Plywood — Frequently Asked Questions
Buying grades, brand comparisons, thickness selection, and quality verification — answered by Bhubaneswar's plywood specialists.
01What is the difference between IS 710 and IS 303 plywood?
IS:710 (BWP Marine) uses Phenol Formaldehyde resin — it is completely waterproof and passes the 72-hour boil test. IS:303 (Commercial MR) uses Urea Formaldehyde — moisture resistant only, will fail under sustained water exposure. Use IS:710 for kitchens and bathrooms, IS:303 everywhere else.
02Is CenturyPly better than Greenply?
Both are ISI-certified and produce excellent plywood. CenturyPly has stronger brand recognition in Odisha. Greenply is often slightly more cost-effective in the commercial (IS:303) range. For IS:710 marine grade, quality is virtually identical between the two.
03What thickness plywood should I use for kitchen cabinets?
18mm IS:710 BWP for all carcass sides, base, and top panels. 12mm IS:710 for internal shelves. 6mm HMR board for back panels. Never go below 15mm for structural carcass panels.
04Can MDF be used in kitchens?
Absolutely not. MDF is not moisture resistant. Even 'moisture proof MDF' will swell and crumble at kitchen base cabinet bases within 2–3 monsoon seasons in Bhubaneswar. Only IS:710 BWP marine plywood should be used for kitchen carcasses.
05Is particle board cheaper than plywood?
Yes, particle board is 30–50% cheaper than plywood. However, it has poor screw holding, terrible moisture resistance, and typically fails within 3–7 years in Indian homes. The replacement cost far exceeds the initial saving. Never use it for built-in residential furniture.
06How do I check if plywood is genuine IS:710?
Check for the ISI mark physically embossed (not stickered) on the plywood surface. IS:710 will be specified along with the batch number. For CenturyPly, you can scan the QR code on the warranty card to verify authenticity. Always ask for a proper purchase invoice specifying the IS grade.
07What is blockboard and when should I use it?
Blockboard is an engineered wood with a solid timber core sandwiched between veneer sheets. It is excellent for long shelves and door shutters because it resists bowing better than plywood over long spans. However, it is NOT IS:710 rated and should not be used in kitchens.
08What is BWP plywood?
BWP stands for Boiling Water Proof — the highest water resistance grade in Indian plywood standards. It corresponds to IS:710 and uses Phenol Formaldehyde resin. When genuine, BWP plywood will not delaminate even after 72 hours of boiling in water.
09What is MR grade plywood?
MR stands for Moisture Resistant — equivalent to IS:303. It resists humidity but is NOT waterproof. It is the correct choice for wardrobes, TV units, beds, and any dry-area woodwork. Using it in kitchens or bathrooms leads to premature failure.
10How long does plywood last in Indian homes?
IS:710 marine plywood in well-executed installations lasts 20–30+ years. IS:303 in dry areas lasts 15–25 years. MDF in wrong applications (kitchens) can fail in as little as 2–5 years. Particle board in structural applications typically lasts 5–8 years before requiring replacement.
11What is the price of CenturyPly IS:710 in Bhubaneswar?
CenturyPly Club Prime IS:710 BWP (18mm) currently retails at ₹105–130 per sq ft in Bhubaneswar depending on the dealer. At AK Plywood, we stock it at depot prices, typically 8–12% below retail.
12What is the size of a standard plywood sheet?
Standard plywood sheets in India are 8ft × 4ft (2440mm × 1220mm). Some manufacturers offer 8ft × 3ft (2440mm × 915mm) for specific applications. The 8×4 sheet is the industry standard for all furniture fabrication.