When selecting plywood for environment that are subject to moisture, humidity or water, the main difference lies between marine grade and BWP grade plywood. While both are considered to be waterproof but they are not same. Understanding their difference helps you in choosing the appropriate material for longevity, effectiveness and long lasting value. As a reputable marine grade plywood manufacturers, Advance Plywood explains the difference clearly.
What is Marine Grade Plywood?
Marine grade plywood is a premium quality waterproof plywood specially engineered to withstand severe moisture and continuous water exposure. It is manufactured using 100% high-density hardwood veneers bonded with undiluted phenol-formaldehyde resin, giving the board extremely high bonding strength and durability.
In addition, marine grade plywood is chemically treated with CCB (Copper Chrome Boron) — a powerful wood preservative that protects the plywood from fungus, termites, borer insects, and microbial attack, making it suitable for wet, humid, and coastal environments.
This plywood is frequently utilized in boats, docks, coastal construction, kitchens, bathroom and outdoor furniture.
What is CCB (Copper Chrome Boron)?
CCB is a water-based wood preservative consisting of:
- Copper – protects against fungi
- Chromium – fixes the chemicals inside the wood
- Boron – protects against termites and borers
This treatment ensures that marine plywood remains biologically safe and structurally strong even when exposed to water for long periods.
Key features –
Made from selected high-density hardwood veneers
• Bonded with undiluted phenol-formaldehyde resin
• CCB treated for protection against termites, fungi, and decay
• No core gaps, overlaps, or fillers
• Excellent resistance to water, humidity, and microbial attack
• High screw-holding strength
• Very long service life in extreme conditions
What is BWP Grade Plywood?
BWP stands for Boiling Water Proof plywood. It is manufactured using phenolic resin adhesive as per IS:303, which allows the board to withstand boiling water for a specified time without delamination.
However, BWP grade defines only the bonding performance, not chemical protection. BWP plywood is not necessarily treated with CCB, and the core quality may vary between manufacturers.
Key Features
Withstands boiling water for a limited period
• Uses phenolic resin adhesive
• May or may not be chemically treated
• Suitable for high-moisture indoor applications
• More economical than marine grade plywood
BWP plywood is commonly utilized in modular kitchen, wardrobes, bathroom cabinets and interior furnishing.
Difference between Marine Grade & BWP Plywood:
| Basis | Marine Grade Plywood | BWP Plywood |
| Raw Material & Composition | Made from selected high-density hardwood veneers with uniform thickness and premium grading. | Made from mixed hardwood or semi-hardwood veneers. Core quality may vary by manufacturer. |
| Adhesives & Bonding Strength | Uses undiluted, high-solid phenolic resin with heavy glue loading and high-pressure pressing for maximum bond strength. | Uses phenol-formaldehyde resin as per IS:303. Bonding strength is high but depends on glue spread and pressing. |
| CCB Treated | Always CCB treated to protect against termites, fungi, borers, and decay, especially in wet environments. | Not mandatory. Some BWP boards may not be chemically treated. |
| Water Resistance & Performance | Designed for continuous water exposure, humidity, and coastal conditions without swelling, decay, or bond failure | Can withstand boiling water for a limited time without delamination. Suitable for high-moisture indoor areas |
| Core Gaps & Voids | Nearly zero core gaps, ensuring high strength and no internal weak points. | Small gaps are permissible within standard limits. |
| Cost | It comes at a higher cost because of its premium raw material and manufacturing quality. | It is a more economical option which makes it perfect for interior projects that are budget sensitive |
| Standard & Certification | It meets the IS 710 standards which are more stringent and stricter. | This plywood adheres to the IS 303 standards. |
Which Plywood is better?
Choosing the right plywood really depends on its intended use. Marine grade plywood manufacturers provides marine grade plywood is your reliable place that faces constant water exposure, high humidity, or outdoor settings. It boasts exceptional strength, no core gaps, great bonding and impressive durability which makes it perfect for kitchens, bathrooms, coastal regions and marine uses. On the other hand, BWP grade plywood is good enough to use in indoor areas that may be subjected to some moisture now and then, such as wardrobes and modular furniture. While BWP is a significantly more budget-friendly option, marine-grade plywood exceeds it in many ways concerning long-lasting performance, reliability, and overall value when working under tougher conditions.
Why Choose Advance Plywood?
Advance Plywood is one of the pioneering marine grade plywood manufacturers in India, as it is known for its quality, consistency, and performance. Why our plywood is exceptional:
- IS certified manufacturing standards
- Selection of premium hardwood
- Improved bonding technology
- Trusted by architects, builders, and interior designers
- Durable Waterproof Performance
Every sheet undergoes stringent quality inspection to ensure strength and durability.
Conclusion
Both marine grade and BWP grade plywood provide outstanding water resistance, yet they serve different purposes. Marine grade plywood is designed for harsh environment whereas BWP grade plywood is suited for interiors areas that are prone to moisture. Selecting a leading marine grade plywood manufacturers like Advance Plywood assures that you receive authentic and high quality plywood that endures for many years.
