Panel Products

Plywood Panels

PLYWOOD

The product was originally developed to provide wood based panels with good stability, versatility and strength properties. Plywood is so versatile that it can withstand hazardous conditions whilst retaining its form. It is available in both hardwood and softwood finishes. Veneer plywood is generally made from veneers peeled from a log. It is then bonded with glue together using heated platens. The durability of plywood will be subject to the raw timber that has been used in the manufacture process and the glue type used.

Suitable coatings or preservatives must be applied before use to enhance durability with any cut edges also being sealed before use. The mechanical (structural) properties are all subject to the species of timber used. There has not been a standardised format due to the wide range of products available however a harmonised format for information is available in EUROCODE 5.

Our Tropical Hardwood Plywood is manufactured within leading manufacturers in both south East Asia and South America. We will always continue to use specific manufacturers to enable us to offer continuity of supply and consistent quality. These mills have grown to understand our Customers' requirements and expectations. Although the material is manufactured, still, to BS 6566, this standard was withdrawn in 1998. However, the standard is still favoured by our manufacturers as a 'mill standard' and the familiar descriptions of face grade and bond (e.g. BB/CC and WBP) will remain, at least for the moment.

Fibreboards & Particle Boards

FIBREBOARDS

Fibreboards are available in many forms. Dependant on the process used will determine the type of product manufactured. The two processes include wet process boards and dry process boards. Wet process boards include Hardboard and Softboard, whilst dry process boards include medium and high-density boards. The manufacture process allows the product to be pressed in various sizes and thicknesses with special requirements available to order. The process involved requires wood fibres with water added to form slurry. This is then either pressed wet or dried to form the various products.

PARTICLEBOARDS

Particleboard is exactly what the name suggests. Particles of wood predominately softwood chips are bonded together to form a panel. It is then formed mixing a synthetic resin adhesive and dried on a mat to form the finished product. It is important that particleboard does not become wet as it is then subject to decay and fungal attack.

ORIENTED STRAND BOARD (O.S.B)

OSB is made from cut wood strands. The strands are then bonded, using a synthetic resin to form to the finished panel. The surface appearance can therefore appear to look like random strips of wood. OSB is commonly made by pressing 3 layers together. On the surface layers the strands are generally layered in the long direction of the panel with the core layer placed along the width of the panel to give the board its structural composition. As with Particleboard, there is no specification for an exterior quality OSB and panel should generally be kept away from wet or humid conditions.

MARINE PLYWOOD (BS1088)

Marine Plywood to BS1088 is manufactured using high quality veneers with durability rating of 3 or 4. The bonding agent used in the plywood is of a high quality where the performance of the product is crucial for construction. Where the use of the panel is for construction it must be CPD compliant. E.g. by complying to BS EN 13986

BLOCKBOARD

These products are generally used for applications similar to plywood but only for interior use, such as shop fittings, door blanks and furniture. These products are generally of a lower cost due to their application usage.

Ancilliary Items

Sundeala K

Sundeala boards are extremely versatile and can be used in any pinboard application. The boards are easy to cut and can be mounted with or without a frame. The boards can also be covered with fabric to give a colour appearance as needed.

Doorblanks

Our range of door blanks are imported directly from the Far East. Core is standard hardwood block. Face options include: 3.6mm & 5.5mm WBP Plywood. All door blanks are extensively tested for fire resistance to either half-hour (45mm) or one-hour (54mm), with enhanced approvals for glazed openings, double & single acting configurations. All are capable of unlimited size reduction (subject to detail).