Different Types of Plywood and Their Uses – Grades, Prices & IS Standards

Plywood is a vital material for construction and furniture in India, available in various types to suit different needs. In this blog, Yafa’s complete guide to plywood helps you understand the key plywood varieties and how to select the right plywood for your project. From MR and BWR to marine and fire-retardant—here’s a simple, expert-backed breakdown to help you pick the best and right plywood sheets for every interior and exterior need the first time.

Types of Plywood in India

Plywood is an engineered sheet made by cross-laminating veneers and bonding them with resins under heat and pressure. Cross-grain construction adds strength, stability, and screw-holding compared to MDF or particle board. In India, plywood is commonly classified by water resistance grade (MR, BWR, BWP/Marine), application (Shuttering, Calibrated, Flexible), and core species (Eucalyptus, Poplar, Gurjan and other hardwoods).

For most home interiors, use BWR 18mm for cabinets and 6–8mm for backs. For sink units or wet zones, upgrade to BWP/Marine. Seal all exposed edges.

Types by Grade (Water Resistance)

MR (Moisture Resistant) – IS 303

• Also called Commercial Plywood.
• Suitable for dry interiors — bedroom furniture, wall paneling, false ceilings, study tables.
• Resists humidity but not continuous water exposure.
• Resin: Urea-formaldehyde (UF)
• Typical Thicknesses: 6, 9, 12, 16, 18, 19 mm
• Use when: Budget-sensitive, low-moisture rooms

BWR (Boiling Water Resistant)

• Designed for kitchens and bathrooms with occasional water contact.
• Good all-rounder for Indian homes when edges are sealed.
• Resin: Phenol or Melamine-fortified
• Typical Thickness: 6–19 mm
• Use when: Modular kitchens, vanity units, dining cabinets

BWP / Marine – IS 710

• Top-tier waterproofing for prolonged water exposure.
• Ideal for under-sink units, exterior furniture (under shade), and premium kitchens.
• Resin: Phenol formaldehyde (PF)
• Boil test: Withstands extended boiling cycles
• Use when: Highest moisture resistance needed

Fire-Retardant (FR) – IS 5509

• Treated to improve fire resistance — slower flame spread, lower smoke.
• Used in public spaces, commercial kitchens, auditoriums.
• Add-on treatment; check certificates
• Specify Class per project requirements

Grade Summary

• MR (Commercial): IS 303 — Humidity-resistant, not waterproof — Bedrooms, study, paneling
• BWR: IS 303 (BWR spec) — High water resistance — Kitchens, vanities, dining, utility rooms
• BWP / Marine: IS 710 — Boiling water proof — Wet zones, under-sink, exterior under shade
• FR (Fire-Retardant): IS 5509 — Improved fire performance — Public buildings, commercial kitchens

Types by Application

• Shuttering Plywood – IS 4990: High-density face and strong bonding for concrete formwork. Reusable with de-shuttering oils. Not for interiors unless re-faced.
• Calibrated Plywood: Uniform thickness (+/- small tolerance), ideal for modular furniture and machine-edged shutter alignment. Reduces edge-banding gaps.
• Flexible/Bendable Plywood: Ultra-thin cross-bands enable tight curves for arches and rounded shutters. Requires substrate or multiple laminations for strength.
• WBP Exterior Grade: Uses Weather & Boil Proof adhesive for outdoor signage and shelters (with proper sealing and cladding).

Core Species & Construction

• Gurjan/Hardwood Core: Dense hardwood veneers with high screw-holding and impact resistance. Premium choice for heavy-use cabinets and doors.
• Eucalyptus Core: Fast-growing hardwood—good balance of strength and value. Popular for calibrated BWR/BWP sheets.
• Poplar/Softwood Core: Lighter weight, easier to machine. Good for low-load interiors; ensure proper face veneers and bonding quality.
• Veneer & Plies: Look for uniform core, minimal gaps, and calibrated sanding. More plies generally means better stability at a given thickness.

Core Summary

• Gurjan/Hardwood: High strength, heavier weight, fits premium kitchens, doors, stair cabinets
• Eucalyptus: Medium–High strength, medium weight, fits most modular furniture
• Poplar/Softwood: Medium strength, light weight, fits budget interiors, partitions

Indian Standards (IS Codes) You’ll See on Labels

• IS 303 – For MR & BWR general-purpose plywood
• IS 710 – For BWP / Marine grade plywood
• IS 4990 – For Shuttering (formwork) plywood
• IS 5509 – For Fire-retardant plywood requirements

Always check: IS mark, batch number, manufacturer name, and third-party test certificates for premium claims.

Recommended Thickness & Where to Use

• Carcass (sides, shelves): 16–18/19 mm — BWR (use BWP for wet zones)
• Shutters/Fronts: 18–19 mm — BWR or BWP
• Back panels: 6–8 mm — MR (dry), BWR (kitchen)
• Loft/Partition: 12–19 mm — MR/BWR depending on location
• Flooring/Stairs: 19–25 mm — BWP/Marine

Indicative Price Bands (₹, 8×4 sheet)

Prices vary by brand, core species, thickness, and city. Use this as a directional guide.

• MR (IS 303): ₹1,500–2,600 (12mm), ₹2,100–3,200 (16mm), ₹2,400–3,800 (18/19mm)
• BWR: ₹2,400–3,800 (12mm), ₹3,200–4,800 (16mm), ₹3,800–5,800 (18/19mm)
• BWP / Marine (IS 710): ₹3,600–5,800 (12mm), ₹4,800–7,200 (16mm), ₹5,500–8,800 (18/19mm)
• FR (IS 5509): ₹4,500–7,000 (12mm), ₹5,800–8,800 (16mm), ₹6,800–10,500 (18/19mm)
• Shuttering (IS 4990): ₹2,800–4,800 (12mm), ₹3,800–6,200 (16mm), ₹4,500–7,200 (18/19mm)

Pro Tips to Buy Smart

• Edge sealing is non-negotiable: Always seal cut edges with PU or edge band to prevent moisture ingress.
• Look inside: Inspect core for gaps or overlaps. Hollow sounds indicate voids.
• Match hardware: Heavy hinges and long screws need dense cores like Gurjan or calibrated eucalyptus.
• Don’t over-specify: BWR works for most cabinets; reserve BWP for continuous wet exposure.
• Verify claims: Check IS mark and third-party test reports for fire-retardant and marine plywood.

FAQs on Types of Plywood

Which plywood is best for modular kitchens?

Marine Plywood and BWR Plywood are recommended for modular kitchens because they are water-resistant and durable in humid conditions.

What is the difference between Commercial and Marine Plywood?

Commercial plywood (MR Grade) is suitable for dry interiors; Marine plywood (IS 710 Grade) is fully waterproof for high moisture areas.

Which plywood is 100% waterproof?

BWP (Boiling Water Proof) Plywood and Marine Plywood are fully waterproof, ideal for kitchens, bathrooms, and outdoor furniture.

Is BWR plywood good for home furniture?

Yes, BWR plywood resists daily water exposure and lasts longer than commercial plywood.

Which plywood is best for wardrobes?

Calibrated and Commercial MR Plywood are best for wardrobes for strength and cost-effectiveness.

Can Decorative Plywood be used for furniture?

Yes, Decorative or Veneer Plywood combines strength with premium wood finishes for aesthetics.

Which plywood is best for outdoor use?

Marine Plywood and Film Faced Shuttering Plywood withstand moisture and weather.

What is the most economical plywood for interiors?

Commercial MR Grade Plywood is most affordable and widely used for partitions, ceilings, and basic furniture.

Why Choose Yafa Plywood?

• Calibrated sheets for consistent thickness and smooth finishing
• Engineered cores for superior screw-holding and low warpage
• Grades across MR, BWR and BWP/Marine to match every budget
• Technical support for architects, contractors and modular furniture makers

Conclusion

Plywood is the backbone of modern interiors. Whether you are designing a kitchen, wardrobe, or office furniture, Yafa plywood ensures durability, affordability, and premium finishing. Yafa is a leading manufacturer of high-quality plywood in India, known for its durable and premium-grade sheets. If you’re looking for the best plywood solutions, contact us today for expert guidance and reliable products.