Most plywood damage doesn’t happen because your home got flooded. It happens because moisture enters quietly—a little, every day—until one day you notice: edges swelling laminates bubbling shutters scraping plywood “puffing” near corners
Here are 7 sneaky moisture entry points people miss.
1) The sink unit base (the #1 offender)
Under the sink, you have: water splashes plumbing leaks wet scrubbers damp cleaning cloths Even a small drip, over months, is enough. Prevention Use BWP only for sink base and side panels in contact zones. Add PVC skirting or a stone base to lift plywood off the floor. Seal edges properly (more on sealing below).
2) The “back side” of kitchen shutters
Front looks perfect. Back side gets steam, heat, and humidity. If the inside face isn’t sealed well, it absorbs moisture faster. Prevention Ensure lamination/finishing is done on the inner face too (at least a protective layer). Avoid leaving raw plywood exposed inside cabinets.
3) Edges and cut-outs (raw plywood = open pores)
Every time a carpenter cuts: hinge cup holes handle holes pipe cut-outs wire channels …they expose raw layers where moisture enters quickly. Prevention Apply edge sealing / primer / protective coat on cut edges For kitchen cut-outs, insist on sealing around sink and pipe holes
4) Floor contact in humid rooms
Even without visible water, floors in monsoon climates carry moisture.
If your plywood sits directly on floor or touches it—swelling starts from the bottom.
Prevention Leave a gap between plywood and floor (use PVC/stone skirting) Don’t allow raw plywood edges to rest on tiles
5) Bathroom-adjacent walls
A vanity in the washroom area, or a wardrobe on the other side of a bathroom wall—classic problem.
Moisture migrates through the wall. Prevention Use a moisture barrier on wall side (waterproofing + protective backing) Prefer BWP for units adjacent to bathroom walls
6) Window-side wardrobes (condensation zone)
In winter and monsoon, windows create condensation. That moisture sits in corners where air movement is low. Prevention Leave air circulation gap behind wardrobe Use proper sealing on wall-facing side Ensure the window is not leaking during rains
7) The “mopping splash zone”
Regular mopping throws micro-splashes at the bottom edges of cabinets and wardrobes.
It doesn’t look harmful—but it repeats daily. Prevention PVC skirting / stone base Ensure bottom edges are sealed Avoid leaving wet mop near furniture edges The real secret: sealing is as important as plywood grade Even BWP can fail if: edges are left raw cut-outs aren’t sealed floor contact is direct Moisture doesn’t ask what grade your plywood is. It just looks for openings.
