18mm Structural Hardwood Plywood Sheet 2440mm x 1220mm (8′ x 4′)

What Is 18mm Hardwood Plywood?

If you need strong and reliable support, consider using 18mm Structural Hardwood Plywood Sheets. These top-quality plywood sheets are perfect for load-bearing in flooring and roofing applications in various construction projects. They consist of multiple layers of thin veneer, with each layer rotated between 45 and 90 degrees to ensure that the wood grain runs in different directions. This cross-graining technique enhances the sheets’ strength, making them ideal for floors, walls, and roofs.

Not only are these sheets strong, but they also boast an appealing appearance. They feature a smooth sanded surface that can be painted or finished according to your preferred aesthetic. Additionally, these sheets are moisture-resistant, meeting the standards of EN636-2 and EN314-2. This makes them suitable for use in humid environments.

Please note that the color and finish of the plywood may vary slightly due to its natural characteristics.

18mm Hardwood Plywood Applications

When it comes to plywood, strength is a crucial factor to consider, especially in construction and other weight-bearing applications. Cross graining is a key characteristic that contributes to plywood’s strength.

The cross-layered timber veneered panel provides consistent strength and stability for both interior and exterior applications. It can be used for external wall panels and claddings, as long as all edges are properly sealed. If you require an exterior-grade plywood sheet, our Marine Plywood is the ultimate choice, offering exceptional strength and weatherproofing.

We recommend using Structural Hardwood Plywood in the following applications:

• Furniture
• Bath panelling
• Flooring
• Sheds
• Packing cases
• Storage boxes
• Trailer linings
• Interior vehicle building
• General joinery

Please keep in mind that plywood tends to absorb more paint than other wood products when used for furniture making.

Key Benefits of 18mm Plywood

While non-structural plywood is generally of good quality, it cannot match the strength and structural capabilities of structural plywood. There are several reasons why hardwood structural plywood remains a popular choice. Firstly, it is exceptionally strong and durable, capable of withstanding wear and tear, making it perfect for high-traffic areas. In addition to its strength and resilience, these Hardwood Plywood sheets offer numerous long-lasting benefits. Let’s explore some of them below:

• Versatility – 18mm plywood can be used in various general-purpose applications, both internally and externally (when properly sealed). These sheets are easy to work with, allowing for cutting, drilling, and shaping to meet your specific needs.
• Strength – The cross-graining manufacturing process provides a high strength-to-weight ratio and excellent impact resistance.
• Compliance – Our 18mm plywood adheres to the EN314-2 Class 2 glue and service class EN636 Class 2. It is also CE marked, ensuring its quality and reliability.
• Durability – Designed to resist warping and bending, these plywood sheets maintain their structural integrity over time.
• Appearance – With its appealing aesthetic and smooth sanded surface, plywood can provide a sleek finish when used for furniture, such as doors and cabinets.

The Manufacturing Process of 18mm Structural Hardwood Plywood

Hardwood Plywood is an engineered wood product created by slicing wood into thin veneers, which are then bonded together using resin adhesive in a process called cross graining. Cross graining involves arranging the grain of each plywood layer at right angles to the layer below it. This criss-cross pattern enhances the strength and rigidity of the plywood.

Cross graining is crucial for several reasons during the plywood manufacturing process:

• Weight Distribution – It helps distribute weight evenly across the material’s surface by having each layer support the one above it, preventing concentrated weight in one area.
• Warping Prevention – Cross graining reduces the likelihood of warping or deformation over time. When all the grain runs in the same direction, the plywood is prone to bowing or twisting. Alternating the grain direction minimizes warping, making it more resistant to deformation.
• Increased Strength – Cross graining provides plywood with added strength in both tension and compression, enabling it to withstand greater force without breaking or sagging.

WBP Plywood 18mm

“WBP Plywood” stands for “Weather and Boil Proof” plywood, referring to the type of glue used to bond the wood veneer layers together.

This terminology has been replaced by the EN314 and EN636 classifications, which define the adhesive’s bonding quality and the plywood’s performance standards. Our general-use hardwood birch plywood sheet materials, made from birch veneers, meet level 2 under these classifications. This means they are suitable for use in humid conditions and can be used outdoors if treated with an appropriate preserver and sealer.