applications like sub-flooring, roof sheathing, or major structural projects.
Stability Test: In case the manufacturer permits, check the stability of the plywood with pressure or applying some weight for its strength and resistance of bending.
Account for Finishing: It is essential to remember that after finishing or sanding, plywood can become a little thinner. Evaluate the project and the exact thickness desired and go for slightly thicker material to be on a safer side.
Plywood thickness is an essential aspect when choosing the right plywood suited for a project. Evaluating aspects of thickness desired, road requirement, and environmental conditions, it will help select the ply that would be ideal in terms of its durability, strength, and aesthetic requirements.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is the general thickness of plywood in building cabinets?
The general thickness used for cabinets of plywood measures at about 12mm. This thickness is strong enough for use in cabinet sides, shelves, and doors but is light enough for easy handling and installation.
2. Is 6mm plywood suitable for furniture construction?
While 6mm plywood is okay for non-load-bearing furniture parts like drawer bottoms or cabinet backs, it should not be used in places where the plywood acts as a structural part or a support surface where it has to bear weight.
3. How thick should the plywood for flooring be?
It is advisable to use plywood with a thickness of 18mm or 25mm for flooring. This helps in load bearing, handling pressure and heavy usage without cracking or bending.
4. Is thick plywood better for an outdoor project?
It is believed that thicker plywood is more stable and stronger. But no matter how thick it is, it is important that the plywood is treated well and is suitable for exposure to moisture and durability.
5. Can one use thin plywood to produce curved surfaces?
The flexibility of 2mm to 6mm thin plywood to bend without breaking and cracking makes it ideal for creative purposes involving curved surfaces and intricate designs.
