Plywood gives a solid foundation to your structure, and if the project comes in contact with water, then waterproof plywood is necessary.
However, the price becomes an important factor when making the final decision. Premium plywood gives better aesthetics to your project. Needless to say, checking the brand out is important before you decide.
With this article, hopefully, we can help you decide if paying more or sticking to a budget is beneficial for you.
What are the Factors That Influence Cost?
Waterproof plywood is different from other plywood because it’s specially designed for projects that need to be waterproof, obviously. The structure can’t get damp when it’ll eventually be exposed to water.
But there are factors like the thickness, the quality, the grade, and so on. So, let’s see what the factors are:
The Thickness and Size
The thicker the plywood you buy, the longer it’ll last. If you want to get waterproof plywood sheets, the price can depend on the thickness and size of the same.
If the structure will come into heavy water contact, then maybe you should get plywood that has a higher thickness and size. You may have to spend a little extra, but this is a worthy investment.
Quality and Grade
The quality and grade are also important boxes to check. You obviously won’t make split-second decisions when buying plywood.
The plywood, other than being waterproof, should keep borers and termites away and should last for a long time. There are grades like BWP (boiling waterproof) and MR (moisture resistant) plywood, which are highly sought after.
The Brand
Of course, the brand is important when deciding the type of waterproof plywood you want to buy. Check the brand reputation before you decide to buy. Check for ISI certifications too.
The Location
Are you in a rain-prone area? Or does it receive moderate rain? The weather can be unpredictable, and if you buy laminates that aren’t waterproof, sudden rainfall can cause harm to the structure.
And for areas that receive rainfall, whether average to borderline heavy, you should get waterproof laminates.
Market Demand and Supply
Since we’re talking about waterproof plywood, their prices will be high if the demand is high and the supply is low. But if the supply is high and the demand is steady, you can expect competitive pricing.
So, it’s a good idea to get waterproof plywood regardless of the season. And if you’re buying in the monsoon, you can also get a discount, who knows?
What are the Benefits?
Waterproof plywood has a lot of benefits. They are:
Resistant to Moisture
Plywood has to tick the moisture-resistance box. MR (moisture-resistant) plywood is the best for tropical areas where the weather is hot and humid. Today’s plywood has to be moisture-resistant and waterproof at the same time.
Protection Against Fungus and Termites
These are common but irritating problems when you’re considering getting plywood. Termites, borers, and fungus can jeopardize the overall lifespan of your project. This is why you check if the brand you’re buying from offers protection from these.
Nail-Holding Capacity
How good a plywood surface holds nails and screws is also a contributing factor. If the project involves hammering screws on the surface, you have to get plywood that meets that requirement. The last thing you want is the nails falling from the surface, which will compromise the structure’s integrity. The plywood needs to be strong enough to keep the nails for years.
Versatility
Waterproof plywood has to be versatile; that’s the least we can expect of it. Such plywood can give cabinets, interior paneling the required aesthetics and structure.
So, Is It Worth It?
If the brand has a good reputation and meets the other criteria you have in mind, then yes, purchasing plywood would be worth it.
At Dorby, we design plywood that will meet and exceed your expectations. Our 303 BWP Calibrated Boiling Waterproof Plywood has a lifespan that beats that of most other brands, so if you buy from us, you’ll be set for at least twenty five years.
We have the ISI certification as well. So, what’s stopping you from giving your project the gift of Dorby plywood?
