FORM PLY
Form plywood is specifically manufactured for use in making concrete forms.
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UNDERSTANDING STRUCTURAL PLYWOOD
Structural plywood offers a reliable solution for applications requiring long-term load-bearing and structural performance. But distinguishing structural plywood from other types can be essential. In this article, we'll explore what defines structural plywood and how to identify it on-site.
What is Structural Plywood?
Structural plywood is designed to meet engineering standards and must possess consistent properties to ensure it can safely and reliably bear structural loads over its intended lifespan. Specifications for structural plywood are outlined in AS/NZS 2269.0:2008 Plywood – Structural – Specifications. The structural properties are assessed through machine stress-grading, with 100% of production rigorously examined, or in-grade analysis for products manufactured to precise specifications. Laboratory tests determine crucial properties like modulus of elasticity (MoE), bending strength, shear strength, tension strength, and compression strength, with in-mill verification ensuring ongoing stiffness and strength monitoring. To meet structural requirements, the adhesive used must be durable and creep-resistant, with Type A bond phenolic adhesives proving suitable for long-lasting applications in full exposure.
Identifying Structural Plywood
To identify structural plywood, examine the rear of the sheet for the AS/NZS 2269 standard number, indicating compliance with structural standards. AS/NZS 2269 requires the following markings on the rear of all structural plywood sheets:
- Manufacturer's name or brand name (e.g., Carter Holt Harvey® Woodproducts, International Panel & Lumber). The word 'structural' or a product description.
- Reference to AS/NZS 2269.0.
- Visual face grades specifying the front and back surface veneers (e.g., A, B, C, D, S).
- Sheet glue bond type (e.g., A Bond for marine-grade adhesives).
- Sheet stress grades (commonly F8 and F11).
- Panel construction code.
- Formaldehyde emission class (all New Zealand-manufactured structural plywood meets an E₀ emission classification, limiting emissions to 0.5 mg/L).
- Branding for preservative-treated plywood, as per AS/NZS 1604.3.
Applications of Structural Plywood
Structural plywood finds use in various applications, including flooring, structural bracing, and roofing substrates. Its appeal lies in its consistent performance, ease of workability, and sustainability.
For dry protected applications, structural plywood can meet the New Zealand Building Code's requirement of not less than 50-year durability without treatment. However, when exposed to moisture, such as in exterior cladding, it must be treated to at least timber treatment hazard class H3 to meet Building Code durability standards.
Plywood ≠ Structural Plywood
It's crucial to differentiate between plywood and structural plywood. Non-structural plywood should not be substituted for structural plywood, as doing so may lead to structural failure and eventual collapse.
Specify Timber Treatment
Designers must specify both the plywood hazard class and the preservative treatment to ensure the correct material is used. Hazard classes, listed in NZS 3602:2003, should be selected with care. Some plywood applications require specific preservative treatments, like waterborne preservatives for membrane-roofing substrates, and specifying the correct treatment is vital to prevent compatibility issues and ensure structural integrity.
In summary, structural plywood is a reliable choice for projects demanding long-term structural performance. Understanding its characteristics and how to identify it can help ensure the safety and integrity of your construction projects.
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INTERIOR LINING PLY
Interior plywood lining is easy to use, comes in a range of profiles, wood types and colours that help homeowners and designers create amazing finishes.
Cladding Ply
Exterior cladding plywood can be an inexpensive way to clad a house or other lightweight structures or to add accents to a design.
Flooring Ply
Plywood is one of the most popular flooring sheet products as has excellent strength and bracing properties and is easy to install and maintain.
Roofing Ply
Roofing Plywood is a structural grade plywood with a plastic tongue and groove down the long edge of the sheet for easy joining over roof trusses.
Structural Ply
Only structurally tested plywood has a strength rating. Any ply without a strength rating is considered “non-structural”.
Marine Ply
As the name suggests marine plywood is primarily used for boat building, where its superior qualities of strength, consistency and impact resistance have made it the “go to” material for decades.
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