Walk into any plywood store in India and you’ll hear a mix of terms — MR, BWR, BWP, Marine, calibrated, 3-ply, 5-ply — and it can get overwhelming fast. Yet choosing the right plywood is the difference between furniture that lasts decades and furniture that warps, swells, or falls apart.
This guide simplifies all major plywood types in India, what each one is used for, and which plywood is truly the best for your home or project.
1. The 4 Main Types of Plywood in India (Simple Breakdown)
If you’re here for a quick answer to “What are the four types of plywood?” — here’s the most universal classification used in Indian interiors:
- MR Plywood (Moisture Resistant) – IS 303
- BWR Plywood (Boiling Water Resistant) – IS 303
- BWP / Marine Plywood (Boiling Water Proof) – IS 710
- Commercial Plywood (basic interior-use ply)
But there’s more to know — thickness, layers, construction standards, and specialty variations all matter. Let’s go deeper.
2. MR Plywood (Moisture Resistant)
MR plywood, often called commercial ply, is the most commonly used plywood for indoor furniture in India.
Where it’s used
- Bedroom wardrobes
- TV units
- Bookshelves
- Study tables
- Wall panelling
- Low-moisture interiors
Pros
- Affordable
- Stable for indoor conditions
- Good for decorative furniture
Cons
- Not waterproof
- Not suitable for kitchen, bathroom, or humid rooms
Who should pick MR plywood?
Anyone building budget-friendly interior furniture in completely dry rooms.
BWR Plywood (Boiling Water Resistant)
BWR plywood is a significant upgrade from MR. It uses stronger phenolic or melamine-based resins, giving it higher moisture resistance.
Where it’s used
- Modular kitchens (dry and semi-wet areas)
- Wardrobes next to bathrooms
- Study tables, work desks
- Bed frames
- TV units
- Furniture in cities with high humidity
Pros
- Stronger bonding
- Handles moisture better
- Great for most household furniture
Cons
- Not 100% waterproof
- Costs more than MR
BWR plywood is often the best value-for-money plywood for Indian homes.
BWP / Marine Plywood (Boiling Water Proof)
This is the highest grade of waterproof plywood available in India and is manufactured as per IS 710 (Marine Standard).
Where it’s used
- Kitchen under-sink units
- Bathroom cabinets
- Bed structures, hydraulic beds
- Built-in wardrobes in humid homes
- Outdoor furniture (with proper finishing)
- Coastal and monsoon-heavy regions
Pros
- Completely waterproof
- Incredible strength
- Long lifespan
- High resistance to termites & borers
Cons
- More expensive — but worth it for critical applications
Which plywood is best?
For durability, strength, and water resistance — BWP / Marine plywood is the best plywood.
Marine Plywood vs BWP: Are They the Same?
In India, the terms are often used interchangeably.
✔ Both follow IS 710
✔ Both are waterproof
✔ Both use high-grade phenolic resins
However, true marine plywood has stricter quality control and superior core veneers meant for extreme water exposure. For home interiors, BWP grade is more than sufficient.
What is 3-Ply Plywood?
A common question people ask is: “What is 3-ply plywood?”
3-ply plywood refers to plywood made of 3 layers:
- Face veneer
- Core veneer
- Back veneer
It’s usually 3–4 mm to 6 mm thick, used for:
- Drawer bottoms
- Wardrobe backs
- Panelling
- Furniture backs
- Lightweight partitions
Other plywood layer types
- 5-ply plywood → stronger, used for structural interior parts
- 7-ply plywood → for heavy-duty furniture
- 9-ply & above → for commercial and industrial use
The more the plies, the stronger the board — if the veneers are good quality.
Other Types of Plywood You Will Encounter in India
Calibrated Plywood
- Manufactured with uniform thickness
- Ideal for modular kitchens and CNC work
- Gives a perfectly seamless finish
Flexible Plywood (Flexi Ply)
Can be bent into curves
- Used in curved headboards, reception counters, designer elements
Hardwood vs Softwood Plywood
- Hardwood ply = stronger, better screw holding
- Softwood ply = lighter, cheaper
Veneered Plywood
- Real wood veneer on top
- Premium look for furniture
Prelaminated Plywood
- Factory-laminated surfaces
- Saves finishing time
How to Choose the Right Plywood for Different Furniture
For Bedrooms
- Bed platform: BWP, 18–19 mm
- Wardrobe carcass: BWR, 18 mm
- Wardrobe shutters: MR/BWR, 18 mm
- Drawer bottoms: 3-ply plywood, 6 mm
For Kitchens
- Sink area: BWP
- Shutters: BWR/BWP
- Shelves: BWR
For Living Room Furniture
- TV unit: BWR/MR
- Bookshelves: BWR
- Wall panelling: MR
For Bathrooms
Only BWP / Marine plywood
