Plywood Sheets

Plywood sheets are one of the most versatile sheet materials used in construction, joinery, furniture making, fabrication and DIY. At Plywood Etc, our plywood range covers different grades, thicknesses and sheet sizes, from small handy panels through to full 2440 x 1220mm (8 x 4ft) plywood sheets.

Whether you need hardwood plywood, marine plywood, birch plywood, shuttering plywood or fire rated plywood, the right choice depends on how the board will be used. Our range makes it easier to compare plywood by thickness, size, grade and intended application.

What Type of Plywood Do You Need?

Plywood is not one single product. Different plywood grades are manufactured for different requirements, so choosing the correct panel is more important than simply choosing the cheapest sheet.

Shop Plywood by Thickness

Plywood thickness has a major effect on rigidity, weight, handling and suitability for different applications. Browse the thickness you need below.

4mm Plywood

Thin plywood suited to lighter panels, backing, lining, cabinet components and projects where low weight and easy handling are important. Browse 4mm plywood sheets.

6mm Plywood

A versatile thinner plywood used for backing panels, furniture components, lining, fabrication and general woodworking. Browse 6mm plywood sheets.

9mm Plywood

A useful mid-range thickness for joinery, shelving, lining, furniture and general fabrication. Browse 9mm plywood sheets.

12mm Plywood

One of the most versatile plywood thicknesses, offering a useful balance between rigidity, weight and ease of handling. Browse 12mm plywood sheets.

15mm Plywood

A useful choice where additional rigidity is required without moving to an 18mm board. Available in different plywood grades. Browse 15mm plywood sheets.

18mm Plywood

A popular thicker plywood for furniture, shelving, construction, fabrication and applications where a more substantial panel is required. Browse 18mm plywood sheets.

25mm Plywood

A heavy-duty plywood thickness for projects requiring a thick, rigid panel. Our 25mm range includes hardwood and BS1088 marine plywood. Browse 25mm plywood sheets.

Plywood Sheet Sizes

One of the advantages of buying plywood from Plywood Etc is the choice of sheet sizes. You do not always need to buy a full 8 x 4ft sheet. Smaller panels can be easier to transport, handle and cut, while full sheets can be more economical for larger projects.

The range also includes other handy sizes, including narrow strips and smaller panels. The exact sizes available depend on the plywood product and thickness.

Which Plywood Is Right for Your Project?

Plywood for Construction and Trade

Plywood is widely used across construction and the trades because its cross-layered veneer construction provides a stable panel that can be cut, drilled, screwed, routed and fixed using standard woodworking equipment.

• Flooring and subfloor components where the correct grade is specified
• Wall and ceiling lining
• Joinery and cabinetry
• Shelving and storage
• Furniture manufacture
• Workshop benches and fabrication
• Shopfitting and display construction
• Vehicle and campervan conversions
• Construction and temporary works
• Exterior joinery where an appropriate exterior-rated plywood is selected

Plywood for Furniture and Joinery

Plywood is particularly useful for furniture and joinery because it combines a relatively stable panel construction with good machining and fixing characteristics. Birch plywood can be a popular choice where the plywood edge will remain visible, while hardwood plywood provides a practical option for many general joinery and interior applications.

For furniture, cabinetry and shelving, consider the 15mm plywood range or 18mm plywood range depending on the rigidity and construction required.

Marine Plywood vs Hardwood Plywood

Marine plywood and hardwood plywood should not simply be treated as interchangeable products. They are manufactured and specified differently, and the correct choice depends on the environment and performance requirements of the project.

Our marine plywood range includes BS1088 plywood in multiple thicknesses and sizes, while our wider plywood range includes hardwood plywood and other specialist panels.

How Thick Should Plywood Be?

There is no single plywood thickness that is right for every job. The correct thickness depends on the span, support, loading, fixing method, panel dimensions and plywood grade.

As a general guide, thinner plywood such as 4mm and 6mm is useful for lighter panels and components, while 9mm and 12mm provide greater rigidity for many joinery and fabrication applications. 15mm, 18mm and 25mm are suited to projects requiring progressively more substantial panels.

Thickness alone does not determine structural performance. Where plywood forms part of a structural application, always check the relevant technical specification.

Need a Specific Plywood Size?

Buying the correct sheet size can make a significant difference to cutting, handling and material waste. Plywood Etc stocks both full-size sheets and smaller handy panels, giving you more options than simply buying a standard 8 x 4ft sheet.

Plywood Sheet Buying Guide

Before ordering plywood, consider five things:

1. Thickness: choose a thickness appropriate for the required rigidity, span and construction.
2. Grade: decide whether hardwood, marine, birch, shuttering or fire rated plywood is appropriate.
3. Sheet size: choose a panel large enough for the job without creating unnecessary cutting waste.
4. Environment: check whether the plywood will be used in a dry interior, humid area, moisture-prone location or exterior application.
5. Certification: where a specific performance standard is required, check the product's stated certification before ordering.

Frequently Asked Questions About Plywood

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