31—01—2023
Specifying Plywood Panels? Here’s 7 Important Things to Consider
Plywood panels are available in a vast array of colours and styles, and this is a big part of their appeal. Within the range there are many variations in size, type and quality, which for specifiers means carefully comparing the options.
So if you’re specifying plywood panels for a project, what are the key elements you need to compare to find the perfect product for the job? In this article we share the 7 essential areas that must be considered.
1) Fire ratings
When specifying materials, compliance is a must, so you’ll need to be aware of any fire safety requirements such as BAL Ratings or Group Ratings that apply to your project. If you’re building in a designated Bushfire Prone Area, the property will be assigned a BAL Rating which is based on the level of bushfire risk. Each BAL Rating has specific requirements on the types of materials that can be used, so be aware of this when making your selections. Group Ratings on the other hand apply to the fire hazard level of timber products used inside commercial buildings. When selecting your timber, the Group Rating Certificate will specify the group number that applies, but keep in mind Maxiply have a number of options to help supply the correct product for your project requirements.
2) Sustainability
Today, choosing sustainable products is front of mind for many clients and businesses, and rightly so. When selecting plywood products, opting for timber accredited through the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an important and positive step towards minimising your environmental footprint. In addition to this, sourcing plywood with natural finishes rather than toxic chemicals is another simple choice that makes a big difference.
3) Acoustics
In a well-designed interior, the acoustics must be carefully considered, and your choice of materials has an impact on how sound is absorbed or reflected around the space. There are soundproofing requirements in certain buildings that must be adhered to, and in community spaces the way sound travels affects the ambience and atmosphere. Timber is a popular choice for interiors as it can be used to enhance sound or reduce it as required. Our team can offer expert advice on the acoustic properties of our products to be sure you achieve the desired outcome.
4) Applications
Another important factor to consider is how and where you will use the ply. Certain plywood products are best suited to particular applications, so keep this in mind when making your selection. For example, our plywood panels are ideal for walls, ceilings and some joinery applications, but are not recommended for doors or exposed exterior situations. If in doubt, chat to our team for advice on the best ply for your specific needs.
5) Thickness
The right thickness of the plywood panel also depends on how you intend to use it in your project. Our panels are available in three levels of thickness: 12mm, 18mm and 24mm. We recommend you opt for 12mm for walls and ceilings, and for joinery go for 18mm or 24mm depending on your needs.
6) Installation
Installation can be time consuming with some plywood products, so be sure to consider this aspect when making your decision. Our plywood panels are delivered as complete systems that are ready to install, and there are a range of fixing methods available. Common installation methods include direct fix and concealed fix for walls, and we offer detailed installation guides for walls and ceilings to make the task fast and easy.
7) Finish
Your choice of finish not only impacts the aesthetics of your design it also affects the durability, maintenance requirements and air quality of the space, so getting it right is key. All our pre-finished plywood panels are coated with a hard wax intelligrain clear coat which ticks all the boxes to deliver an attractive, long lasting and easy to clean finish, without the need for toxic chemicals.
Chat to our team for expert advice
With so many considerations when choosing ply panels, getting expert advice from the start can save you time, money and headaches. Talk to our team on 1300 761 741 or at [email protected] if you have any questions, we’re always happy to help!
31—01—2023
Plywood panels are available in a vast array of colours and styles, and this is a big part of their appeal. Within the range there are many variations in size, type and quality, which for specifiers means carefully comparing the options.
So if you’re specifying plywood panels for a project, what are the key elements you need to compare to find the perfect product for the job? In this article we share the 7 essential areas that must be considered.
1) Fire ratings
When specifying materials, compliance is a must, so you’ll need to be aware of any fire safety requirements such as BAL Ratings or Group Ratings that apply to your project. If you’re building in a designated Bushfire Prone Area, the property will be assigned a BAL Rating which is based on the level of bushfire risk. Each BAL Rating has specific requirements on the types of materials that can be used, so be aware of this when making your selections. Group Ratings on the other hand apply to the fire hazard level of timber products used inside commercial buildings. When selecting your timber, the Group Rating Certificate will specify the group number that applies, but keep in mind Maxiply have a number of options to help supply the correct product for your project requirements.
2) Sustainability
Today, choosing sustainable products is front of mind for many clients and businesses, and rightly so. When selecting plywood products, opting for timber accredited through the Forest Stewardship Council (FSC) is an important and positive step towards minimising your environmental footprint. In addition to this, sourcing plywood with natural finishes rather than toxic chemicals is another simple choice that makes a big difference.
3) Acoustics
In a well-designed interior, the acoustics must be carefully considered, and your choice of materials has an impact on how sound is absorbed or reflected around the space. There are soundproofing requirements in certain buildings that must be adhered to, and in community spaces the way sound travels affects the ambience and atmosphere. Timber is a popular choice for interiors as it can be used to enhance sound or reduce it as required. Our team can offer expert advice on the acoustic properties of our products to be sure you achieve the desired outcome.
4) Applications
Another important factor to consider is how and where you will use the ply. Certain plywood products are best suited to particular applications, so keep this in mind when making your selection. For example, our plywood panels are ideal for walls, ceilings and some joinery applications, but are not recommended for doors or exposed exterior situations. If in doubt, chat to our team for advice on the best ply for your specific needs.
5) Thickness
The right thickness of the plywood panel also depends on how you intend to use it in your project. Our panels are available in three levels of thickness: 12mm, 18mm and 24mm. We recommend you opt for 12mm for walls and ceilings, and for joinery go for 18mm or 24mm depending on your needs.
6) Installation
Installation can be time consuming with some plywood products, so be sure to consider this aspect when making your decision. Our plywood panels are delivered as complete systems that are ready to install, and there are a range of fixing methods available. Common installation methods include direct fix and concealed fix for walls, and we offer detailed installation guides for walls and ceilings to make the task fast and easy.
7) Finish
Your choice of finish not only impacts the aesthetics of your design it also affects the durability, maintenance requirements and air quality of the space, so getting it right is key. All our pre-finished plywood panels are coated with a hard wax intelligrain clear coat which ticks all the boxes to deliver an attractive, long lasting and easy to clean finish, without the need for toxic chemicals.
Chat to our team for expert advice
With so many considerations when choosing ply panels, getting expert advice from the start can save you time, money and headaches. Talk to our team on 1300 761 741 or at [email protected] if you have any questions, we’re always happy to help!
