Plywood is widely used for construction and all sorts of other applications, but it doesn't always get the respect it deserves. Despite the fact it's strong, versatile and looks great even next to solid timber, like all manufactured wood products, plywood is frequently misunderstood.
It's a great material, though, and using plywood is also cost-effective as it typically comes in at a lower price point than comparable timber. The most attractive benefit for environmentally-conscious people, though, is that using plywood is a really eco-friendly option. Here's how it helps you reduce your environmental impact.
It uses less wood than solid timber
When plywood is constructed, it's made of several thin sheets of wood glued together. The result of this is that, to create a strong product that's ready for use, less wood is needed overall.
With less wood used, fewer trees are cut down, so your impact on deforestation is greatly reduced. What's more, if you look for plywood that carries a sustainability certification, the wood used to make it is sourced from responsible places, so it's renewable and limits deforestation.
It uses wood that might otherwise go to waste
The outer surfaces of plywood are normally chosen because they're good quality, so they give a great-looking finish. When it comes to inner layers, however, it's important that they're strong, but they're hidden from view and their appearance doesn't matter.
It's a handy way for timber producers to make use of wood that might otherwise go to waste because it's difficult to sell. This translates into fewer felled trees, with more of the available wood being used instead of disposed of.
It's tough and long-lasting
All materials have a finite life, although it can be extremely long in some cases. Depending on what it's used for, the lifespan of wood can be fairly short, meaning it will need to be replaced.
Plywood is made with a cross grain formation, which makes it much stronger than solid wood. It will last a lot longer, so replacement isn't needed so often. It also withstands cracking, splintering and other forms of damage while you're using it.
It has lower transport requirements
Compared to solid timber, plywood of comparable or greater strength is much lighter. Because of this, it's possible to transport more sheets of plywood in a single truck, so less transportation is involved.
Less transportation means a lower carbon footprint, and that's a great way to bring down the overall ecological impact of this hard-wearing wood.
To learn more about your options, contact plywood product services.
