Modern furnishing is not complete without using plywood keeping in mind it is flexible, economical, and can manage even harsh temperatures. Being a staple material in the interior design industry, plywood has advanced over years with various types, grades, thicknesses and sizes. The two most common types that are widely used for décor and aesthetic use during interior design are BWP and BWR plywood. Both the plywood types contribute well to the appearance, look, feel and quality aspects of the home. Getting to know the differences between BWP plywood and BWR Plywood can make one choose the suitable and perfect material needed for the furniture. Let’s understand what sort of plywood are they. How are they different? Read further. This blog is here to answer all the unanswered questions! We will see how these two commonly opted plywood variants have different properties to help select the best suited for the project.
BWP and BWR both plywood are engineered (man-made) products which are made by gluing the layers of thin sheets of wood veneers together at super high pressure and temperature.
Advantages of Plywood over Solid wood
Plywood is thoroughly water-resistant so it is used to make outdoor and kitchen fittings. It is much cheaper than solid and pure original wood that can be made, modified and changed the design easily.
The quality of crafting furniture always depends on the quality of plywood. It is available in different grades and varieties in the retail market, and every plywood grade is used to produce different kinds of furniture. The firmness of each grade is dependent on the layers of the wood strip stacked up to form the plywood. A lot of options of wood including oak, pine, spruce, maple, fir, etc. are used in creating a plywood sheet.
BWP and BWR, The two different grades used for waterproof plywood.
Most buyers get confused with the two terms of plywood. Firstly let’s understand the terms, BWR stands for boiling water resistant grade plywood whereas BWP stands for boiling waterproof grade plywood. Theoretically, there is a very small difference between the technology and treatment used to produce each plywood. The glue utilized to manufacture every plywood is synthetic, plastic, resin i.e. phenol formaldehyde which is actually better than urea formaldehyde resin used to create MR-grade commercial plywood.
In simple terms, BWP and BWR are plywood standards that are set by the government. All factories producing plywood, need to meet assured quality and tests. Also, the process of manufacturing too is fixed. And therefore one should set standards for each BWP and BWR grade plywood.
BWR plywood is also made in Garjan wood which is an imported wood or sometimes made from popular Indian species wood. In the Plywood Industry, BWR grading is used to grade plywood while BWP grade is used to mark block boards or ply-boards.
What is BWP Plywood?
Boiling waterproof plywood the name itself speaks for itself that this type of plywood can withstand any moist or humid environment. Such plywood is perfect for creating wardrobes, kitchen cabinets, under-basin storage, washroom cabinet, and many more. Other areas of the house such as the kitchen and washroom are prone to water and moisture, whereas marine grade ply can stand such a kind of environment without damage or deterioration.
Durability is one of the most important reasons people choose this ply. 3 to 4 veneers are mostly glued together with strong adhesive to get better quality and increase longevity. Phenolic glue and melamine glue both are used in making such plywood sheets. Suppose melamine glue is not added for formation, it can stand boiling water for 8 hours at one stretch without damage. A good glue quality can withstand the pressure for longer.
Features
BWP plywood can resist high temperatures and extreme moisture
Preservatives and chemical components are kept free from pests and termite
It can withstand boiling water, harsh climate, and dry heat
All weather conditions due to its strength as also managed
What is BWR Plywood?
Boiling water-resistant plywood can combat water, making it the best choice for home and office furnishing. This warp-free ply is apt because of its firm bonding and great quality phenolic resins. Advanced technology and chemicals are used on the surface core layer to make sure the ply is away from pests and termites. This ply is known as it has zero surface core gaps.
Features
Ideal and perfect for humid climatic conditions
Apt for furnishing indoor, semi-outdoor, and outdoor purposes
BWR plywood is perfect for its super-strong bonding
A zero surface core gaps and warp-free plywood
The water-resistant technology is better than moisture-resistant (MR) graded ply
The core layer of BWR plywood uses many chemicals making it free from termite
Final thoughts
Homeowners mostly are confused when deciding between BWP plywood and BWR plywood to create their furnishing products. One simple thing is that BWR stands for a waterproof exterior grade, and BWP represents an exterior grade waterproof block board.
Both these materials provide quality and durability. Depending on the furniture type, furnishing placement, pricing, and other relevant factors, select the apt type of plywood for the next upcoming project.
