Introduction
In the dynamic realm of construction and marine applications, the choice of plywood plays a pivotal role. Here at Capitol City Lumber, our marine-grade plywood transcends ordinary hardwood plywood, setting a new standard for excellence. Let’s delve into the intricate details that make marine plywood a smart option, especially in coastal areas and greater moisture applications.
Advantages of Marine Grade Plywood
Investing in marine plywood offers unparalleled advantages, especially when compared to regular hardwood plywood. The application of waterproof glue, coupled with the use of wood species like Douglas Fir and Pine, ensures a robust and moisture-resistant foundation. Unlike regular plywood, marine plywood is constructed with thin sheets, making it a popular and practical choice for boat building and furniture construction. Marine grade plywood is not treated and still needs to be sealed with a marine grade sealer or fiberglass.
Common Applications
From building boats and boat parts to constructing furniture and engaging in home improvement projects, marine grade plywood outshines regular plywood in versatility and durability. Its resistance to moisture and the absence of voids make it an excellent choice for applications in coastal areas, ensuring that your projects stand the test of time.
Understanding the Types
1. Baltic Birch Marine Plywood
At the core of Capitol City Lumber’s offerings is the Baltic Birch Marine Plywood, where each ply is a solid sheet – no voids, no gaps. Crafted with Baltic Birch plys all the way through, a wood species renowned for its durability, this plywood is the go-to choice for building boats and boat parts. Applying waterproof glue ensures a strong and lasting bond, making it a good quality and virtually void-free option for marine projects. Whether you’re constructing furniture or engaged in home improvement, this plywood is an excellent choice, providing a durable foundation with a strong protective finish.
2. Okoume or Aquatek Meranti
Crafted from the Okoume tree, known for its uniform texture and elegant grain, this plywood showcases craftsmanship at its finest.
Pronounced oh-kuh-mey, Okoume is an African hardwood found in the Congo, Gabon, and Africa’s equatorial Guinea. Often called Okoume Mahogany, it offers a pinkish-brown or pale-red hue, bringing both strength and sophistication to your projects. Not pressure-treated, it relies on its core composition of pine, poplar, or hardwood for strength.
Ideal for marine applications and woodworking, Okoume plywood is lightweight and versatile. While it lacks inherent pressure treatment, it compensates with a durable core. Seal it with marine primer and varnish for enhanced durability, especially in marine settings where exposure to the elements is inevitable.
Adding unparalleled quality to our marine-grade plywood selection, Aquatek Meranti surpasses standard options with its exceptional machining properties, impeccable nailing and screw-holding capabilities, and superior durability. Crafted for boat building excellence, this multi-ply marine plywood features face and inner plies constructed from whole-piece, color-matched Meranti or Keruing veneers. The WBP (phenolic) waterproof and boil-proof glue ensures a resilient bond, while its “Durable” rating guarantees longevity in marine environments. Whether for boat construction or woodworking projects, Aquatek Meranti stands as a testament to quality and reliability, offering a sound investment for projects demanding resilience.
Our Okoume or Aquatek Meranti plywood comes in 4’ x 8’ two-sided marine grade panels. Rated A/B grade, it’s available in ½ and ¾ inch thicknesses. Priced competitively at $179 for ¾ inch, this plywood boasts a balance of quality and affordability.
3. Hechthout Okoume
The Hechthout Okoume earns its distinction with an AA grade and meticulous construction. Hechthout® Okoume Marine Plywood, heralded as one of the finest marine-grade plywoods, boasts exceptional weather and water resistance, making it a trusted choice for construction and boatbuilding over the decades. Featuring an A-grade surface on both sides and A-grade plys through all layers, it provides a clear face and a solid, void-free foundation, ensuring the highest quality. Available in 1/8″, 1/4″, 3/8″, 1/2″, and 3/4″ thicknesses, this plywood is not only extremely smooth but also versatile – ready to take on stain, veneer, paint, or fiberglass beautifully. Whether you need full 4×8 sheets, partial redi-cut sheets in stock at our location, or a convenient online purchase, Hechthout® Okoume Marine Plywood is your assurance of top-notch quality for marine projects.
Where Can I Buy Marine Plywood?
Capitol City Lumber understands the unique requirements of marine projects. Our marine grade plywood, constructed with waterproof glue for enhanced durability, stands as a testament to our commitment to quality. In comparison to regular plywood, our marine plywood is virtually void-free, making it the smart option for any marine application.
Need Marine Plywood? Give Us a Call.
Our marine plywood is a cut above the rest. Choose the smart option, choose reliability – choose marine grade plywood from Capitol City Lumber. Ready to elevate your marine projects with the best plywood on the market? Explore the marine plywood options offered by Capitol City Lumber today. Contact them at 919.832.6492 or contact us online for more information.
