Phenolic plywood is crafted by bonding phenolic resin films to both sides of a plywood core, resulting in a robust, moisture-resistant, and non-slip material. It is known for its smooth surface and durability and is used in construction when building cabinets.
The Ply-Weekly Newsletter
Receive a curated roundup of the best in the world of plywood – every two weeks.
Types of Phenolic Plywood
Phenolic Film-Faced Plywood
Phenolic film-faced plywood is specifically designed for concrete formwork applications. It features a slick phenolic-coated surface that facilitates easy form removal after concrete pouring, saving time and effort during construction. The smooth finish of the phenolic coating ensures that the formwork can be reused multiple times without sticking to the concrete. Additionally, its resistance to water and cement helps preserve the form’s shape and structural integrity throughout the construction process, making it a preferred choice for concrete contractors and builders.
Phenolic-Faced Birch Plywood
Phenolic-faced birch plywood, also known as Baltic birch plywood, consists of a high-quality birch plywood core with a phenolic veneer layer applied to one or both sides. The phenolic veneer provides a stable and durable surface, enhancing the overall strength and performance of the plywood. This type of plywood is favored in specialized cabinetmaking applications where a smooth and consistent surface is essential for furniture and cabinetry construction. Baltic birch plywood is known for its excellent strength-to-weight ratio, making it suitable for various woodworking projects that require precision and reliability.
Properties of Phenolic Plywood
Durability
Phenolic plywood is fortified with phenolic resin, providing exceptional strength and resistance to wear and tear, even in demanding weather conditions. Its ability to resist scratches, impacts, and physical damage makes it well-suited for heavy-duty applications where durability is essential.
Moisture Resistance
Thanks to its waterproof phenol resin adhesive, phenolic plywood exhibits excellent moisture resistance, making it suitable for use in wet or humid environments. It maintains its structural integrity and dimensional stability when exposed to moisture, ensuring durability and longevity in both indoor and outdoor applications.
Heat Resistance
Phenolic plywood demonstrates exceptional heat resistance, remaining stable and unaffected even in high-temperature environments. This heat resistance prevents warping or degradation of the plywood, making it reliable for applications where exposure to heat is common.
Strong Yet Lightweight
Despite its lightweight nature, phenolic plywood offers remarkable strength and load-bearing capacity. This combination of strength and lightness makes it ideal for applications where durability and ease of handling are essential, such as in construction and manufacturing.
Chemical Resistant Coatings
Phenolic plywood can be coated with chemical-resistant finishes or coatings, providing an additional layer of protection against corrosive substances, chemicals, acids, and solvents. These coatings enhance the plywood’s durability and ensure long-term performance in environments where exposure to chemicals is a concern.
Uses of Phenolic Plywood
Concrete Forms
Phenolic plywood’s smooth surface prevents concrete adhesion, allowing for precise molding and smooth finishes. It maintains stability even in wet conditions, ensuring the form’s integrity during construction. The removal process is easy thanks to its non-stick surface. This guarantees both precision and durability in construction projects.
Specialized Cabinetmaking
It is used in specialized cabinetmaking, due to its exceptional stability and consistency. Its reliable surface allows for intricate woodworking projects, ensuring each piece meets the highest quality standards. Its strength guarantees the durability and precision necessary for creating exquisite, enduring cabinets.
Tool and Router Tables
Phenolic plywood is the preferred material for tool and router tables, due to its smooth surface and exceptional strength. Its stability ensures precision in woodworking tasks, while its resistance to wear guarantees long-lasting reliability. Craftsmen value its durability, making it a popular choice for these applications.