Hey there! As a supplier of film faced plywood, I often get asked about the difference between film faced plywood and ordinary plywood. So, I thought I'd write this blog to clear up any confusion and give you a better understanding of these two types of plywood.
What is Ordinary Plywood?
Let's start with the basics. Ordinary plywood is made by gluing together multiple layers of thin wood veneers. These veneers are usually arranged with their grain directions perpendicular to each other, which gives the plywood strength and stability. It's a versatile material that's been around for ages and is used in a wide range of applications, like furniture making, interior decoration, and general construction.
The manufacturing process of ordinary plywood is relatively straightforward. The wood veneers are first cut from logs, then dried and treated to remove any moisture and prevent decay. After that, they're glued together under high pressure and heat to form a solid panel. The quality of ordinary plywood can vary depending on the type of wood used, the number of layers, and the quality of the glue.
What is Film Faced Plywood?
Now, let's talk about film faced plywood. It's also made from multiple layers of wood veneers, but the big difference is that it has a special film coating on one or both sides. This film is usually made of phenolic resin, which gives the plywood some unique properties.
The film coating on film faced plywood serves several purposes. First of all, it makes the plywood more resistant to water, moisture, and chemicals. This means it can be used in outdoor or wet environments without getting damaged easily. For example, it's commonly used in concrete formwork, where it comes into contact with wet concrete and needs to withstand the pressure and moisture.
Secondly, the film coating gives the plywood a smooth and durable surface. This makes it easier to clean and maintain, and it also reduces the friction between the plywood and the concrete, which helps in the demolding process. In addition, the smooth surface of film faced plywood can result in a better finish on the concrete surface.
Key Differences
1. Appearance
Ordinary plywood usually has a natural wood look, with the grain of the wood visible on the surface. The color and texture can vary depending on the type of wood used. On the other hand, film faced plywood has a smooth and uniform surface, thanks to the film coating. The film can come in different colors, but the most common ones are black and brown.
2. Durability
When it comes to durability, film faced plywood takes the lead. The film coating provides an extra layer of protection against water, moisture, and abrasion. This makes it more suitable for heavy - duty and long - term applications. Ordinary plywood, while strong, is more susceptible to damage from water and wear over time. For example, if you use ordinary plywood in a wet environment, it may start to warp, delaminate, or rot.
3. Water Resistance
As mentioned earlier, film faced plywood is highly water - resistant. The phenolic film coating acts as a barrier, preventing water from penetrating the wood. This is crucial in applications where the plywood will be exposed to water or moisture, such as in construction sites or outdoor projects. Ordinary plywood, however, is not as water - resistant. It can absorb water, which can lead to swelling, warping, and a decrease in strength.
4. Cost
Film faced plywood is generally more expensive than ordinary plywood. The cost of the film coating and the additional manufacturing processes involved in applying it contribute to the higher price. However, considering its durability and performance, it can be a cost - effective choice in the long run, especially for projects that require a high - quality and long - lasting material.
5. Applications
Ordinary plywood is commonly used in indoor applications such as furniture, cabinets, and wall paneling. It's also used in light - duty construction projects. Film faced plywood, on the other hand, is mainly used in construction, especially for concrete formwork. It's also used in shipbuilding, packaging, and other applications where water resistance and durability are important.
Our Film Faced Plywood Products
At our company, we offer a wide range of film faced plywood products. For example, we have 18mm Film Faced Plywood, which is a popular choice for concrete formwork. It has a thickness of 18mm, which provides excellent strength and stability. The phenolic film coating on this plywood ensures high water resistance and a smooth surface for easy demolding.
We also have Phenolic Film Faced Plywood 18mm. This product is made with high - quality phenolic resin film, which gives it superior performance in terms of water resistance, chemical resistance, and durability. It's suitable for both large - scale and small - scale construction projects.
Another product we offer is Film Face Shuttering Plywood. This plywood is specifically designed for shuttering applications in concrete construction. It has a smooth and strong surface that can withstand the pressure of wet concrete and provide a good finish on the concrete surface.
Why Choose Our Film Faced Plywood?
As a supplier, we take pride in offering high - quality film faced plywood products. Our plywood is made from carefully selected wood veneers and high - quality phenolic film, which ensures its performance and durability. We also have strict quality control measures in place to make sure that every sheet of plywood meets our standards.
In addition, we offer competitive prices and excellent customer service. Whether you're a small contractor or a large construction company, we can provide you with the right amount of film faced plywood at a reasonable price. Our team is always ready to answer your questions and help you with your procurement needs.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the main differences between film faced plywood and ordinary plywood lie in their appearance, durability, water resistance, cost, and applications. Film faced plywood is a great choice for projects that require water resistance, durability, and a smooth surface, especially in construction. If you're looking for high - quality film faced plywood for your next project, don't hesitate to contact us. We're here to help you find the best solution for your needs. Whether you have a small DIY project or a large - scale construction job, we can provide you with the right film faced plywood products. Let's start a conversation and see how we can work together to make your project a success!
References
- Wood Products Handbook: Wood as an Engineering Material, Forest Products Laboratory
- Construction Materials: Their Nature and Behaviour, John Newman and Barrie Chudley
