12mm Softwood Plywood Sheets

Specifications

Frequently Asked Questions

What is softwood plywood used for?

Softwoods are most commonly used for general building, roofing and concrete frameworks, or any application where the technical specification of the product is more important than the appearance of the wood.

What is the difference between softwood plywood and hardwood plywood?

The primary difference between hard and soft plywood is the wood used to make it. For soft plywood, the trees of choice are cedar, spruce, pine and fir, which are known for their flexibility and malleability. While hard plywood like birch or tropical trees like red maple and are known for their strength, stress resistance and stiffness.

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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