Last Updated on June 4, 2022 by Kimberly Crawford
If you’re looking for an affordable, yet durable material to use for your next home improvement project, plywood might be the wrong choice.
Although it is one of the most popular materials available, plywood has some drawbacks – it’s heavy, can warp over time, and is not very resistant to moisture. In this blog post, we will discuss 10+ alternative materials that might be a better fit for your needs!
1. 3M Reinforced Polyurethane Foam Boards
Reinforced Polyurethane Foam Boards are a great plywood alternative because they are strong, durable and lightweight. They can be cut and drilled with standard tools and come in many different sizes. RPF boards are also moisture resistant and will not warp or rot like plywood.
Pros:
-They are moisture-resistant and will not warp or delaminate over time.
-Rigid and durable, they can be used in a variety of applications both indoor and outdoor.
-Their lightweight properties make them easy to work with, even for large projects.
-Installation is simple and does not require any special tools or skills.
-They are also affordable, making them a cost-effective option for many projects.
Cons:
-The finish can be chipped or scratched if not handled with care.
-Like plywood, they can be susceptible to fire damage.
-May not be suitable for projects in areas with extreme heat or cold temperatures.
-They are not as strong as plywood and may need additional support if used in large applications.
-Not suitable for use near water because they will absorb moisture (and eventually rot).
-May not be ideal for projects where aesthetics are a priority since most products do not come pre-finished.
2. EKOPLY Recycled Plastic Sheets
Made from 100% recycled post-industrial and post-consumer plastics, Ekoply is an environmentally friendly plywood alternative.
Pros:
-Strong and durable, Ekoply can be used in a variety of applications both indoor and outdoor.
-Installation is simple and does not require any special tools or skills.
-Ekoply is also affordable, making it a cost-effective option for many projects.
Cons:
-Ekoply may not be suitable for projects in areas with extreme heat or cold temperatures. It must be stored indoors when not in use (at room temperature). -Not suitable for use near water because it will absorb moisture (and eventually rot).
-May not be ideal for projects where aesthetics are a priority since most products do not come pre-finished.
-It is not as strong as plywood and may need additional support if used in large applications such as bridges or buildings with heavy loads on top of them.
3. Fiber cement board
Made from a mix of cement, sand, cellulose fiber and water, fiber cement board is a popular plywood alternative.
Pros:
-It is fire resistant, moisture resistant and termite proof making it ideal for use in areas with harsh weather conditions.
-Installation is simple and does not require any special tools or skills.
-Fiber cement board is also affordable, making it a cost-effective option for many projects.
Cons:
-It requires regular maintenance to prevent mold growth and staining that occurs due to water absorption over time (especially in hot climates where humidity levels are high). It should be painted every two years or so to protect it from the elements.
-May not be suitable for use near water because it will absorb moisture (and eventually rot).
-Not as strong as plywood and may need additional support if used in large applications such as bridges or buildings with heavy loads on top of them.
4. High-Density Fiberboard (HDF)
High-Density Fiberboard (HDF) is a plywood alternative that can be used in a variety of applications both indoors and outdoors.
Pros:
- Strong and durable, HDF is resistant to water damage making it ideal for use near areas prone to flooding or other natural disasters such as earthquakes where plywood might not hold up well over time due to its tendency to swell when wet.
- HDF is also affordable, making it a cost-effective option for many projects.
Cons:
- High Density Fiberboard does not come pre-finished and must be painted or stained prior to use in order for it to last longer outside without rotting quickly from exposure over time.
- May not be suitable for use near water because it will absorb moisture (and eventually rot).
- Not as strong as plywood and may need additional support if used in large applications such as bridges or buildings with heavy loads on top of them.
- It is more expensive than plywood, which means it might not be cost effective in some applications where plywood would suffice just fine (such as building a shed).
5. Baltic Birch Plywood
Baltic birch plywood has all the same qualities of standard plywoods except that it has an all plywood core, making it more stable than other plywoods.
Pros:
- It is also a good choice for projects where aesthetics are important because the face veneers have no voids or knots in them which make them look better when finished with paint or stain.
Cons:
- Baltic birch plywood is more expensive than other plywoods and might not be cost effective in some applications where plywood would suffice just fine (such as building a shed).
- It has less strength when compared to other plywoods, making it better suited for indoor use only.
6. Waferboard
Waferboard is an engineered wood product that is made by pressing thin layers of wood veneers together.
Pros:
- It is more stable than plywood, making it less likely to warp or bend when used in projects such as cabinets or furniture.
- Waferboard comes pre-finished and does not require additional finishing before use.
Cons:
- Although waferboard is more stable than plywood, it is not as strong and should not be used in high-stress applications.
- It is also more expensive than plywood, making it a less affordable option for some projects.
7. King Starboard HDPE
King Starboard HDPE is a plywood alternative that can be used in a variety of applications both indoors and outdoors.
Pros:
- It is strong, durable and water resistant making it ideal for use near areas prone to flooding or other natural disasters such as earthquakes where plywood might not hold up well over time due to its tendency to swell when wet.
Cons:
- King Starboard HDPE is more expensive than plywood, making it a less affordable option for some projects.
- It has less strength when compared to plywood, making it better suited for indoor use only.
8. Medium-density fiberboard (MDF)
MDF is a plywood alternative that is made by pressing together small wood fibers to create a panel.
Pros:
- MDF is strong and durable, making it ideal for use in high-stress applications such as cabinets or furniture.
- MDF comes pre-finished and does not require additional finishing before use.
Cons:
- Although MDF is more stable than plywood, it is not as strong and should not be used in high-stress applications.
- It can also warp or bend over time if exposed to moisture on one side while dry on the other (such as by rain).
9. Masonite
Masonite Board is a plywood alternative that has been around since 1920.
It is made from pressed wood chips and sawdust that have been glued together into a panel.
Pros:
- Masonite board is strong and durable, making it ideal for use in high-stress applications such as cabinets or furniture.
Cons:
- Although Masonite Board plywood alternative might be more stable than plywood, it’s not as strong and should not be used in high-stress applications.
- It can also warp over time if exposed to moisture on one side while dry on the other (such as by rain).
10. Oriented strand board (OSB)
OSB is a plywood alternative that is made by pressing together small wood chips and strands.
Pros:
- OSB is strong and durable, making it ideal for use in high-stress applications such as cabinets or furniture.
- OSB comes pre-finished and does not require additional finishing before use.
Cons:
- OSB is not as strong as plywood and may not be suitable for some high-stress applications.
- OSB is available in a limited range of colors and finishes.
11. Particle Board
Particle board is made up of thin layers glued together with an adhesive called formaldehyde resin, which makes it very durable. It has a fairly smooth surface and will show any marks, so it is best for projects that do not require painting.
Particle board can be stained or painted to match the wood in your home, but plywood tends to look better when finished with varnish or paint. Plywood is more stable than particle board, which means you can use plywood to build cabinets and furniture.
12. Solid Wood
Solid wood is plywood’s main competitor. Solid wood can come in plywood-like sheets or boards that have been glued together with formaldehyde resin, but solid wood also comes in other forms such as plywood with a veneer on top of it.
Plywood has several advantages over solid wood; plywood is more stable, less likely to warp or bow over time, and costs less. However, solid wood is more durable than plywood and can be refinished many times.
13. Thermo-lite board
Thermo-lite board is made from dense plywood with a thermally treated surface. It is very strong and durable, making it perfect for flooring, countertops, and other high-traffic areas.
Thermo-lite board does not show scratches or dents like regular plywood, and it can be stained or painted to match your decor. The plywood is treated with a water-resistant coating to prevent mold and mildew growth, but it is not waterproof.
14. Wax Resin fiberboard
Wax resin fiberboard is plywood with a waxy coating that makes it water and stain resistant. It is often used for kitchen countertops and waterproof plywood, which means you won’t need to refinish it as frequently as other plywoods.
Wax resin fiberboard can be sanded, stained or painted to match your decor, and it does not show scratches or dents like plywood.
Conclusion
While plywood is a popular choice for construction projects, there are other materials that can be used as an alternative. Depending on the project, one of these alternatives may be a better fit.