Marine Plywood
Marine Plywood
Meranti Marine Plywood is a premium hardwood ply bonded with waterproof phenolic glue — purpose-built for moisture-prone environments where surface quality, sheet stability, and delamination resistance matter most. Manufactured to BS1088 standards using near void-free hardwood veneers, it's the trusted choice for boat fit-outs, bathroom cabinetry, alfresco joinery, and high-end DIY
Available in-store and online
Specifications
| Spec | Detail |
|---|---|
| Species | Meranti (Dark Red Meranti) |
| Standard | BS1088 |
| Bond / Glue Line | Phenolic WBP — fully waterproof |
| Core | Solid hardwood, void-free construction |
| Sheet Size | 2400 × 1200mm |
| Available Thicknesses | 4mm, 6mm, 9mm, 12mm, 17mm, 19mm, 25mm |
| Face Finish | Sanded both faces |
| Structural Rating | Non-structural |
| Colour / Appearance | Blonde to red tones — natural variation across pack |
What Is Marine Plywood Used For?
Marine ply is the go-to hardwood plywood wherever moisture, humidity, or a high-quality finish is a requirement. Common applications include:
Boat building & fit-outs Boat interiors, cabin linings, bunks, storage, and marine joinery — where BS1088 certification and WBP bonding are often specified.
Bathroom, laundry & kitchen Vanity cabinets, laundry shelving, sink bases, and end panels benefit from the moisture resistance and stable core that marine ply provides.
Alfresco & outdoor joinery When fully sealed, painted, or clear coated, marine plywood is well suited to outdoor furniture, BBQ cabinets, and alfresco built-ins.
Interior cabinetry & furniture Wall linings, built-ins, shelving, drawer boxes, carcasses, and decorative furniture — the smooth sanded faces take paint, stain, or clear finish exceptionally well.
Mobile & commercial fit-outs Caravans, trailers, food trucks, workshops, and commercial interiors where a durable, lightweight hardwood ply panel is needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between marine plywood and exterior plywood? Marine plywood (BS1088) uses higher-grade veneers with no core voids and a waterproof phenolic glue line — making it more dimensionally stable and resistant to delamination than standard exterior ply. Exterior ply uses a similar WBP bond but allows for lower face grades and some core gaps.
Is marine plywood waterproof? The glue bond is fully waterproof (WBP/phenolic), meaning the layers won't delaminate when exposed to moisture. However, the timber itself will absorb water if left unsealed — marine ply should always be painted, sealed, or coated for prolonged outdoor or wet-area use.
What thickness marine plywood do I need? It depends on the application — 4mm–6mm for linings and lightweight panels, 9mm–12mm for cabinetry and shelving, 17mm–19mm for flooring, benchtops, and structural-adjacent uses, and 25mm for heavy-duty joinery and benching.
Can marine plywood be used outdoors? Yes, when properly sealed. Marine ply is not structural-rated, but its void-free core and WBP bond make it one of the better hardwood ply options for sheltered outdoor applications like alfresco cabinetry and outdoor furniture.
What does BS1088 mean? BS1088 is a British Standard for marine plywood specifying requirements for veneer quality, core construction (void-free), and adhesive bond strength. It's the internationally recognised benchmark for marine-grade ply.
What species is Meranti marine plywood? Meranti (also known as Dark Red Meranti or Philippine Mahogany) is a Southeast Asian hardwood prized for its workability, stability, and natural durability. Colour ranges from blonde to red tones and can vary across a pack — this is a natural characteristic of the species.
