Plywood guide
Commercial plywood or marine plywood: which one should you buy in the UAE?
The short answer
Choose commercial plywood for dry, indoor work such as cabinet carcasses, shelving, partitions and furniture backing. Choose marine plywood where moisture is a concern, for example kitchens, bathrooms, balconies under cover and joinery that is cleaned often.
What commercial plywood is
Commercial plywood is made of thin wood veneers glued in layers. It is the everyday choice for interior carpentry: it is easy to cut, takes screws well and costs less than water-resistant boards. It is not designed to stay damp, so keep it away from regular water contact.
What marine plywood is
Marine plywood is built with water-resistant (WBP) glue and is usually made to a higher standard, so the layers hold together better when exposed to humidity. It is not a waterproof board that can stay underwater: edges should still be sealed and the surface finished or laminated for wet areas.
Choosing the thickness
Always confirm the exact thickness, size and finish with our sales team before ordering a project quantity, because these can vary by brand.
- 4 mm to 6 mm: backs of cabinets and drawers, light panelling.
- 9 mm to 12 mm: shelves, cabinet sides, partitions and doors.
- 18 mm: worktops, load-bearing shelves, formwork and heavy-duty joinery.
Quick checklist before you buy
- Where will it be used: dry indoor or humid?
- Which thickness and sheet size do you need?
- Will it be painted, laminated or veneered? Tell us so we can suggest the right grade.
- How many sheets, and where should they be delivered?
See what we have in stock
Browse the full plywood range with sizes and current prices, or send us your list on WhatsApp and our trade desk in Sharjah will quote the right boards for your project.