The most traditional and widely used building material is wood, especially when it comes to making furniture. However, as technology developed and wood became scarcer, wood was supplanted by goods that performed similarly, looked virtually like wood, and addressed many issues.
There are a variety of artificial wooden goods, including block boards, plywood, MDF, particle board, etc. Most of them are used as furniture. Among these, plywood has undoubtedly remained at the top.
Plywood is an engineered wood made up of thin sheets of veneers (thin slices of natural wood) glued together. Plywood has a multitude of applications. Simply taking a glance around your home will reveal that it contains this adaptable building material in places like flooring, doors, partition walls, kitchen cabinets, and other furniture. Plywood is durable and cost-effective as compared to solid wood.
In this detailed guide, Gharpedia provides an updated plywood price list as well as crucial considerations for purchasing the right plywood size.
Size and Price of Plywood
In the global market, plywood, popularly known as ‘Ply’, is available in the form of flat sheets of various sizes and prices. Hence, here we have provided the basic and popular sizes and prices of plywood that are available in India. This might be helpful to you while you make a purchase.
Plywood Sizes Available in the Market:
Plywood sheets are economical as they can be produced to precise dimensions as per the requirements. The commonly manufactured and sold plywood size in India is 2400 x 1200 mm (8’x4’). Other plywood sizes available are 6’x3’, 7’x3’, etc. These are also available on the market.
According to ‘Indian Standard, IS: 10701:2012’ (Structural Plywood — Specification) and ‘IS: 303:1989’ (Plywood for General Purposes Specification), here we have summed up some standard plywood sizes that are available in India in square feet as well as their corresponding values in mm.
- 8′ x 4′ (ft) – 2400 x 1200 (mm)
- 8′ x 3′ (ft) – 2400 x 900 (mm)
- 7′ x 4′ (ft) – 2100 x 1200 (mm)
- 7′ x 3′ (ft) – 2100 x 900 (mm)
- 6′ x 4′ (ft) – 1800 x 1200 (mm)
- 6′ x 3′ (ft) – 1800 x 900 (mm)
In other countries like the USA, Canada, UK, etc. plywood is available in different sizes. According to the Canadian Wood Council, plywood is manufactured in the following sizes:
- 8′ x 4′ (ft) – 2440 x 1220 (mm)
- 9′ x 4′ (ft) – 2740 x 1220 (mm)
- 10′ x 4′ (ft) –3050 x 1220 (mm)
- 7.8′ x 4′ (ft) – 2400 x 1220 (mm)
- 8.2′ x 4′ (ft) – 2500 x 1220 (mm)
Buying Right Size of Plywood:
While buying plywood, it is essential to consider the right size and type of plywood. Now this will depend on what we need to build, i.e, a table, door, or kitchen cabinet door. This is important, as the wastage otherwise will increase the cost of the ultimate product by many folds. If you do not buy the right size, ultimately that will be a waste of money.
In such cases, redesigning an element based on the sizes available in the market is the right option. A good designer will always design in a way that is appropriate for the sizes available on the market. This is to eliminate waste and ensure that the final product turns out economical. If the price is steering you away from your home projects, consider applying for emergency cash loans today.
Buying Right Thickness of Plywood:
Similarly, the thickness of the ply will give strength to the commodity. If you compromise with the thickness you will not get the expected toughness and durability. This will result in bending or improper functioning. Hence you need to be careful while purchasing plywood, particularly when you consider the cost factor.
In India, 12mm and 18mm thicknesses of plywood are commonly used for furniture manufacturing.
In other countries like Canada, USA, UK, etc. the thickness of plywood is different. According to the Canadian Wood Council, the thickness of plywood is 6mm, 8mm, 11mm, 14mm, 17mm, 19mm, 21mm, 24mm, etc.
Plywood Price in India:
How much max cash you can pay for plywood? Well, it may vary for different locations, suppliers, and brands. The price of plywood is always represented in per square feet. Their price varies depending on their grade and thickness. Also, the quality of plywood affects its price. For your convenience, we have also written a very useful article on testing of plywood to check the quality of the plywood.
Here is the price list of various grades of plywood that are popular in India:
01. Commercial or MR grade Plywood:
MR-grade plywood or Moisture-Resistant Plywood is popularly known as commercial ply. However, moisture-resistant does not mean it is ‘waterproof’ in nature. It simply means that this type of plywood can resist humidity and moisture, but not water. MR-grade plywood is famous as interior-grade plywood. Therefore, it is used for interior furniture like wardrobes, shelves, partitions, TV tables, etc.
Thickness: The thickness of moisture-resistant plywood is generally 3mm, 4mm, 6mm, 8mm, 12mm, 15mm, 18mm, 21mm, and 25mm as per IS 303.
Price of MR Grade Plywood in India:
The following is the prevailing price of MR-grade plywood:
- 6 mm Thick – Rs. 35-45 / sq.ft.
- 9/10 mm Thick – Rs. 40-50 / sq.ft.
- 12 mm Thick – Rs. 50-65 / sq.ft.
- 18/19 mm Thick – Rs. 65-85 / sq.ft.
02. BWR Grade Plywood:
BWR-grade plywood means Boiling Water-Resistant Plywood. This is also not 100% waterproof plywood. But it certainly has better water resistance as compared to MR-grade plywood. It is exterior-grade plywood. Therefore, it is used for furniture that is likely to get wet, like garden tables, lawn chairs, cabinets, etc.
Thickness: As per the ‘Indian Standard, IS 303:1989’ (Plywood for General Purposes Specification), the thickness of BWR plywood generally available in the market is 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 16mm, 19mm, and 25mm.
Price:
The following are the prevailing prices of BWR-grade plywood:
- 6 mm Thick – Rs. 40-50 / sq.ft.
- 9/10 mm Thick – Rs. 45-55 / sq.ft.
- 12 mm Thick – Rs. 60-75 / sq.ft.
- 18/19 mm Thick– Rs. 75-90 / sq.ft.
03. BWP Grade Plywood:
BWP Grade Plywood means Boiling Water Proof Plywood popularly known as Marine grade plywood. This type of plywood is used in building boats and ships. It is superior-grade plywood, which makes it a sustainable option as far as better quality and strength are concerned. This type of plywood is an ideal choice where the furniture has prolonged exposure to water. However, its only drawback is that we cannot build stylish furniture with it.
Thickness: The thickness of boiling waterproof plywood is generally available in 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 16mm, 19mm, etc. as per IS.
Price:
The following are the prevailing prices of BWP-grade plywood:
- 6 mm Thick – Rs. 50-55 / sq.ft.
- 9/10 mm Thick – Rs. 55-65 / sq.ft.
- 12 mm Thick – Rs. 70-80 / sq.ft.
- 18/19 mm Thick – Rs. 90-110 / sq.ft.
04. Flexible Plywood:
It is commonly known as flexiply. As the name suggests, this type of plywood is used for round-shaped furniture like chairs, tables, or other antique furniture.
Thickness: The thickness of flexible plywood is 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 18mm, etc.
Price:
The following are the prevailing prices of flexible plywood:
- 6 mm Thick starts at Rs. 50-60 / sq.ft.
- 9/10 mm Thick starts at Rs. 70-85 / sq.ft.
- 12 mm Thick starts at Rs. 90-110 / sq.ft.
- 18 mm Thick starts at Rs. 170-200 / sq.ft.
05. Fire-Retardant Plywood:
Fire-retardant plywood is a type of BWR plywood that is treated with fire-resistant chemicals during manufacturing. It is preferred in places like shopping complexes, public theatres, restaurant kitchens, etc, where the risk of fire mishap is high.
Thickness: As per ‘Indian Standard, IS 5509:2000’(Fire Resistant Plywood Specification), the thickness of FR plywood generally available is 3 mm, 4 mm, 5 mm, 6 mm, 8 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm, 19 mm, 22 mm and 25 mm.
Price:
The following are the prevailing prices of fire-resistant plywood:
- 6 mm Thick – Rs. 95-110 / sq.ft.
- 9/10 mm Thick – Rs. 117-125 / sq.ft.
- 12 mm Thick – Rs. 152-165 /sq.ft.
- 18/19 mm Thick – Rs. 173-200 / sq.ft.
06. Shuttering Plywood:
Shuttering plywood is highly dense plywood with a smooth film coating on both sides, used in formwork in construction work to create wooden moulds where concrete will be cast. It is used in shuttering for slabs, columns, beams, etc.
Thickness: As per ‘Indian Standard, IS 4490:2011’ (Plywood for Concrete Shuttering Works — Specification) the thickness of shuttering plywood generally available is 6 mm, 9 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm, 19 mm, etc.
Price:
The following are the prevailing prices of shuttering plywood:
- 6 mm Thick – Rs. 25 to 30 / sq.ft.
- 9/10 mm Thick – Rs. 40 to 45 / sq.ft.
- 12 mm Thick – Rs. 45 to 55 / sq.ft.
- 18/19 mm Thick – Rs. 60 to 70 / sq.ft.
07. Architectural Plywood:
Architectural plywood is one of the popular products of Centuryply. It is built from exclusive hardwood species bonded with BWP-grade synthetic resin. The price may vary based on the price of BWP-grade plywood.
Conclusion:
Summing it up, plywood is a wonderful combination of strength and durability. While you choose the right kind of plywood, there are lots of things you need to keep in mind. You must have realized that the size and price of plywood may vary according to its brand, grade, thickness, location, etc.
Always choose plywood according to your needs and its intended use. Of course, it goes without saying that you also need to keep your budget in mind. After you are satisfied with the quality of the plywood, make the payment and be sure to collect the receipt. This article has briefed you about every aspect associated with the size and price of plywood, and we are sure that you are an aware customer now!
Planning to buy plywood? Read our exclusive guide first, and then decide: