Plywood is an engineered wood panel made from thin layers of wood veneer, called plies, that are glued together. The grain of each layer runs perpendicular to the adjacent layers, which gives the plywood strength and stability. An odd number of plies is generally used so that the surface layers have their grains running in the same direction, which reduces warping. Plywood is part of the family of manufactured boards, which includes medium-density fiberboard (MDF), oriented strand board (OSB), and particleboard.
Plywood offers advantages over natural wood, including dimensional stability and resistance to splitting. It's used in a wide array of applications, including construction, furniture making, cabinetry, and boat building. Softwood plywood, often made from cedar, Douglas fir, or pine, is typically used for construction and industrial purposes. Hardwood plywood, made from woods like oak, beech, or mahogany, is used for more demanding applications due to its strength and durability. Recent innovations in plywood technology include sustainable materials, formaldehyde-free adhesives, fire-resistant treatments, and the integration of smart features like charging ports and lighting. The global plywood market is projected to reach $66 billion by 2027.
