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Different types of plywood are available in the market for your home improvement needs. One type that is quite popular is MDO which stands for Medium Density Overlay. This type of plywood has a number of benefits over other types, one being its durability and low maintenance requirements. But what about Marine Plywood? Is it just as good or better than MDO? Today, we look into MDO vs marine plywood.
Marine Plywood is more resistant to moisture in comparison to MDO, which makes it more suitable for applications that are prone to water exposure. On the other hand, MDO is partly resistant to moisture, for this reason, it’s mostly used for drawers, cabinets, and furniture.
What is MDO?
Medium Density Overlay is a type of plywood that has an overlay veneer that makes it look like solid wood. It can be used in place of solid hardwoods for most applications, including building cabinets or furniture.
Pros
- Durable and long-lasting.
- Low maintenance requirements since it does not need finishing or sealing.
- Stain-resistant so you can use stains to change the look of your project without worrying about damaging the plywood.
Cons
- It may warp over time if exposed to moisture.
Properties of MDO
-Durable and long-lasting.
-Low maintenance requirements since it does not need finishing or sealing.
-Stain-resistant so you can use stains to change the look of your project without worrying about damaging the plywood.
What Is Marine Plywood?
Marine plywood is a type of plywood that has exterior-grade veneers and core, which makes it suitable for use in kayaks. It can also be used to build furniture or cabinets if you don’t mind the yellowish hue.
Pros
- Resistant to water and moisture so it is great for use in kayaks, boats, or furniture that will be exposed to water.
- Resistant to mold and mildew.
- Bends and curves well.
Cons
- It is heavier than MDO and may need finishing or sealing when used for furniture or cabinets
Related Article: Is Marine Grade Plywood Treated?
Top 5 Best Marine Plywood
AlternativesIf you’re looking for a marine plywood alternative, here are some options to consider:
1. ABS Marine Grade Plywood
This type of plywood is made with a waterproof adhesive that makes it resistant to water. It’s also lightweight and easy to work with.
2. Hootech Marine Plywood
This type of plywood is made with a waterproof resin that makes it resistant to water. It’s also rot-resistant and easy to work with.
3. Meranti Marine Plywood
This type of plywood is made with a waterproof resin that makes it resistant to water. It’s also rot-resistant and easy to work with.
4. Okoume Marine Plywood
This type of plywood is made with a waterproof resin that makes it resistant to water. It’s also rot-resistant and easy to work with.
Aren’t MDO and Marine Plywood Basically The Same?
No. MDO is made of many different wood veneers, whereas marine plywood only has one exterior-grade veneer with a core. The most important difference between them though is how they are graded and the type of glue that’s used for their production process.
Are They Both Waterproof?
Yes. Both types of plywood are waterproof and can be used in a wide range of applications that require moisture resistance, including building cabinets or furniture for your bathroom or kitchen.
How Much Does MDO Plywood Cost?
The cost of MDO plywood will depend on the thickness and size of the sheet. A typical sheet of MDO plywood that is four feet by eight feet and half an inch thick can cost around $60.
Similarities Between MDO Vs Plywood
Both MDO and marine plywood are waterproof and can be used in a variety of applications that require moisture resistance. They are also both durable and long-lasting, with low maintenance requirements.
Differences Between MDO vs Marine Plywood
Price Range
MDO is cheaper than marine plywood, which makes it more popular when building cabinets or furniture that will be exposed to water.
Weight
Marine plywood is heavier than MDO, which makes it difficult to work on if you are using power tools like saws or sanders for your project. It also does not have the same strength as MDO due to its heavy weight.
Durability and Longevity
Marine plywood is more durable than MDO due to its exterior grade veneer, but it needs finishing which can compromise longevity. This type of plywood also requires regular maintenance every few weeks or months to keep looking good. On the other hand, MDO does not need any kind of finishing or sealing and you don’t need to maintain it as often.
Strength
Marine Plywood has a high-strength rating since it is exterior grade, whereas MDO has average strength.
Bending and Shaping
Marine plywood is better if you want to bend it or shape it into a curve since the exterior grade veneer makes this possible. MDO can also be shaped, but not as easily.
Appearance
MDO has a natural look, whereas marine plywood looks yellowish due to the exterior veneer core that’s used in its production process. This may not be suitable for furniture or cabinets you want to place inside your living room!
Maintenance and Care
Both types of plywood do not require any kind of finishing or sealing before use, but MDO does not need much maintenance either since it is stain-resistant. On the other hand, marine plywood requires regular re-finishing to keep looking good even after every few weeks.
Waterproof
Both types of plywood are waterproof and can be used in applications that require moisture resistance.
Glue
Marine plywood is glued with exterior glue for its production process, whereas MDO has a different type of glue that is used.
When to Use MDO
If you are building cabinets or furniture that will be exposed to water, then MDO is the best choice for you since it does not need finishing. You can even use a stain on this type of plywood without worrying about damaging its surface.
Related Article: Particle Board vs Plywood Cabinets: Which One Is Better?
When to Use Marine Plywood
Marine plywood is best used if you are looking at making a boat or kayak since it is exterior grade and can withstand water exposure. It also works well for cabinets or furniture that will be exposed to moisture, but you may need to finish it before using it as a cabinet or table top especially if you are planning to use it inside your living room.
How Does Marine Plywood Compare to other Types of Plywood?
Marine plywood sheet that is four feet by eight feet and half an inch thick can cost around $60. This type of plywood is more expensive than CDX plywood, which has a similar thickness and size but costs around $45. Marine plywood is also more expensive than OSB (oriented strand board) and MDF (medium- marine plywood sheet that is four feet by eight feet and half an inch thick can cost around $60.
Availability and Manufacturers
MDO is a more readily available product that you can find at any hardware store.
Marine plywood, on the other hand, might be difficult to source if your local home improvement store doesn’t carry it since it’s an exterior-grade wood and needs special care during production. It is usually sourced from marine stores or suppliers for boat builders.
Alternatives To MDO And Marine Plywood
There are a few alternatives to MDO and marine plywood that you can use depending on your project requirements. If you need a waterproof material, you can use MDF or OSB board. For a more durable option, you can go with hardwoods like maple or oak. If you need something that is easy to shape and bend, then you can use plywood with a lower-grade veneer.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is MDO Waterproof?
Yes, MDO is waterproof and can be used in various applications requiring moisture resistance.
Is Marine Plywood Waterproof?
Yes, marine plywood is also waterproof and can be used for applications that require moisture resistance.
What Is the Difference Between MDO and Marine Plywood?
MDO is a more readily available product that does not need finishing, while marine plywood is an exterior-grade wood that might be difficult to source. Marine plywood also needs special care during production.
What Is the Strongest Plywood?
The strongest is marine plywood since it is exterior grade and has a high-strength rating.
What Is the Best Plywood for Shaping?
Marine plywood is the best plywood for shaping since it is exterior grade and can be bent or shaped into a curve. MDO can also be shaped, but not as easily.
Can you paint MDO?
Yes, you can paint MDO just like any other type of wood.
Can you stain marine plywood?
Yes, but sometimes the exterior veneer may peel off with regular staining or sealing if not done properly. You will need an expert’s advice on this one!
What is the best plywood for marine use?
Marine plywood is the best option for boat building and kayak making, but you can use MDO as well.
Why is Marine Plywood More Expensive than Regular Plywood?
Marine plywood is more expensive than regular plywood because it is exterior grade and needs special care during production. It is also difficult to source if your local home improvement store doesn’t carry it.
What does marine-grade wood mean?
It means that it is exterior-grade, making it durable for regular exposure to water without being affected by moisture or rain. As a result, this type of wood is good for making boats, kayaks, or even furniture that you want to keep inside your living room!
Should I buy MDO plywood?
You should always go for high-quality wood when it comes to building cabinets and other home improvement tasks. You can use MDO in these cases since it does not need any finishing or sealing before use.
What is the Best Type of Plywood for Boat Building?
cabinet Grade Plywood is the best type of plywood for boat building because it has a very high-strength rating and is also waterproof. Marine plywood is also a good option, but it might be difficult to source. You can use MDO in these cases since it does not need any finishing or sealing before use.
Conclusion on MDO vs Marine Plywood
MDO vs marine plywood, both types of wood are good for boat making or building cabinets that will be placed inside your living room. However, you should consider the type of finish and material to use depending on what you want out of it!
Related Article: Pressure Treated Plywood vs Marine Plywood
