Plywood - Decorative
EUROPEAN BIRCH PLYWOOD (STANDARD)
Gen-Eco's European Birch plywood is a multi-layered plywood panel manufactured from 1.5mm thick veneers which produce a panel of uniform appearance. It is produced from slow growing plantation logs sourced across the northern hemisphere from Russia to Scandinavia. The slow growth produces veneer that is close-grained and of a consistent high quality.
2440mm B/BB Multiply - Long-grain Rotary Veneer
High quality rotary veneer is used for the face and back of this plywood and it is constructed with a multiply construction. Multiply is a term used to describe that the plywood is produced with the same thickness veneers throughout resulting in a stable product which is also visibly appealing.
Applications
- Wall & Ceiling panels – Solid, Slotted or Perforated
- Cabinetry and Joinery
- Shopfitting
- Furniture using Multi-Ply edge as a feature
Resistance to temperature variation – (-40°C to +50°C)
Sustainable Resource
Density – 640 / 700kg/m³
Glue Bond – ‘A’ Bond Phenol Formaldehyde
High Quality Faces – B/BB
F17/22 Structural Grading available on request
| 2440 x 1220 x 1.5mm | 80 | 3.2kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 3mm | 65 | 6.5kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 4mm | 44 | 8.3kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 6mm | 65 | 12.5kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 9mm | 44 | 18.8kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 12mm | 33 | 25.0kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 15mm | 26 | 31.3kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 18mm | 22 | 37.5kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 24mm | 16 | 50.0kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 30mm | 12 | 62.6kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 36mm | 12 | 75.0kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 40mm | 12 | 83.4kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 48mm | 12 | 99.8kg |
EUROPEAN BIRCH PLYWOOD (JUMBO)
3050mm A/B Multiply - Long-grain Rotary Spliced Veneer
Gen-Eco long band A/B Birch is the only long band 100% Birch Plywood available in Australia. The face and back are spliced rotary veneers. The A face of the 1220mm sheet has a maximum
of 6 leaves per face whilst the 1530mm sheet has a maximum of 8 leaves.
These panels are suitable for clear finished wall and ceiling panels and all joinery applications where traditional cross-banded (4 x 8) panels would be used.
Applications
- Wall & Ceiling panels – Solid, Slotted or Perforated
- Cabinetry and Joinery
- Shopfitting
- Furniture using Multi-Ply edge as a feature
Resistance to temperature variation – (-40°C to +50°C)
Sustainable Resource
Density – 640 / 700kg/m³
Glue Bond – ‘A’ Bond Phenol Formaldehyde
High Quality Faces – A/B and B/BB
F17/22 Structural Grading available on request
| 3050 x 1220 x 6mm | 55 | 15.6kg |
| 3050 x 1220 x 9mm | 44 | 23.4kg |
| 3050 x 1220 x 12mm | 33 | 31.2kg |
| 3050 x 1220 x 15mm | 26 | 39.0kg |
| 3050 x 1220 x 18mm | 22 | 46.8kg |
| 3050 x 1220 x 24mm | 16 | 62.5kg |
| 3050 x 1220 x 30mm | 30 | 78.0kg |
| 3050 x 1530 x 6mm | 55 | 19.5kg |
| 3050 x 1530 x 9mm | 44 | 29.3kg |
| 3050 x 1530 x 12mm | 33 | 39.0kg |
| 3050 x 1530 x 15mm | 26 | 49.0kg |
| 3050 x 1530 x 18mm | 22 | 58.7kg |
| 3050 x 1530 x 24mm | 16 | 78.2kg |
| 3050 x 1530 x 30mm | 30 | 97.9kg |
EUROPEAN BIRCH PLYWOOD with Clear Melamine Finish
As the name suggests, our high-grade Birch plywood has been produced with a clear melamine finish on both sides of the panel. This process provides a cost advantage over the traditional method of coating with a polyurethane coating. In conjunction with a matching ABS edging, this will allow our plywood to be used for kitchen cupboard doors due to a higher stability.
Applications
- Wall & Ceiling panels – Solid, Slotted or Perforated
- Cabinetry and Joinery Doors
- Shopfitting
Resistance to temperature variation – (-40°C to +50°C)
Sustainable Resource
Density – 640 / 700kg/m³
Glue Bond – ‘A’ Bond Phenol Formaldehyde
High Quality Faces with clear Melamine Overlay
| 2440 x 1220 x 6mm | 65 | 12.5kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 9mm | 44 | 18.8kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 12mm | 33 | 25.0kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 15mm | 26 | 31.3kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 18mm | 22 | 37.5kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 24mm | 16 | 50.0kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 30mm | 12 | 62.6kg |
EUROPEAN BIRCH PLYWOOD (B/BB FURNITURE GRADE)
This plywood is a budget version of our high-grade B/BB. The only variation between the two products is the thickness of the face veneer. Furniture grade has a thinner veneer of 0.5mm compared to 1.5mm in the higher grade. This plywood has the same multi-ply construction and long grain rotary face and back.
Applications
- Overlaying with timber veneers and decorative laminates
- Shelving highlighting Multi-Ply edge detail
- Furniture and Shopfitting
Resistance to temperature variation – (-40°C to +50°C)
Sustainable Resource
Density – 640 / 700kg/m³
Glue Bond – ‘A’ Bond Phenol Formaldehyde
F17/22 Structural Grading available on request
| 2440 x 1220 x 4mm | 80 | 8.3kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 6mm | 65 | 12.5kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 9mm | 44 | 18.8kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 12mm | 33 | 25.0kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 15mm | 26 | 31.3kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 18mm | 22 | 37.5kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 24mm | 16 | 50.0kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 30mm | 12 | 62.6kg |
HOOP PINE PLYWOOD
Gen-Eco's Hoop Pine plywood is a multi-layered plywood panel manufactured from 1.5mm thick veneers which produce a panel of uniform appearance.
Hoop Pine is native to the forests of southeast QLD and northern NSW. Hoop Pine logs produce a warm light toned veneer that has been specified by architects and designers for decades. Typically, Hoop Pine Plywood is used as an appearance grade for applications such as wall and ceiling linings and high-end joinery.
Applications
- Wall & Ceiling panels – Solid, Slotted or Perforated
- Cabinetry and Joinery
- Shopfitting
Resistance to temperature variation – (-40°C to +50°C)
Sustainable Resource
Density – 550 / 650kg/m³
Glue Bond – ‘A’ Bond Phenol Formaldehyde
High Quality Faces – AC and BB
| 2440 x 1220 x 1.5mm | 25 | 2.7kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 3mm | 25 | 5.4kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 6.5mm | 25 | 11.6kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 9.5mm | 25 | 16.4kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 12.5mm | 25 | 21.6kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 16mm | 25 | 27.6kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 18mm | 20 | 31.1kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 25mm | 10 | 43.2kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 30mm | 10 | 51.8kg |
Plywood – Lightweight
BALSA BANOVA PLYWOOD
Gen-Eco Balsa Banova Plywood is the world’s lightest plywood panel, made from forestry managed balsa veneer.
Balsa Banova Plywood is only available in Australia from Gen-Eco Environmental Wood Products.
Balsa Banova Plywood offers minimal weight with high stability. It offers weight reduction of between 50-70% in comparison to conventional wood panels.
This quality lightweight plywood offers high thermal insulation, lamination abilities plus being a sustainable resource.
Applications:
- Interior cabinetry for Caravan/RV vehicles
- Shopfitting/Exhibition Displays
- Overlaying with digital print, timber veneers and decorative laminates
- Ceiling Bulkheads
Sustainable Resource
Glue Bond – Formaldehyde Free DIN EN 314 WBP
Non-Structural Applications
Density – 240 kg/m³
| 2440 x 1220 x 12mm | 89 | 9.0kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 15mm | 76 | 11.2kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 18mm | 63 | 13.4kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 25mm | 40 | 18.6kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 50mm | 20 | 37.2kg |
| 3050 x 1220 x 50mm | 20 | 46.5kg |
FALCATA LIGHTWEIGHT PLYWOOD
Our Falcata lightweight plywood is approximately 350kg/m³ which is about half the weight of a typical pine plywood. Manufactured with a Falcata core and hardwood face and back, this plywood is ideal for overlay with paper or laminate. With a MUF glue-line, Falcata is suitable for internal applications only. The face colour can vary from blonde, brown or red.
Applications:
- Interior cabinetry for Caravan/RV vehicles
- Shopfitting/Exhibition Displays
- Overlaying with digital print, timber veneers and decorative laminates
- Ceiling Bulkheads
Sustainable Resource
Glue Bond – Melamine Urea Formaldehyde (Interior Use only)
Density – 350 kg/m³
Non-Structural Applications
| 2440 x 1220 x 2.7mm | 380 | 3.2kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 3.6mm | 295 | 4.3kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 6mm | 150 | 7.2kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 9mm | 110 | 10.8kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 12mm | 83 | 14.3kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 15mm | 63 | 17.9kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 18mm | 54 | 21.5kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 25mm | 40 | 29.8kg |
| 2745 x 1220 x 9mm | 110 | 12.0kg |
| 2745 x 1220 x 12mm | 83 | 16.0kg |
| 2745 x 1220 x 15mm | 63 | 20.0kg |
| 2745 x 1220 x 18mm | 54 | 24.1kg |
| 3660 x 1220 x 12mm | 83 | 21.4kg |
| 3660 x 1220 x 15mm | 63 | 26.7kg |
| 3660 x 1220 x 18mm | 54 | 32.1kg |
Plywood - Hardwood
EUROPEAN BIRCH PLYWOOD (OVERLAY GRADE)
This plywood is designed for applications where a quality ply is required but where the surface will be overlaid with another material such as laminate or timber veneers. Available in BB/CP and CP/CP face and backs, this plywood has ‘cross-banded’ faces which means the veneer runs in the opposite direction of traditional plywood.
Applications
- Overlaying with timber veneers and decorative laminates
- Shelving highlighting Multi-Ply edge detail
- Furniture and Shopfitting
Resistance to temperature variation – (-40°C to +50°C)
Sustainable Resource
Density – 640 / 700kg/m³
Glue Bond – ‘A’ Bond Phenol Formaldehyde
| 1220 x 2440 x 4mm | 80 | 8.3kg |
| 1220 x 2440 x 6mm | 65 | 12.5kg |
| 1220 x 2440 x 9mm | 44 | 18.8kg |
| 1220 x 2440 x 12mm | 33 | 25.0kg |
| 1220 x 2440 x 15mm | 26 | 31.3kg |
| 1220 x 2440 x 18mm | 22 | 37.5kg |
| 1220 x 2440 x 24mm | 16 | 50.0kg |
| 1220 x 2440 x 30mm | 12 | 62.6kg |
| 1220 x 3050 x 6mm | 55 | 15.6kg |
| 1220 x 3050 x 9mm | 44 | 23.4kg |
| 1220 x 3050 x 12mm | 33 | 31.2kg |
| 1220 x 3050 x 15mm | 26 | 39.0kg |
| 1220 x 3050 x 18mm | 22 | 46.8kg |
| 1220 x 3050 x 24mm | 16 | 62.5kg |
| 1220 x 3050 x 30mm | 30 | 78.0kg |
| 1530 x 3050 x 6mm | 55 | 19.5kg |
| 1530 x 3050 x 9mm | 44 | 29.3kg |
| 1530 x 3050 x 12mm | 33 | 39.0kg |
| 1530 x 3050 x 15mm | 26 | 49.0kg |
| 1530 x 3050 x 18mm | 22 | 58.7kg |
| 1530 x 3050 x 24mm | 16 | 78.2kg |
| 1530 x 3050 x 30mm | 30 | 97.9kg |
F17 C/C HARDWOOD STRUCTURAL – WBP AS2269 Cross Band
This certified structural plywood has Birch cross band faces with a eucalypt core.
All panels are glue line treated to H1 against borer attack. Face & back faces are C grade.
Applications
- Projects requiring a Structural Rating
- Wall Lining (as bracing)
- Stair Treads
- Hoarding on building sites
- Truck Bodies
Sustainable Resource
Density – 650kg/m³
Glue Bond – ‘A’ Bond Phenol Formaldehyde
H1 protection against insect attack (not termites)
| 2400 x 1200 x 6mm | 11.2kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 9mm | 16.8kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 12mm | 22.5kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 15mm | 28.0kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 17mm | 31.8kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 18mm | 33.7kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 21mm | 39.3kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 25mm | 46.8kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 30mm | 56.1kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 40mm | 74.9kg |
| 2745 x 1220 x 12mm | 26.1kg |
| 2745 x 1220 x 15mm | 32.6kg |
| 2745 x 1220 x 18mm | 39.1kg |
| 2745 x 1220 x 25mm | 54.4kg |
| 3050 x 1220 x 6mm | 14.5kg |
| 3050 x 1220 x 9mm | 21.7kg |
| 3050 x 1220 x 12mm | 29.0kg |
| 3050 x 1220 x 15mm | 36.2kg |
| 3050 x 1220 x 18mm | 43.5kg |
| 3050 x 1220 x 25mm | 60.5kg |
BB/CC HARDWOOD EXTERIOR CERTIFIED PLYWOOD
Gen-Eco's BB/CC Grade Hardwood Exterior Plywood is manufactured from mixed hardwood veneers which can vary in colour from light pink to dark brown.
The plywood is often referred to as WBP (water boil proof). This is in reference to the test applied to the glue-line after manufacture where samples are subjected to a 72 hour test in boiling water. Both front and back faces are sanded. BB/CC is classed as a non-structural plywood however it is quite strong due to the hardwood veneers used.
Applications
- Shopfitting
- Kitchen Cabinetry
- Substrate for stainless steel benches
- Ceiling and Wall lining
Sustainable Resource
Density – 550kg/m³
Glue Bond – ‘A’ Bond Phenol Formaldehyde
Non-Structural Applications
| 2440 x 1220 x 3.6mm | 250 | 5.6kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 6mm | 150 | 9.4kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 9mm | 100 | 14.0kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 12mm | 75 | 18.7kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 15mm | 60 | 23.5kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 18mm | 50 | 28.1kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 25mm | 36 | 39.2kg |
| 2745 x 1220 x 3.6mm | 150 | 6.3kg |
| 3050 x 1220 x 3.6mm | 150 | 7.1kg |
| 3050 x 1530 x 3.6mm | 150 | 8.8kg |
BS 1088 Marine Plywood
BS 1088 Marine Plywood has become a world-wide recognised standard for high quality plywood. The term BS stands for British Standard. This is an international standard for high quality plywood produced anywhere in the world, but it must be produced to this standard. BS 1088 Marine is produced using hardwood veneers and can vary in colour from pink, brown and light red.
Applications
- Shopfitting
- Kitchen Cabinetry
- Substrate for stainless steel benches
- Ceiling and Wall lining
Sustainable Resource
Density – 700kg/m³
Glue Bond – ‘A’ Bond Phenol Formaldehyde
Non-Structural Applications
| 2440 x 1220 x 6mm | 150 | 11.4kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 9mm | 100 | 17.4kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 12mm | 75 | 25.6kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 15mm | 60 | 30.0kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 18mm | 50 | 36.7kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 25mm | 36 | 52.5kg |
F17 Structural Formply & Non-Structural Film Face Plywood
Structural Formply is designed to support poured concrete during the curing process. It has to withstand the immense weight at this stage. Non-Structural Film Face may look like Formply, but under no circumstances should it be used to support concrete. This product is Non-Structural and is suitable for use where load is not being exerted.
Applications F17 Formply
- Formwork (supporting concrete whilst curing)
Applications Non-Structural Film Face
- Tabletops (cafes and restaurants)
- Desks and Cabinets
F17 Structural Formply
| 1800 x 1200 x 17mm | 25.7kg | |
| 2400 x 1200 x 12mm | 61 | 24.2kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 17mm | 43 | 34.3kg |
Non-Structural Film Face
| 2440 x 1220 x 12mm | 61 | 18.5kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 17mm | 43 | 27.6kg |
PLYWOOD DOOR SKINS
Plywood door skins are used for the face and back of flush panel doors. Produced from hardwood veneers, this ply is suitable for doors requiring a high-quality paint finish.
Applications:
- Door faces requiring a high-quality paint finish
Sustainable Resource
Density – 525kg/m³
Glue Bond – ‘A’ Bond Phenol Formaldehyde
Non-Structural Applications
| 2135 x 938 x 3.6mm | 190 | 3.78kg |
| 2440 x 938 x 3.6mm | 190 | 4.32kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 3.6mm | 190 | 5.65kg |
| 2745 x 1220 x 3.6mm | 190 | 6.3kg |
| 3050 x 1220 x 3.6mm | 190 | 7.0kg |
| 3050 x 1530 x 3.6mm | 190 | 8.8kg |
B/B General Purpose Multiply Plywood
This plywood is manufactured from bleached poplar long bands and eucalypt cross bands (combi ply). The glue-line is a Type ‘B’ MR bond with a H1 hazard level treatment for protection against lyctid borer attack (not termites).
Applications:
- Shopfitting
- Kitchen Cabinetry
- Shelving
- Ceiling and Wall lining
Sustainable Resource
Density – 550kg/m³
Glue Bond – ‘A’ Bond Phenol Formaldehyde
Non-Structural Applications
| 2440 x 1220 x 12mm | 75 | 16.5kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 15mm | 60 | 19.9kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 18mm | 50 | 24.5kg |
Plywood - Bendy
BENDY PLYWOOD
Gen-Eco Bendy Plywood is produced with a 3 ply construction. Typically made with a thin centre core and two thicker surface veneers, It has the ability to bend around a tight radius. The sheets bend either along the length of the sheet (long grain) or across the width of the sheet (cross grain) and are lightweight at an average of 350kg/m³.
Bendy Plywood is manufactured with a Melamine Urea Formaldehyde glue, so it is designed for interior use only.
Applications:
- Shopfitting
- Columns (long grain)
- Curved counters (cross grain)
Sustainable Resource
Density – 350kg/m³
Glue Bond – Melamine Urea Formaldehyde
Non-Structural Applications
| 2440 x 1220 x 6mm | 100 | 6.25kg |
| 1220 x 2440 x 6mm | 100 | 6.25kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 8mm | 100 | 8.4kg |
| 1220 x 2440 x 8mm | 100 | 8.4kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 12mm | 100 | 12.5kg |
| 1220 x 2440 x 12mm | 100 | 12.5kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 16mm | 100 | 16.7kg |
| 1220 x 2440 x 16mm | 100 | 16.7kg |
| 3050 x 1220 x 6mm | 100 | 7.8kg |
| 1220 x 3050 x 6mm | 100 | 7.8kg |
| 3050 x 1220 x 8mm | 100 | 10.5kg |
| 1220 x 3050 x 8mm | 100 | 10.5kg |
Plywood - Softwood
STRUCTURAL SOFTWOOD PLYWOOD – F8
Gen-Eco Structural Plywood that complies to AS2269 is made from veneers that are known to conform to various ratings eg: F8 or F11. This provides engineers and other parties a known standard to work to when the plywood will be used under load such as bracing or flooring.
Typically produced from Radiata Pine veneers, Structural Plywood is usually available in CD and DD grades. The C face will contain puttied knots and splits whilst the D back will have unfilled knots and splits.
Applications:
● Projects where stress or load will be exerted on the plywood
● Bracing
● Flooring
● Hoarding on building sites
Sustainable Resource
Density – 600 kg/m³
Glue Bond – ‘A’ Bond Phenol Formaldehyde
Standard AS/NZS 2269:2012
| 2400 x 1200 x 7mm | 75 | 12.0kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 9mm | 60 | 15.0kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 12mm | 45 | 20.0kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 15mm | 35 | 25.7kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 18mm | 32 | 28.1kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 21mm | 28 | 32.1kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 25mm | 20 | 41.4kg |
NON - STRUCTURAL SOFTWOOD PLYWOOD
The term Non-Structural is used to describe plywood that has not been tested to achieve any structural rating meaning the plywood is not designed to carry load.
In saying that, it is probably the most popular form of plywood sold in Australia mainly due to its price point.
Typically produced from Radiata Pine timber, most non-structural plywood is imported from South America
Applications:
- Lightweight shelving
- Wall lining (not as bracing)
- Hobby projects etc.
Sustainable Resource
Density – 525 kg/m³
Glue Bond – ‘A’ Bond Phenol Formaldehyde
Face Grades – AA, AC, BC & CD
| 2440 x 1220 x 6.5mm | 140 | 10.3kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 9mm | 108 | 14.2kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 12mm | 80 | 19.0kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 15mm | 65 | 24.2kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 18mm | 54 | 28.6kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 21mm | 45 | 32.8kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 25mm | 39 | 39.1kg |
| 2440 x 1220 x 30mm | 20 | 46.9kg |
T&G STRUCTURAL FLOORING AS2269 F8 PINE PLYWOOD
This plywood is designed for use as a structural flooring for domestic and commercial applications. It has grooved edges and fitted with a PVC tongue. This is designed to support the plywood across flooring joists and reduce sag and the ‘bounce’ effect when walking on the join area.
Applications:
- Projects where stress or load will be exerted on the plywood
- Flooring – Domestic and Commercial projects including warehouse mezzanine floors
Sustainable Resource
Density – 550 kg/m³
Glue Bond – ‘A’ Bond Phenol Formaldehyde
Standard AS/NZS 2269:2012
| 2400 x 1200 x 15mm | 35 | 23.7kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 18mm | 30 | 28.5kg |
| 2400 x 1200 x 25mm | 20 | 39.5kg |
Plywood - Caravan & Transportable
Caravan & Transportable Building Plywood
With Australia’s growing love for caravanning holidays, the renovation of older vans is also expanding. Gen-Eco stocks a range of woodgrains and plain colours which are ideally suited for renovators to work with. Being plywood, the sheets are easy to work with and can be cut with normal tools that a home renovator would have.
Plywood is also a major material used in the construction of transportable buildings and our range is ideally suited for this industry.
Applications:
- Wall and Ceiling lining of caravans, RV’s and Transportable Buildings
Sustainable Resource
Density – 450 kg/m³
Glue Bond – Melamine Urea Formaldehyde
| Pecan | 2440 x 1220 |
| Rock Maple | 2440 x 1220 |
| Neo Oak | 2440 x 1220 |
| Walnut | 2440 x 1220 |
| Rosa Teak | 2440 x 1220 |
| Italian Nyatoh | 2440 x 1220 |
| White Oak | 2440 x 1220 |
| White Matt | 2400 x 1200 |
| White Matt | 2440 x 1220 |
| White Gloss | 2440 x 1220 |
| White Embossed | 2400 x 1200 |
| White Crystal | 2440 x 1220 |
| White Leather | 2440 x 1220 |
| Illusion | 2440 x 1220 |
| Bulky White Top | 2440 x 1220 |
| Grey Embossed | 2400 x 1200 |
| Grey Embossed | 2440/2700 x 1220 |
| Silver Cloud | 3050 x 1220 |
| Silver Cloud | 3600 x 1200 |
Plywood Story
Learn more about plywood and take a look at some of the benefits and applications of using it.
Plywood is one of the oldest building materials known to man.
Evidence exists of rudimentary plywood being used to make coffins by the Egyptians in the tombs of the Pharaohs. What we know as modern plywood was developed in about 1850 and has been in mass production since the 1920s.
Egyptian Sarcophagus using a rudimentary plywood
Today, plywood is found in many areas of the building industry – from highly visible applications where it is a key feature of the building, down to ‘hidden’ areas such as bracing ply where it is quietly doing its job in a wall cavity.
At Gen-Eco EWP, we cater for all aspects of applications – from high end products such as European Birch and Hoop Pine, all the way down the plywood family tree to industrial grades. The vast majority of plywood is produced from plantation-grown timbers and certainly at Gen-Eco, we take great care in where we source our plywood from.
The process of making plywood is much the same worldwide. Veneers are ‘rotary’ peeled from a log, dried to remove moisture and assembled in layers at right angles to each other. At this point adhesive is applied to the veneers and the sheets of a determined thickness are placed into a hot press where the adhesive is activated under heat and pressure to produce a strong bond. The sheets are sanded and trimmed and assembled into packs for shipment.
Typical example of plywood construction showing the veneers at alternate angles to each other.
Plywood is recognized as an eco-friendly material as it has low embodied energy, which means that the manufacturing process does not consume large amounts of energy during production. Most of the energy used to produce plywood is derived from waste during the manufacturing process which is converted into steam to run driers and presses etc.
Face Grades
In the main, plywood is graded into 4 face grades – A, B, C and D. A is the highest quality, whilst D is the lowest. Plywood is usually described by using the face and back description eg, AC, CD etc. The first letter is always the face grade and the last letter is the back.
The quality of the grade can vary slightly depending on the specie. As an example, Birch or Hoop ply will look better than a Radiata Pine.
A Face - Birch
This grade is often described as an appearance grade and is usually clear finished to highlight the quality of the veneer. The main application for A faced plywood is for ceilings and walls.
B Face - Birch
Slightly down from A, this grade will allow for small tight knots and minor filled cracks in the veneer. B grade Birch or Hoop is often used in joinery and shopfitting applications. This face grade is also suitable for high quality paint finishes.
C Face - Radiata Pine
The most common grade of general plywood, this grade allows for filled (putty) knot holes and filled splits in the veneer with a sanded face. Available in both Structural and Non-Structural grades, this grade has many applications from DIY projects around the home to large commercial projects.
D Face - Radiata Pine
This grade can vary slightly depending on the plywood, but often the knot holes and veneer splits will not be filled or sanded. D faces are always the back of the sheet except for DD where both faces will be the same. This plywood is usually used in applications where it is not visible such as wall nogging.