The importance of choosing the right material when it comes to carpentry or even construction cannot be overstated – in order to ensure the longevity and durability of your projects, it is absolutely imperative to choose the right plywood. It can directly affect the quality of your structure, its durability, its cost, as well as applications. It is important to take some time to think about the appropriate type of plywood to be used for your specific project.
Among a number of types of plywood in India, the one that sets itself apart by offering unmatched strength and versatility is Moisture-resistant or MR-grade plywood. Such plywood is known for its exceptional ability to withstand moisture in all types of applications, making your project a success. In this blog, we will dive into the world of MR-grade plywood, and understand its meaning, properties, and benefits.
What is MR-grade plywood?
Moisture Resistant Grade plywood is an engineered type of wood that is made by stacking a number of layers of wood veneers on top of each other using a phenolic formaldehyde adhesive that binds them together. This results in a unique structure that is sturdy enough to resist humidity in the atmosphere to a certain extent.
The process of manufacturing comprises thin wooden layers piling over each other at right angles, adhering them with the resin. This technique of cross-graining, along with enhancing the strength of the plywood, minimizes the risk of it breaking, twisting, or warping, thus ensuring that the structural integrity of the plywood stays intact in various types of environments. Many believe that MR grade plywood is moisture and waterproof plywood, but it is merely resistant to water along with moisture
Let’s talk about the properties of MR Grade Plywood
Moisture Resistance
It is needless to say the number one property of MR grade plywood that appeals to a number of people looking for the best plywood in India for their woodworking projects is the moisture
resistance it offers. While it is not entirely moisture-proof, it is known to withstand humidity for an extended period of time, making it apt for its application in interior projects.
Strength and durability
Moisture-resistant plywood is well-known for its resilience and longevity, which makes it an ideal choice for a number of applications, be it structural or non-structural. The innate stability and resistance to warping make it suitable to be used in carpentry, cabinetry, as well as interior paneling.
Workability
Of all the types of plywood in India, MR-grade plywood is known to be the easiest to work with – it can be easily cut, shaped, and drilled using regular tools used for woodworking, ensuring that intricate designs and personalisations can be done as per the requirements of the client. This, paired with its strength, makes it the perfect choice for a number of interior furniture projects.
Now let’s dive into the benefits of MR Grade Plywood
Cost-effectiveness
Moisture-resistant plywood, unlike its substitutes that also offer sufficient resistance to humidity such as BWP or Marine Grade Plywood, is more budget-friendly. Such cost-effectiveness makes it accessible to a wide array of projects, be it carpentry, interior design, or even construction.
Resistance to water
Along with being resistant to humidity, MR-grade plywood is also resistant to water to a certain extent. However, it is important to note that it is not waterproof plywood. The formaldehyde glue used in the process of its manufacturing grants it this nature, opening up a wide range of applicatory opportunities.
Ease of availability
Moisture-resistant grade plywood is available in the market easily, which makes this type of plywood a convenient option for furniture manufacturers, contractors, and other relevant people to procure. Because this plywood is easily and readily available, timely execution and completion of projects can be ensured without having to compromise on quality.
Versatility
Even though the MR-grade plywood is resistant to moisture, it still retains the adaptability and versatility of regular plywood. This means it retains its properties to be easily shaped and cut, making it an ideal choice among the diverse types of plywood in India for a variety of applications such as furniture making, flooring, interior construction, and more.
Applications of MR-grade plywood
As far as applications of MR-grade plywood are concerned, there are many – it is a popular choice for crafting furniture that is going to be used indoors. Other than that, its moisture-resistant nature makes it an ideal choice for crafting modular kitchen cabinets, as they can be prone to face steam and moisture from cooking on a daily basis. MR-grade plywood is also used in the construction of false ceilings as well as partitions, be it in a residential setting or a commercial one – its structural strength adds to its utility in such architectural elements. It is also used in wall paneling, as along with an aesthetic appeal, it also offers functional benefits.
Final thoughts
To sum it all up, MR-grade plywood is one of the best plywood in India that offers the perfect balance of strength, durability, versatility, workability, and most important of all, moisture resistance. These properties open up doors to a number of applications and benefits, making it a preferred choice to be used in carpentry, interior design, as well as construction projects.