Plywood Vs. Veneer

Plywood

• Plywood is a composite panel of wood materials used for exterior and interior purposes. Plywood is made of an odd number of veneer layers called plies. The plies typically range from three to nine layers. The plies are bonded with glues under high pressure to produce a solid plywood panel. Common types of plywood used for interior applications include medium-density overlay boards, high-density overlay plywood and veneer core hardwood plywood. Medium-density fiberboard has a thin, skin-like, wood-grain facing such as oak or maple. High-density overlays also have a wood-grain facing, but they have a lightweight core.

Veneer

• A veneer is a thin slice of wood that is cut from a log with a slicing, peeling or sawing machine. The log is soaked in a bath of hot water so the wood is softened and can be sliced or peeled without tearing or splintering. The peel is then pressed flat to create a veneer slice. The slices are manufactured and attached to paper backing, glued to plywood and sold as panels, or sold as raw sheets. Veneers are used to create items such as furniture, cabinetry, wall paneling and art objects.

Similarities

• Plywood is a veneer in that it is made from layers of wood veneers that are glued together to form a plywood panel. Veneers and plywood are used for interior applications such as furniture and walls. Plywood is often used as a sheathing material—the material that makes the wall a flat surface—for interior walls. Both plywood and veneers can be applied to the wall studs and framing materials or attached on top of drywall.

Differences

• Plywood is most often used as a substrate, or base material. It is rarely left unfinished or unpainted for interior applications in homes. Veneers, on the other hand, are specifically used as final surface materials. Plywood is manufactured from common soft- and hardwoods because it is rarely used for aesthetic value. Interior plywood panels usually range from three-eighths to three-fourths of an inch in thickness. Veneers can be paper thin, ranging from one forty-second of an inch to more than three-eighths of an inch in thickness. Veneers are chosen for their color, grain design and appearance and are often made from exotic woods such as teak, rosewood and ebony. Veneers are never painted over or used as base materials, as is often the case with plywood.