What Is Laminated Plywood?
Laminated plywood is a material created by gluing together layers of plywood boards either vertically or horizontally to form a larger cross-sectional area. A common example is width-mending glued laminated wood, where boards are laid horizontally and bonded to create wall panels. Additionally, laminated wood is utilized for constructing columns by stacking and gluing boards to form squared timbers.
This method of aligning and joining wood fibers in the longitudinal direction enhances the wood’s strength and minimizes distortion, making it 1.5 to 2 times stronger than solid wood. A significant advantage of laminated wood is its ability to be manufactured in large or long cross-sections, which is not feasible with solid wood. It can also be bent into desired shapes using steam.
Uses of Laminated Plywood
Laminated plywood is categorized into two types: for construction and structural use. Construction-grade laminated plywood often utilizes hardwoods like ash and oak, as well as softwoods like pine. Structural lumber, on the other hand, is typically made from softwoods such as pine and rice pine.
Its applications span across various areas, including staircases, counters, structural framing components like columns and beams, and flooring. It is also a popular choice for furniture, such as tables and chairs. For large structures like beams and girders in big buildings, gyms, and halls, strong structural materials made of laminated plywood are preferred.