At Builder Depot we supply a comprehensive range of premium quality WBP Plywood including 8 x 4 plywood sheets. Our collection includes general use hardwood plywood, moisture resistant marine plywood, exceptionally strong birch ply, laminated ply and shuttering ply for encasing concrete. All of which are highly versatile and suitable for a wide variety of internal and external applications, ranging in thicknesses from 3.6mm to 25mm to suit all requirements. For more information to assist with your purchase, please take a look at our types of plywood guide page.
Plywood is a versatile engineered wood made by bonding thin layers (plies) of wood veneer, with the grain of adjacent layers typically rotated 90 degrees. This construction provides plywood with strength, durability and resistance to warping. Its versatility, cost-effectiveness and availability in various grades make plywood a go-to material for many applications.
What is plywood used for?
Plywood is lightweight, cost-effective and available in various grades. This makes it versatile for a wide range of applications, including furniture, construction and decorative projects. Plywood is particularly valued for its strength, stability and ability to be used in both structural and aesthetic purposes, such as flooringx, walls, cabinetry and even marine environments.
Plywood grades
Plywood is commonly graded with letters or numbers to indicate the quality of its front and back faces. The most widely used grading system follows the A-D scale, where each letter represents the quality of the veneer:
Grade A
The highest quality with a smooth, sanded surface and minimal defects. Ideal for furniture, cabinetry, and decorative projects where appearance is crucial.
Grade B
A slightly lower grade than A, with minor imperfections such as small knots or filled repairs. Smooth and sanded, still suitable for visible applications where a flawless finish is not essential.
Grade C
Contains more noticeable defects, including larger knots, splits, and discolourations. It is typically used for structural purposes where appearance is less important.
Grade D
The lowest quality with numerous knots, open defects, and rough surfaces. Best suited for hidden structural applications, subflooring, and industrial use where looks don’t matter.
Types of plywood
Various types of plywood, including interior, exterior and marine-grade, are available to suit a wide range of applications.
Interior Plywood
Interior plywood is made for indoor use and is ideal for furniture making, cabinetry, wall paneling, partitions, doors and decorative purposes. It is bonded with adhesives that are not fully waterproof but is strong and durable for indoor use. Furthermore, it is affordable, easy to use and aesthetically appealing.
WBP Plywood
WBP plywood (short for Weather and Boil Proof) is a premium-grade plywood known for its excellent water resistance and durability. Commonly manufactured using phenol formaldehyde resin (a synthetic plastic resin) that conforms to EN636 standards, making it completely waterproof and resistant to boiling water. Constructed from hardwood veneers, it is dense, strong and highly durable, making it ideal for areas exposed to moisture, humidity and water. It is specifically designed for outdoor applications, as well as kitchen and bathroom furniture, and door and window frames.
Exterior-Grade Plywood
Exterior-grade plywood is made with the same water-resistant glue as WBP plywood. However, WBP plywood is a higher grade of exterior plywood with better water resistance, making it fully waterproof and ideal for continuous water contact. For general outdoor use where water exposure is minimal or occasional, exterior-grade plywood is a more cost-effective option. Common uses for exterior plywood include fencing, gates, signage, shelters and storage sheds.
Some plywood grades are designed for specific purposes, such as marine plywood - a high-quality, water-resistant plywood with no voids in the core. It is often rated A-A or similar on both sides, ensuring a smooth, durable surface. Moisture-prone areas require exterior-grade or marine-grade plywood to prevent water damage and ensure long-term durability. Due to its water-resistant properties, marine ply is commonly used for boat building, docks, outdoor furniture, bathroom and kitchen cabinets, exterior cladding and garden structures.
Softwood Plywood
Softwood plywood is made from softwood tree species such as pine, fir, spruce or cedar. It is commonly used for structural and general-purpose applications, including construction projects like roofing, wall sheathing and subflooring. More affordable than hardwood plywood, it offers a cost-effective solution for a variety of building needs.
Hardwood Plywood
Hardwood plywood is made from hardwood tree species such as poplar and eucalyptus. It is known for its strength, durability and smooth finish, making it ideal for furniture, cabinetry, flooring and decorative applications. More durable and dense than softwood plywood, it provides a high-quality option for both structural and aesthetic projects.
Birch Plywood
Birch plywood is a high-quality plywood made entirely from birch veneers. Known for its strength, durability and smooth, uniform surface, it is widely used in furniture making, cabinetry, interior design and precision applications like laser cutting. With excellent stability and an attractive grain, birch plywood is a popular choice for both structural and decorative projects.
Shuttering Plywood
Shuttering plywood is a strong and durable plywood designed for use in concrete formwork and construction. It is moisture-resistant and has a smooth surface to ensure a good concrete finish. It is built to withstand heavy loads and multiple reuses. Commonly used in beams, columns, slabs and foundations, it provides structural support during the concrete setting process.
Our plywood
We stock environmentally friendly plywood that meets UK plywood standards. Our plywood sheets are available in various thicknesses ranging from 3.6mm to 25mm. Each sheet comes in a standard size of 8 x 4 feet (2440mm x 1220mm).