Like all furniture materials, plywood requires proper care and maintenance to ensure it remains in stable condition over time.
Understanding Plywood Furniture Grades
When choosing plywood for furniture projects, it’s crucial to understand the various grades of plywood, as they determine the quality and appearance of the finished product. Here’s a brief overview of the most common plywood grades used in furniture making:
- Grade A: This is the highest grade of plywood in Australia, offering a blemish-free surface with minimal defects. It’s perfect for furniture that requires an immaculate finish, such as tables and cabinets. Grade A plywood can be used without a veneer or laminate overlay.
- Grade B: Slightly lower than Grade A, this plywood still has a quite smooth surface but may display some small defects and knots. It’s commonly used for furniture that will be lately lacquered, painted or covered with a veneer.
- Grade C: For this grade of plywood larger knots and more visible defects are allowed. It’s typically used for less visible parts of furniture (for example, the back panels of wardrobes or internal structural components). If you plan to cover it with veneer, Grade C plywood can be a cost-effective option.
- Grade D: Being the lowest quality plywood, Grade D may have visible defects and voids that can make it unsuitable for finished furniture pieces. It’s used in less demanding applications where appearance is not a priority.
How to maintain plywood furniture
The finish or sealant on plywood furniture provide an extra protective layer that prevents stains, moisture absorption, and wear. Over time, the coatings may start to wear off, leaving the surface vulnerable. Choose only products designed for timber.
1. Avoid Direct Sunlight Exposure
Direct exposure to strong Australian sunlight can cause plywood furniture to discolour, fade and degrade over time. UV rays can decrease the wood’s protective finish abilities, making it more susceptible to damage.
Advice:
- Consider UV-protective varnishes or finishes, which add an extra layer of protection against fading.
- Keep furniture out of direct sunlight. If possible, place your plywood furniture in areas that are not exposed to direct sun for extended periods.
- Use curtains or blinds to protect furniture from harmful UV rays. If the table or cabinet is near a window, these simple measures can extend its lifespan.
2. Protecting from Humidity
One of the threats to plywood furniture is excess moisture. Plywood can absorb water, leading to warping, swelling, or delamination. This is particularly important in Australia's coastal areas, where humidity can be higher.
Advice:
- Wipe up any spills. It’s best to clean it up as soon as possible to prevent moisture from seeping into the surface.
- Place plywood furniture in well-ventilated areas. Avoid putting furniture in high-humidity spaces like bathrooms or use a dehumidifier to keep the air dry.
4. Repairing Minor Damage
Minor chips, scratches, or dents are inevitable, especially with daily furniture use. The key to maintaining plywood furniture is to address any issues early to prevent them from worsening.
Advice:
- For scratches or small dents, use a wood filler or wax stick that matches the plywood’s colour.
- For deeper scratches, you may need to lightly sand the damaged area and then reapply a finish or varnish to restore the protective layer.
- If the damage is severe or beyond repair, consider fully replacing the damaged section or calling a professional for restoration.