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What Are The Different Types Of Plywood Available In India?

  • December 8, 2025

Have you ever looked at your home furniture and wondered what gives it the strength to last for years? Whether it is your modular kitchen, wardrobe, study table or office furniture, one silent material plays the biggest role: plywood.

Across India, the demand for long-lasting and versatile furniture is constantly growing due to changing lifestyle needs, humidity variations, and functional design trends. This makes it important to understand the different types of plywood in India. Choosing the right plywood is not only a matter of cost but also durability and performance.

Let’s simplify the world of plywood so you can make confident decisions for your interiors or construction needs.

What Exactly Is Plywood?

Plywood is an engineered wooden sheet composed of thin layers of wood (veneers) arranged in a cross-bonded pattern and glued together under heat and pressure. This unique construction:

  • Makes plywood stronger than natural wood
  • Enhances resistance to bending or warping
  • Provides long-lasting support to furniture
  • Makes it more affordable than solid timber

Real Example: If you are getting a wardrobe made for a humid location like Chennai or Mumbai, plywood handles moisture much better than natural wood which may crack or warp over time.

Pro Tip: Always check for uniform thickness, no visible gaps, and a smooth finish. These signs usually indicate superior quality plywood.

Types of Plywood Used in India

1. Hardwood Plywood

Made using hardwoods like oak, birch or maple, hardwood plywood is heavy, strong and ideal for furniture meant to support weight.

Best Applications:

  • Bed frames
  • Sofa structures
  • Dining tables
  • Heavy storage cabinets

Pro Tip: For furniture expected to carry heavy loads or frequent use, hardwood plywood is a wise choice.


2. Softwood Plywood

Softwood plywood is manufactured using woods like pine, spruce or cedar. It is lighter and mainly used for structural purposes, not visible furniture.

Best Applications:

  • Roofing structures
  • Construction basework
  • Wall sheathing
  • Industrial packaging

Pro Tip: Use softwood plywood where strength matters more than aesthetics.


3. Sanded Plywood

Sanded plywood comes with a smooth and polished surface on both sides. It is ideal when the plywood will remain visible or needs a fine finish.

Best Applications:

  • Wall shelves
  • Paneling
  • Bookshelves
  • Study tables

Pro Tip: If you plan to apply laminate, veneer or paint directly, sanded plywood is an excellent choice.


4. Structural Plywood

Structural plywood is built for performance rather than appearance. It is strong and durable but has a rough finish.

Best Applications:

  • Flooring base
  • Beams
  • Framing
  • Substructures

Pro Tip: Avoid using structural plywood where aesthetics matter, as it is not designed to look polished.


5. Decorative Plywood

Decorative plywood comes with laminates, veneers or printed surfaces that provide stylish designs. It combines durability with aesthetics.

Best Applications:

  • Designer wardrobes
  • Wall panels
  • Premium furniture
  • TV units

Pro Tip: Decorative plywood is ideal for modern homes where strength and design both matter.


6. Blockboard

Blockboard is made using solid wood strips placed between plywood sheets. It is lightweight, strong and highly resistant to bending, especially in long applications.

Best Applications:

  • Doors
  • Long bookshelves
  • Work tables
  • Room partitions

Pro Tip: For large doors or long shelves, blockboard is better than standard plywood because it does not bend easily.

Types of Plywood Offered by AceTuff Ply

AceTuff Ply manufactures performance-driven plywood designed to suit Indian weather conditions and long-term furniture needs.

MR Grade Plywood (Moisture Resistant)

Also known as Commercial Plywood, MR grade plywood resists humidity and moderate moisture. Ideal for most interior furniture.

Best Applications:

  • Office furniture
  • Bedroom furniture
  • TV units
  • Cabinets away from water

AceTuff Ply WIN MR Features:

  • Made using seasoned hardwood
  • Enhanced strength due to additional ply layers
  • Water resistant with a 5-year warranty
  • Eco-friendly production
  • Long-lasting durability at a cost-effective rate

Pro Tip: Use MR Grade plywood in dry areas of the home such as bedrooms and living rooms.

BWR Grade Plywood (Boiling Water Resistant)

BWR plywood is manufactured using phenol formaldehyde adhesive, offering high water resistance. It is suitable for areas exposed to occasional moisture.

Best Applications:

  • Kitchen cabinets
  • Bathroom storage units
  • Dining furniture

Pro Tip: For moderate moisture exposure, BWR is more reliable than MR Grade plywood.

BWP Grade Plywood (Boiling Water Proof)

BWP grade plywood is the most durable and water-resistant type of plywood. It withstands prolonged water exposure and is ideal for wet and coastal areas.

Best Applications:

  • Kitchen near sink
  • Bathroom vanities
  • Outdoor furniture
  • Coastal regions

AceTuff Ply Architect Ply Features:

  • 100% waterproof
  • Manufactured from premium hardwood species
  • Treated with GLP technology for termite and borer resistance
  • Warp-free and gap-free construction
  • Lifetime warranty
  • Fire-retardant composition for enhanced safety

AceTuff Ply Club Prime Features:

  • BWP waterproof strength
  • 25-year warranty
  • Firewall fire-retardant technology
  • Suitable for kitchens and moisture-prone areas

Pro Tip: Choose BWP Grade plywood when long-term durability and complete water protection is your priority.

Which Type of Plywood Is Best?

Below is a practical comparison to help you choose the right plywood:

RequirementRecommended TypeReason
Long-lasting premium furnitureHardwood / DecorativeStrong and visually appealing
Kitchens and wet areasBWPComplete water resistance
Large doors or long shelvesBlockboardPrevents bending
Budget interior projectsMR GradeAffordable and durable
Construction and structural workSoftwood / StructuralStrong for framing and basework

Final Conclusion

Plywood selection is not just a purchase decision but an investment in durability, safety and long-lasting aesthetics. With trusted manufacturers like AceTuff Ply, you get premium quality plywood built to withstand Indian climatic conditions, ensuring that your furniture remains strong and beautiful for years.

To explore plywood options for home interiors, office furniture or commercial use, choosing AceTuff Ply is a smart decision backed by engineered performance and reliable protection.

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