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Marine Plywood vs Pressure Treated Plywood

Marine Plywood Vs Pressure Treated Plywood

I’m Doing Some Repairs on my Boat. Can I Use Pressure Treated Plywood Instead of Marine Plywood for Coring?

A comparison to illustrate why these plywoods are not interchangeable.

Meranti Marine Plywood

Pressure Treated Plywood

Marine Plywood

  • Assembled gap and void-free in all layers.
  • Laminated under pressure.
  • Uses special, water-proof glue that holds the layers together.
  • Constructed of harder woods which have a natural water resistance.
  • Stronger and more durable because it has more thinner layers of hardwood.
  • Water has no effect on the glue or the strength of the lamination.
  • Will not easily delaminate, bubble, buckle, or warp.
  • If cut no voids or gaps will be discovered on the cut edges.
  • If finished appropriately, will outlast pressure-treated plywood.

Pressure Treated Plywood

  • Common plywood that has been  pressure treated with chemicals.
  • This treatment prevents the wood from decaying or rotting.
  • Can also discourage insect damage.
  • Pressure treatment with chemical compounds does not waterproof the plywood.
  • Continuous exposure to water will leach the preservative chemicals from the wood.
  • Often made with soft wood to enable the penetration of the chemicals.
  • Softer woods will also allow for the penetration of water.
  • Does not have the additional plies to add strength and durability.
  • Does not eliminate all gaps or voids.

Marine plywood is specifically manufactured to stand up to the harsh marine environment.  The materials used in in its construction are specifically chosen to assist in making it as water resistant as possible.  Pressure treated plywood is usually regular softwood and will absorb moisture very easily.

This Post Has 10 Comments
  1. Hi LBI I have 1976 Mako center console with soft spots . please fell free to reach out to me . I would rather be a phone call (but do check emails ) 401-834-4916 Joe Figueira (Floors )

    1. Hi Joe, I will try to get in touch with you this afternoon. In the meantime here are a few questions I will ask: Have you done anything to check and see how extensive the soft spots are? Would you just want to dry out and patch up the spots or replace with new fiberglass. Have you thought about what type of coring you’d want to use?

  2. I’m looking to replace my transom in a 1975 25’ mako, what is the best material you sell for the job, marine plywood? Any composites? I wanna go 1.5” thick with 2 3/4” boards or composite like coosa board I wood like to heat your suggestions thank you Chuck

    1. You can go with the marine plywood if you’d like, just make sure you seal it prior to Laying up. We do carry AIREX brand Coosa/Penske board if you wanted something that was more like a composite. I can get a 1.5″ thick board if you’d prefer that rather than bonding the 2 3/4″ thick boards together.

  3. […] Marine plywood is specifically manufactured to stand up to the harsh marine environment. The materials used in in its construction are specifically chosen to assist in making it as water resistant as possible. Pressure treated plywood is usually regular softwood and will absorb moisture very easily. via […]

  4. Plywood for a boat floor is categorized by grade, and marine plywood is either A or B grade. The outer part is A grade, while the opposite side is B grade. The core can be a B grade or much better. It’s usually made with 7-ply lamination that is bound by waterproof glue. The thickness would be.75″ or thicker because of this finishing.

  5. No comment.
    I use marine plywood in boat building which means I’m always in the hunt for sources.
    Also, let me know if any newsletters on this topic (marine plywood).
    Thks

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