Introduction
Consider spending thousands of rupees on kitchen cabinets that are so beautiful, and then seeing them expand and warp after just one year of installation. It’s frustrating, isn’t it? It occurs because people are not aware of the difference between waterproof and water resistant plywood.
When you are making furniture or working on your home, selecting the correct plywood isn’t just about aesthetics—you also have to think about longevity. Believe it or not, water can be wood’s biggest enemy. You will be wasting your money on replacement plywood if you make the wrong choice.
But here’s the thing: once you grasp what ‘waterproof’ and ‘water-resistant’ means, making the right decision becomes very easy. So, let’s unveil it for you and explain it as simply as possible so that your hard-earned money and your furniture investment are properly safeguarded.
What Are Waterproof and Water Resistant Plywood? Understanding the Types
We should address these distinctions after first understanding what these truly mean, the two main types bwr and bwp plywood:
Water-Resistant Plywood (BWR Grade)
Water-resistant plywood will tolerate some amount of water, but not for an extended period. It would be like wearing a rain-repellent jacket. It will keep you dry if it rains lightly, but you will get soaked if it rains heavily.
Water resistant plywood, or BWR plywood, is what it is known as in India. BWR stands for ‘Boiling Water Resistant’. It implies that it resists water and moisture somewhat but isn’t meant for places where water is constantly present.
How BWR plywood is made: It uses special resins named phenolic resins, which hold layers of wood together. These resins provide some water-resistant properties but are not strong enough to resist water.
Where BWR works best: BWR furniture works perfectly as indoor furniture for dry or slightly wet places like a bed room, living room, and office.
Waterproof Plywood (BWP Grade)
Waterproof Plywood goes a step ahead and isn’t just water resistant but water impenetrable. That means no matter how soaked it is in water, it will not be harmed.
This type of plywood is known as BWP plywood in India. BWP stands for “Boiling Water Proof”. It goes without saying that BWP plywood can withstand even boiling water.
How BWP plywood is made: It uses high-quality phenolic resins that form an extremely strong bond between layers. As a result, it becomes completely waterproof and very durable.
Where BWP works best: Use BWP as your preferred option for your kitchen, bathroom, furniture, and anywhere water is a consideration.
Familiarity with bwr and bwp plywood types will enable you to assign the correct type to the correct room.
Key Difference Between Water Resistant and Waterproof
Now, let’s get down to business and discuss difference between water resistant and waterproof, this will help you understand which suits your needs better:
Water Tolerance
The main difference between waterproof and water-resistant materials is based on the amount of water they can withstand.
Water-resistant plywood, or BWR, will withstand splashes, moisture, and humidity. However, if water is prolonged on BWR wood or if it contains direct water contact, it will eventually soak through and allow water to affect the wood.
The Water Proof Plywood, or BWP, is made so as to withstand intense water exposure. You can splash it, soak it, or even dip it into water. It will remain perfectly fine.
Durability and Strength
Both are very strong, but waterproof plywood for kitchen and wet regions is much tougher.
BWR plywood works perfectly well for general purposes and usage. Nevertheless, it may start swelling, bending, or even losing its form due to damp conditions.
BWP plywood retains its strength and form irrespective of what. It will not swell or warp, even if it’s put in a humid or wet area. It’s more termite and insect-resistant compared to wood that insects and termites favor.
Cost Difference
Talking about money, BWR plywood costs less because it withstands lighter usage. If your project falls into your budget and you’re making furniture for dry regions, then BWR plywood would be an optimal option.
BWP plywood is more expensive compared to regular plywood because it provides better protection and longer life. It may be more expensive at first, but it will save you money because you will not have to replace your furniture.
Quality Standards
Both have specific standards for quality in India.
Water-resistant plywood complies with IS:303. It ensures that the plywood resists moderate water.
The waterproof plywood meets IS:710 standards. IS:710 is a higher-grade plywood. It authenticates that the plywood will be capable of withstanding intense water and moisture.
When comparing water proof and water resistant plywood, it’s crucial to check for these ISI marks so as to acquire the best.
Applications
The difference between waterproof and water resistant materials also extends into which regions you can apply them.
BWR wood finish can be perfectly suited for indoor furniture like wardrobes, bookshelves, TV cabinets, and even office tables. It would be apt anywhere that remains relatively dry.
Waterproof plywood for kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, sink cabinets, outside furniture, balcony storage, and boat-making, anywhere water plays a role waterproof plywood becomes a necessity.
Why You Need the Right Plywood: Real-Life Use Cases
Whether or not to select water proof and water resistant plywood might be a technical decision, but it should be an easy choice if it can make your life simpler and your investment worthwhile. That’s why it matters:
Waterproof Plywood for Kitchen
Water infiltrates your kitchen every single day. When you do your dishes, water splashes everywhere. Also, when you cook, your kitchen fills with steam. Moreover, spills occur on a regular basis.
So, if you’re using regular water resistant plywood in your kitchen, it will absorb all that extra moisture. You will see swelling around your kitchen sink within months. The kitchen cabinet doors would no longer fit properly. It might start developing molds too.
That’s why it’s not optional but a necessity while buying kitchen furniture. BWP plywood resists all types of water, steam, and humidity without getting harmed. Your cabinets will remain strong and attractive for years, not months.
Bathroom furniture needs special consideration.
Bathrooms are even more humid compared to kitchens. Because there are showers and a lot of water evaporation due to humidity, bathroom furniture has very challenging conditions.
BWP plywood will make your bathroom vanities and storage units unrotten and unswollen. Moreover, it will not allow any molds on it because molds usually occur in bathrooms made with rotten wood.
Bedroom and Living Room: Water-Resistant Works Just Fine
It may not be necessary to have waterproof plywood for every furniture. You can use water resistant plywood for your wardrobe, living room cabinet, and even your study table.
These regions will not be exposed to water, so there will be no need to invest more money on waterproof plywood. BWR plywood will provide you with satisfactory quality at an affordable price. It’s apt for dry regions.
Outdoor Furniture Demands Waterproofing
While making furniture for your balcony, garden, or terrace, you will need waterproof plywood. Weather furniture exposed to rain, morning dew, and varying weather conditions.
Plywood will degrade soon under exposed conditions. But BWP plywood will resist all weather conditions and provide furniture that will last for several years.
Saving Money in the Long Run
But here’s something that matters. Using good-quality plywood actually will save you money.
Now, if you use BWR plywood for your kitchen purposes because it costs a few thousand rupees less, you will end up spending more on repairs or replacement.
At the same time, if you invest in waterproof plywood for kitchen, it means that you’re making furniture that will last for 10-15 years and more without any problems. That’s your intelligent financial move.
Conclusion:
The difference between water resistant and waterproof plywood is easy, one can withstand some water, and the other can withstand water all the time. It will help you pick the right wood for every room.
Just remember this simple tip: Use water resistant plywood for bedrooms, living rooms, and offices. Use waterproof plywood for kitchens, bathrooms, and outside environments. It will save your investment and bring peace to your mind.
At KPI Plywood, we don’t just make furniture. We trust. Our high-quality plywood is made with precision and engineered for longevity. Whether it is your kitchen renovation or your bedroom makeover, we at KPI Plywood are here at your service with a solution.
And so, quality isn’t just about wood, it’s about creating a space that holds memories.
Read More – Veneer Plywood , Moisture Resistant Plywood, Waterproof Ply Board, Plywood Panel