If you’re looking for a cost-effective yet durable material for your next home renovation project, plywood may not be a better choice. Although it is one of the most popular materials, plywood has disadvantages such as not very moisture resistant. So, are there any alternatives for plywood that can save your money?
In the market, there are another options available that are mostly used instead such as MDF, HDF, and OSB. Each option provides different qualities and differs in material.
However, plywood is on another level for providing a great surface and comes in different designs. In this article, we have covered some effective alternatives for plywood that may be better suited to your needs on a small budget.
Why is Plywood So Popular?
Plywood has come a long way from the early 20th century. For decades, plywood was known for hardwood alternative. Today, plywood comes to mainstream for many builders and homeowners today. You can create a faux shiplap wall, a giant pegboard, benches, and cabinetry. It is a flexible and popular material for many indoor and outdoor DIY projects.
Here are reasons Why plywood is so popular.
1. Plywood looks great
Let’s start with what can be seen from the outside. Plywood panels are usually covered with solid wood; it looks natural and seems more beneficial if apply the good-quality veneer.
2. Plywood is durable
Unlike hardwood, plywood boasts uniform strength along the direction. These suitable veneers and adhesives make plywood very good at resisting sharp injuries and service abuse.
3. Plywood comes in large sizes.
Can a single piece of hardwood be large enough to allow you to build furniture? Of course not. in opposite, plywood sheets come in larger sizes, with a length of at least 1800 mm and a width of usually 1200 mm. You can perform many projects with these amazing wood sizes.
4. Different varieties available
Other thing that makes it popular is varities available in the market. There are multiple types of plywood options available. You must have heard some of the types mentioned below.
- Sanded plywood
- Marine plywood
- Structural plywood
- Hardwood plywood
- Tropical plywood
- Project plywood panels
However, plywood is expensive compared to MDF board and somewhat prone to damage due to moisture. So, it requires a proper maintenance to maintain its beauty for long time.
6 Inexpensive Plywood Alternatives That Are Used Widely
1. Polyurethane Board
This rigid foam offers very high insulation values with this product, making it ideal to use in construction instead of plywood. It is a very lightweight material that can be easily used and handled by anyone without any problem. Polyurethane foam boards are solid. This is due to the fiberglass that runs through the panels, making them more robust than other options.
Unlike other building materials, these boards are waterproof, so you never have to worry about buckling or buckling while installing or using them in construction. They are perfect for both semi-structural and structural operations. Since they are not affected by water, there is no risk of these boards rotting. Polyurethane foam boards weigh much less than plywood and are available in several densities.
Pros
- They are moisture-resistance and won’t warp or disintegrate over time.
- Their lightweight features make them easy to work with, even for large projects.
- They are also affordable, making them a cost-effective option for numerous projects.
- They are rigid and durable and can be used in indoor and outdoor applications.
Cons
- The finish can chip and scratch if not handled with care.
- It may not be suitable for systems in icy and hot areas.
- They are not suitable for use near water as they will absorb moisture.
- They are not as strong as plywood and may require additional support in larger applications.
2. Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF)
It is a very economical choice, making it fit well within the budget of many buyers. Whether you need MDF for a design or buying cabinetwork made of MDF, it will be much less precious. You can easily paint MDF in many colors without worrying about how well the color will look. This means you can update your piece when you change your mind about its appearance.
MDF does not shrink or expand with changes in humidity and temperature, which means it is highly reliable and durable. Because it is made from recycled wood, MDF is a great eco-friendly option. Some chemicals used while making this product will make it toxic to these pests.
Pros
- MDF comes pre-finished and does not bear fresh finishing before use.
- MDF is strong and durable, ideal for high-stress operations like closet or cabinet work.
Cons
- If one side is exposed to moisture while the other is dry(such as from rain), it can warp or bend over time.
- Although MDF is more stable than plywood, it is not as strong and should not be used in high-stress operations.
3. EKO Ply
EKO ply is an environmentally friendly alternative to wood and plastic ply sheet material. Designed to be stronger and more durable than traditional plywood sheets, EKO ply is made from 100% recycled materials, which helps reduce its environmental footprint. Although 100% natural rot and corrosion resistant-unlike conventional wood veneers.
Its graffiti and chemical resistance exterior makes it perfect for use in commercial environments such as youth centers, municipal enterprises, and gyms. EKO Ply is the latest version of its predecessor eco sheet with minimal to no maintenance costs.
Pros
- Solid and durable, EKO ply can be used indoors and outdoors.
- EKO ply is also affordable, making it a cost-effective option for numerous systems.
- Installation is easy and does not require any exceptional skills or tools.
Cons
- It is less intense than plywood and may require additional support when used in large applications such as buildings and bridges with heavy loads.
- It may not be ideal for projects where aesthetics are a priority, as most products are not pre-finished.
4. High Density Fiberboard (HDF)
Hardboard, also called high-density fiberboard (HDF), is a type of fiberboard that is an engineered wood product. But it is denser and much more robust and harder because it is made from blasted wood fibers that have been highly compressed.
Hardboard has long been used in furniture, but it is also popular in the construction industry and for businesses as a temporary floor protector. Hardboard has become less popular in recent years due to new environmental goals in the construction industry to procure more durable temporary protection materials.
Pros
- HDF is also affordable, making it a cost-effective option for many projects.
- Solid and durable, HDF is resistant to water damage. It is ideal for use near areas prone to flooding or other natural disasters, such as earthquakes, where plywood may not hold up well over time due to its tendency to swell when wet.
Cons
- It is more expensive than plywood, so it may not be cost-effective in some applications where plywood is sufficient.
- High-density fiberboard is not pre-finished and must be painted or stained before use to last outdoors without rotting quickly from exposure over time.
5. Oriented Strand Board (OSB)
This engineered product may resemble plywood in some ways but is much less expensive. Because of the way OSB is made, it is generally much more invariant in construction, which gives it a clear advantage over other options. OSB can be used in numerous operations on roofs, floors, and walls.
Because it is produced in huge mats and then cut to size, OSB is very consistent in its quality. You can buy OSB in several sizes, panel strengths, thicknesses, and stiffnesses. This allows you to choose the perfect product for your requirements without immolating quality.
Pros
- Osb is pre-finished and does not require additional finishing before use.
- OSB is strong and durable, ideal for high-stress applications such as furniture and cabinets.
Cons
- OSB is available in a limited range of finishes and colors.
- OSB is less intense than plywood and may not be suitable for some high-stress operations.
6. Particle Board
It is one of the most affordable options available on the market and is generally less expensive than MDF. If you work independently, you will love how lightweight this product is, making it much easier to handle alone.
Particle boards are light enough for large-scale projects without being overly heavy. Because the particle board is so flat, smooth, and sleek, it is an excellent option for flooring. You can fluently glue hardwood, tile, or linoleum to the face. Buying particle boards in different thicknesses is easy, so you can quickly choose the right option for your project.
Also check: What Color Paint Goes With Brown Granite for Your Kitchen?
Things to consider while choosing Plywood Alternatives
Polyurethane board is the safest choice when replacing plywood in your system, but medium-density and high-density fiberboard are just a little behind.
Although solid wood is the most aesthetically pleasing option, it can often be quite expensive. On the other hand, Eco Ply is quite affordable and comes in different designs.
Finally, particle board is one of the best flooring options if you’re looking for something affordable in terms of installation, easy to maintain, and beginner-friendly. They are exceptionally versatile and inexpensive, which can also be said for oriented strand boards, which also have the advantage of being environmentally friendly.
Conclusion
Plywood is a very versatile material that has many uses in different purposes. Although plywood is a popular choice for construction projects, other materials can be used as alternatives for plywood.
Here is a compiled list of the alternatives for plywood options that you can use for your next project. Each material has its advantages and disadvantages, so be sure to choose the best suit for your needs. Depending on the project, choosing one of these options may be a better fit. Readers can also suggest more option through our home improvement write for us page.
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