As one of the best-selling materials for construction and furniture in the country, plywood is classified into various grades. As per the grading system in India, the two major grades of plywood are BWP Plywood (Boiling Water Proof Grade Plywood) and MR Plywood (Moisture Resistant Plywood). To understand which type of plywood fits your purpose, we will explore the details of BWP and MR Grade Plywood in this blog.
First, let’s understand a few details about each type of plywood.
Boiling Water Proof or BWP Plywood
Also known as Marine Grade Plywood, BWP grade plywood is renowned for being highly resistant to water. It is known to withstand boiling water of 100°C for more than 72 hours without causing damage to the plywood. It is extensively used in making furniture for home, work, as well as outdoors. Made from phenolic resins, such plywood is completely water-proof and can be used in both dry and wet settings. Thanks to its prolonged capacity for exposure to humidity as well as water with zero delamination or fungal attacks, it can stand strong against a variety of atmospheric conditions without cracking.
Many times, BWP Plywood is used in making kitchen and bathroom furniture, the surface of which is exposed to water a lot. Attached by high-quality adhesives, it gets its strength and resistance to water from its materials such as undiluted resins. With its anti-warp nature, this plywood can resist wet and dry situations. Such plywood has the BIS(ISI) specification of IS:710 which denotes that it is a marine grade plywood and can withstand water and humidity – this means thermal expansion and contraction are not a problem anymore when you choose BWP Plywood.
MR (Moisture Resistant) grade plywood
Made from hardwood timber for its strength, MR grade plywood or Moisture Resistant Plywood is used for making sturdy furniture such as doors, chairs, cabinets, tables, and more. However, it is largely avoided if the furniture is expected to be directly exposed to water or weather for a long time. Out of the various types of plywood in India, a number of people go for Moisture Resistant Grade Plywood for making indoor furniture thanks to its high internal density.
It is a popular choice for furniture in humid areas as its moisture-resistant nature and warping property add to its longevity. This is the reason why many people who can influence construction decisions such as architects, contractors, interior designers, and more go for MR-grade plywood.
The decision of which type of plywood to choose is a crucial one. Let’s understand the comparison between BWP and MR-grade plywood to make an informed decision.
Water Resistance
To find out which is the best plywood board for your needs, one of the most important considerations is its resistance to water. While Boiling Water Proof or BWP-grade plywood is considered to have the highest water resistance and is completely waterproof, Moisture Resistant Plywood or MR-grade Plywood can resist normal water levels and moisture. BWP-grade plywood can withstand a variety of weather conditions and still not get delaminated or affected by fungus, whereas MR-grade plywood can be safely used where levels of moisture and humidity are high.
Strength
When we talk about strength, BWP Plywood is the winner as it is known to be the strongest player in the market. Deriving its strength from a number of sheets stacked carefully over each other and glued with the highest quality of adhesives, furniture made from this plywood is robust and sturdy and lasts long. While MR plywood is also strong and durable, it is not equal to BWP-grade plywood. However, MR plywood can be utilized in making indoor furniture that is not susceptible to any wetness of any sort – keeping it dry can make it last longer!
Price
One of the biggest considerations a lot of people have is how much they have to spend, which is fair. If we talk about BWP Plywood Price, it is the highest since it offers benefits that are at par with its cost, providing excellent value for money. MR grade plywood is found to be 20% inexpensive compared to BWP grade plywood.
Resistance to Termites
Termites and bugs are a real concern when it comes to wooden furniture – they can eat away your wood without you even realizing it. To tackle this issue, BWP-grade plywood is infused with toxins that make the ply highly resistant to borer and termites. They are not harmful to any other animals or humans in any way. Similarly, MR-grade plywood is also known to have a high resistance to termites and other bugs because of the adhesives used and additives applied on the same.
Final thoughts
In conclusion, it is clear that both Boiling Water Proof Grade and Moisture Resistant Grade Plywood have their respective characteristics, features, and benefits. While BWP Plywood is developed specifically to withstand water, it is ideal for outdoor as well as naval applications. On the other hand, MR plywood is better suited for furniture that is kept indoors. Marine plywood price is on the higher end, whereas MR plywood is comparatively cheaper. Your decision of which plywood to choose should be based on the application, the requirement of water or moisture resistance and termite protection you need, as well as budget. Choose wisely, choose Wigwam Ply!