Common Types of Plywood: Philippines Buying Guide 2024

If you’re looking for information on plywood price, it’s crucial to understand the different factors that affect pricing. Plywood is a commonly used material in the construction industry, thanks to its reliable strength, stability, and affordability. Suppose you’re working on a project in the Philippines and need to purchase plywood. In that case, it’s important to understand the different prices and intended uses to select the right plywood for your project.

Types of Plywood: Understanding the Options

Let’s delve into the most widely available plywood types in the Philippines:

• Ordinary Plywood: The workhorse of everyday construction, ordinary plywood is made by gluing multiple wood veneers together. Despite being cost-effective, however, it lacks moisture resistance. Therefore, it is only suitable for interior use, such as subfloors, wall paneling, basic furniture, and sheathing.

• Approximate Price (per 4’x8′ sheet, 1/4″ thickness): Php 400 – Php 600

• Marine Plywood: The champion of outdoor projects! Premium waterproof glue gives marine plywood its exceptional resistance to moisture, humidity, and fungal attacks. This makes it top-tier for boat construction, exterior paneling, docks, and furniture exposed to the elements.

• Approximate Price (per 4’x8′ sheet, 1/4″ thickness): Php 800 – Php 1500

• Tanguile Plywood: Sourced from the Tanguile tree (part of the Philippine mahogany family), this plywood stands out with its attractive reddish-brown hue. Moreover, it is a popular choice for both structural and furniture construction due to its affordability and strength.

• Approximate Price (per 4’x8′ sheet, 1/4″ thickness): Php 500 – Php 800

• Falcata Plywood: This lightweight and economical plywood derives from the fast-growing Falcata tree. Its main advantages are affordability and ease of workability, making it a common choice for temporary structures, packaging materials, and simple indoor furniture projects.

• Approximate Price (per 4’x8′ sheet, 1/4″ thickness): Php 350 – Php 550

The Dynamics of Plywood Price in the Philippines

To help you budget for your project effectively, it’s important to keep the following factors in mind:

• Wood Species: Plywood sourced from in-demand hardwoods like those used for marine plywood will naturally command a higher price.
• Glue Type: The specialized waterproof glue used in marine-grade plywood adds to its overall cost.
• Thickness: Selecting thicker sheets will lead to an increase in plywood price.
• Market Conditions: The construction industry’s health, supply chain disruptions, and other economic factors can cause fluctuations in plywood prices.
• Supplier: Look for reputable lumber yards and hardware stores that offer competitive pricing and quality plywood.

Choosing the Right Plywood for the Right Job

• Interior Construction: Ordinary plywood is the go-to for indoor structural work, subflooring, and wall paneling.
• Furniture Making: Opt for Tanguile or ordinary plywood depending on your desired look and durability needs. Marine plywood is ideal for kitchen or bathroom cabinetry.
• Outdoor Projects: Insist on marine plywood for projects consistently exposed to moisture and the Philippine climate.
• Budget-Friendly Solutions: Falcata plywood hits the mark for packaging, temporary structures, or simple, non-structural furniture.

Make Smart Plywood Purchases in the Philippines

• Online Research: Typing in “plywood price Philippines” can yield valuable supplier price comparisons.
• Inspect for Quality: Look for flat, smooth surfaces with no warping. Higher grades of plywood will typically have fewer knots and imperfections.
• Trustworthy Suppliers: Reputable suppliers can offer knowledgeable advice and quality-assured materials.

Disclaimer: Plywood prices can change over time. This guide provides approximate ranges and a framework to navigate the market in 2024.