18mm Hardwood Plywood Sheets

We offer a range of types of plywood for various projects and environments, which can be cut to any size or shape using our CNC router for a high level of precision and repeatability. Whatever shape you have in mind, we can cut it – just send us your CAD drawing or a sketch of what you require and we can create it. As well as cutting hardwood plywood sheets to any shape or curve, our CNC router can be used for rebating, pocketing and hole cutting which you can inform us of when you place your order so your sheets arrive ready to install. We also provide laser cutting and CNC engraving services for a wider range of options for any application.

Our state-of-the-art UV printers allow us to print full sheets of plywood in one go, providing a consistent and professional finish at a much faster rate than painting - birch plywood is particularly well-suited to this as it has a great surface texture that allows for a smooth finish . We currently only list 8x4 sheets (2440x1220mm) but we can purchase and cut sheets of up to 2000x3000mm, so get in touch with our team today to discuss your individual requirements. And with optional next day delivery, your products can be with you quickly too. For larger orders, we have our own transport service which operates throughout most of the UK. If you have a bigger project taking place, contact us to discuss bulk discounts and regular supply orders. 

18mm hardwood ply is a cost-effective material that is also versatile enough to be used to great effect in various applications. It delivers a smooth surface for painting, lacquering and staining, plus it has a brilliant strength to weight ratio that makes it easy to work with and durable. Hardwood plywood is made from thin layers of timber which are laid at right angles and bonded with resin adhesive to create a tough, hard-wearing material that can be used for interior and exterior projects. At 18mm, this thickness of hardwood plywood offers incredible stability, so it’s ideal for applications that rely on materials that will deliver durable and reliable strength long-term. We provide a bespoke cutting service to ensure that the wood you receive is cut to the exact size and shape you require for added convenience.

18mm Hardwood Plywood Grades

Wood comes in a variety of grades - for our hardwood plywood sheets cut to size, we offer the grades listed below. Please see our plywood grading guide for more information on the types available. 

Hardwood plywood is made from stronger timbers and is commonly used for applications which require longevity. Chinese hardwood plywood is a high BB/CC grade wood which means it has few knots and slight discolouration to the surface of the wood, with a CC grade reverse. 

Advantages of 18mm Hardwood Plywood

As one of the most commonly used wooden materials, it’s unsurprising that one of the main benefits of using 18mm hardwood plywood is its versatility. It can be used for such a wide variety of projects, from construction applications to decorative features and panelling in homes or commercial premises. It can even be used for vehicle linings for trucks or trailers. Hardwood ply is a strong material that is resistant to bending, warping and twisting, and it can also be used with screws or nails without the risk of the wood splintering. This wood is more affordable than other types of hardwood, but it delivers all the aesthetic and strength properties, for the best of both worlds. 

18mm hardwood plywood is a stable wood with a low expansion ration and minimal bending, so it’s ideally suited for applications where strength is required. Despite this strength, it’s also an easy wood to work with. It can be cut with ease using a handsaw or electric saw, and it can be painted or stained without issues due to the smooth surface, so it’s perfect for DIY projects.

Applications of 18mm Hardwood Plywood

18mm hardwood plywood is an adaptable resource for DIY or construction projects, but it is most commonly used for general joinery applications. It is a great material for site hoardings, soffits and fascias, walkways and sheds, as it’s sturdy and thick enough to resist bending when exposed to high winds. It can also be used for projects such as benches or containers, as well as cold storage containers for gardens. Hardwood ply is a great material to use for flooring or roofing and it can also be used for construction frameworks for a sturdy foundation to any project. 18mm hardwood plywood sheeting can be used both internally and externally, but it does require treating with an appropriate preserver before being used outdoors so as to protect the wood from rotting and delamination. We also offer marine plywood, birch plywood and softwood plywood.

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is hardwood plywood?

Hardwood plywood is designed to withstand stressful pressures over a long duration, making it reliable for consistent use. One of the main reasons for using hardwood plywood over standard plywood is its durability in strength and support.

What is hardwood plywood used for?

Traditionally hardwood plywood sheets lend themselves for use in decorative projects, furniture such as millwork in the creation of chests, built-in closets and wardrobes, kitchens, cabinets and doors. 

Is hardwood plywood better than solid wood?

Plywood can be used for a wide range of versatile structural applications whether interior or exterior, from furniture to internal panelling. Hardwood plywood has all the properties of real solid wood though works out to be a cheaper alternative.

What is the best wood for subflooring?

Hardwood ply has a smooth surface that’s ideal for staining and lacquering, but can be equally as beautiful without any finishing applications to highlight the clean, blemish-free wood.

Can you paint plywood?

You can paint plywood, but be sure to use primer, as plywood will absorb more paint than you would expect so the primer seals the plywood, and allows it to take to the paint more easily keeping your surface smooth and sealed.

Can you bend plywood?

It is possible to bend plywood. There are numerous ways of bending plywood, but if you are after a sheet that cannot be bent, look at our MDF sheeting.

What is plywood used for?

Plywood can be used for a wide range of versatile structural applications whether interior or exterior, from furniture to internal panelling.

How strong is plywood?

Plywood is relatively strong as it is numerous layers of wood pressed together. For a stronger piece of plywood, look for 5-ply or multi-ply sheets as these will have more layers, and thus more strength.

What are the types of plywood?

We sell a variety of types of plywood, including softwood, hardwood, marine, and birch, all of which have specific characteristics and will aid specific projects. For more information on the respected types, read their descriptions at the bottom of their product pages.

Can I cut plywood?

It is possible to cut plywood yourself, but we are able to do it for you if you request at the point of ordering. To do so yourself please follow safety procedures, and use a sharp saw else you risk the sheet breaking.

How is plywood made?

Plywood is made by glueing a series of thin veneered sheets of wood together. Each adjacent layer is rotated by up to 90 degrees to reduce the risk of splitting when nailed in at the edges. This technique, referred to as cross-grain, improves strength, stability and prevents warping, making it an excellent general-purpose construction panel.

How do you seal plywood edges?

Plywood should be sealed to prevent moisture from affecting the sheets and causing warping. The sealant you use will depend based on how you intend to use the plywood, but you should use something quick-drying and can withstand all temperatures, and be compatible with paint if you intend to paint your plywood.

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