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Marine-grade plywood is a type of wood that can be used for a number of different purposes. It is often made from the same material as regular plywood, but it has been treated in some way to make it more durable and resistant to water damage. The question “Is Marine Grade Plywood Treated” pops up a lot among home improvers.
Yes, Marine grade plywood is treated to strengthen it from moisture and the harsh environment that is common in marine environments.
We will further answer this question by explaining the treatment process.
Characteristics of Marine Grade Plywood
1. Durable
Marine-grade plywood is made to be durable, even in the face of constant exposure to water. It can also stand up well against weathering and insects that want to eat it or burrow it into its surface. This means this type of wood makes an excellent choice for making docks, boardwalks, piers, boat ramps, and other similar structures that are constantly exposed to water.
2. Voids and gaps are filled
One of the ways that marine-grade plywood is made more durable and resistant to water damage is by filling in any voids or gaps with a waterproof filler. These areas are filled in, but it doesn’t actually change the appearance of this kind of wood from its natural state. It can still be stained, painted, sanded down if necessary, and worked in any other way to be used for a variety of different projects.
It is important to note that occasionally marine-grade plywood will come without the waterproof filler added to it because this type of wood can vary depending on where you are buying it from or what brand name you have chosen. However, this kind of wood often contains a waterproof filler inside it.
3. Plies of A-B Grade Wood
Marine-grade plywood is made by using two or three plies of A-B Grade wood and putting them within the same sheet. This means that this type of plywood has a smooth side and an edge that you can see all along its surface because it’s not covered in any paint to make it look like another material, such as metal or plastic.
Most people use marine-grade plywood for creating outdoor projects, such as the ones mentioned above, that are constantly exposed to water and weathering elements. However, you can also use it in other ways if desired because this type of wood is versatile enough to be used with any number of different applications, including indoor furniture.
4. Not Treated
Some people believe that marine-grade plywood is treated with chemicals and other such products, but this isn’t the case at all. This type of wood is actually made from regular A-B Grade wood, which has been glued together to make it more durable and water-resistant than regular plywood. It can also be stained or painted if desired, although many people use it as is because its natural state looks good and does not require any additional work.
However, treated marine-grade plywood is an excellent choice for many outdoor projects because it is:
- Resistant to rot
- Resistant to insect damage
- More durable than regular plywood
- Less likely to swell or warp when exposed to moisture
There are a few different ways that marine-grade plywood can be treated. The most common method is to pressure-treat the wood with chemicals that will help it resist rot, insects, and moisture. This treatment usually involves soaking the plywood in a tank of chemicals for several hours or days.
Another way to treat marine-grade plywood is by coating it with a waterproof sealant. This method is not as effective as pressure-treating, but it can still help prolong the plywood’s life. Sealants will need to be reapplied regularly in order to maintain their effectiveness.
Here are a few tips on how to choose the right marine-grade plywood for your project:
- Pick a pressure-treated plywood if you can. This will help to prolong the life of the wood.
- If you cannot find pressure-treated plywood, look for sealant-coated plywood. This type of plywood will still be more durable than regular plywood but will require more maintenance.
RELATED: MDO vs. Marine Plywood: What’s the Difference?
Types of Marine Grade Plywood
There are four main types of marine-grade plywood:
AC Plywood – This type of plywood is made with Douglas fir or Western larch and is usually used for boatbuilding.
BC Plywood – This type of plywood is made with spruce, pine, or fir and is often used for paneling, shelving, and other interior applications.
CC Plywood – This type of plywood is made with Douglas fir or Western larch and is often used for concrete forming, roofing, and other exterior applications.
CDX Plywood – This type of plywood is made with spruce, pine, or fir and is often used for sheathing, subfloor, and other structural applications.
How to Use Marine Grade Plywood
Marine-grade plywood can be used for a variety of different projects. Some popular uses include:
- Boatbuilding
- Outdoor furniture
- Decks and patios
- Sheds and other outdoor structures
- Concrete forming
- Roofing
- Sheathing
- Subfloors
If you are working on a project that will be exposed to moisture or other harsh weather conditions, marine-grade plywood is a good choice. This type of plywood is more durable and water-resistant than regular plywood, making it less likely to swell, warp, or rot.
Advantages of Marine Grade Plywood
- There are several advantages to using marine-grade plywood:
- It is more durable than regular plywood.
- It is resistant to rot and insect damage.
- It is less likely to swell or warp when exposed to moisture.
- It can be used for a variety of different projects.
Disadvantages of Marine Grade Plywood
There are a few disadvantages to using marine-grade plywood:
- It is more expensive than regular plywood.
- It is not as easy to find as regular plywood.
- It is heavier than regular plywood.
How to Treat Marine Grade Plywood
Adding a waterproof sealant to marine-grade plywood is actually quite easy. Just follow these steps;
What You’ll need:
- Sandpaper (fine to medium grits)
- Acetone or paint thinner
- Marine-grade plywood sealant. You can purchase this online or at your local hardware store.
- A paintbrush.
- A clean rag.
Step 1: Clean the Plywood Surface
Start by removing any dirt, grease, grime, oil stains, etc from the surface of the marine-grade plywood you need to treat.
Step 2: Sand the Surface Area of the Plywood
Use fine or medium grit sandpaper and go over the entire surface area that needs to be treated with your marine-grade plywood sealant. This will help rough up smooth surfaces, but it also helps remove all of those little bumps that might prevent the sealant from sticking properly.
Step 3: Clean with Acetone or Paint Thinner
After sanding down your plywood surface, use a clean rag to wipe away any dust particles left behind, then carefully apply acetone or paint thinner over the same area you just cleaned. This will help remove the small amounts of grease and oils from your marine-grade plywood.
Step 4: Apply Marine Grade Plywood Sealant
Apply a generous amount of marine-grade plywood sealant to the entire surface area you have been working on. Allow this coating time to dry before moving on to step five, which covers it with paint or any other type of material.
Step 5: Cover with Paint or Stain (Optional)
You can use paint, stain, varnish, etc., to give your marine-grade plywood the color you desire while also protecting it from water damage. Just make sure that whatever product you choose is completely dry before applying a second coat and allowing that one time to dry as well.
RELATED: How to Keep Plywood From Warping: 5 Key Steps
Reasons For Treating Marine Grade Plywood
- Treating marine-grade plywood is important because it;
- It helps prevent the wood from rotting.
- It makes the wood more resistant to insect damage.
- Reduces the risk of the wood swelling or warping when exposed to moisture.
- Increases the lifespan of the plywood.
Treated Marine Grade Plywood VS Untreated Plywood
Untreated marine-grade plywood is more susceptible to rot, insect damage, and swelling or warping when exposed to moisture. However, it is also less expensive than treated marine-grade plywood. If you are working on a project that will not be exposed to moisture or other harsh weather conditions, untreated marine-grade plywood may be a more cost-effective option for you.
How to Choose the Right Marine-Grade Plywood
The type of marine-grade plywood you choose should be based on the project you are working on and the conditions it will be exposed to. If you need durable, water-resistant plywood, marine-grade plywood is a good option. However, if you are working on a project that will not be exposed to moisture or other harsh conditions, untreated marine-grade plywood may be a more cost-effective option.
When it comes to choosing marine-grade plywood, there are a few things you need to keep in mind:
The type of project you are working on: If you are working on a boat, you will need water-resistant plywood that can withstand harsh weather conditions.
The conditions plywood will be exposed Marine-grade plywood is designed to withstand moisture and other harsh conditions, but if your project is not exposed to these elements, untreated marine-grade plywood may be a more cost-effective option.
The size of the project: The larger the project, the more marine-grade plywood you will need. Keep this in mind when budgeting for your project.
The quality of the plywood: Marine-grade plywood is available in different grades, so make sure to choose the right one for your project.
Safety Precautions
Be sure to wear safety glasses and gloves while you are working with your marine-grade plywood. The chemicals used in paint thinner, acetone, etc., can be very harmful if they come into contact with the skin or get in your eyes, so make sure that you take all necessary precautions before moving on to step four of this process which is applying any sealant to your marine-grade plywood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Marine Grade Plywood Made of?
Marine-grade plywood can be made from various materials, but the most common type is wood. Depending on where you are buying your marine plywood, it may also have some waterproof filler inside it that has been added to make this wood even more durable and strong.
Should I Treat Marine Grade Plywood?
Yes, you should always treat your marine-grade plywood with a waterproof sealant so that it will remain strong and resistant to water damage. This type of wood can be used as-is, but adding this treatment process makes it even more durable than before and much better suited for use in areas that are exposed to constant moisture or dampness, such as piers, docks, boardwalks, and other similar structures.
Is Treated Plywood The Same as Marine Plywood?
Treated plywood is made of softer wood than marine plywood. This allows better absorption of chemicals used to protect it against fungi and mold. In due time, the chemicals tend to leach over their surroundings; thus, the application of a sealant of paint or varnish will come in handy.
What Makes Marine Grade Plywood Stronger?
Cedar, Douglas fir, and marine plywoods are denser than regular plywood. This is because they’re made of thicker veneers, which makes them stronger overall. Marine-grade plywood also has a waterproof binding agent that helps make it more resistant to water damage. This makes it the ideal choice for any project where the wood might be exposed to Moisture.
Conclusion
Marine-grade plywood is a great choice for use in exterior areas because it can withstand constant exposure to moisture and dampness. However, all wood products must be treated with some sealant or coating before they are used, as this will help protect them from rain, snow, heat, etc.
So I hope that now you know what marine plywood is and how it can be treated so that you will know exactly what to do if something like this ever happens in your home.
RELATED: Pressure Treated Plywood vs. Marine Plywood: Which is better?
Treated plywood and marine plywood are two different types of wood that serve different purposes. Treated plywood is made of softer wood and is designed to be used in areas where it will be exposed to fungi and mold. Marine-grade plywood, on the other hand, is made of denser wood.
