MATERIALS

Marine Plywood (BWP)

Boiling water proof plywood for marine and exterior use per IS 710

Also calledmarine plywoodmarinr plywmarine plybwp plywoodboiling water proof plywood
Related on InfraLens
CODES
IS 710
Definition

Marine plywood is high-grade plywood with phenol-formaldehyde (BWP — Boiling Water Proof) glue and high-density inner cores, designed for water-resistant applications. Per IS 710:2010, marine plywood is the highest-grade Indian plywood for shuttering, exterior cladding, water-exposed furniture, and boatbuilding. Distinguished from MR (Moisture Resistant) and BWR (Boiling Water Resistant) grades, BWP marine plywood withstands continuous water exposure without delamination.

Key IS 710 specifications: (1) Glue — phenol formaldehyde with BWP test (boiling water for 72 hours without delamination). (2) Density 600-650 kg/m³ (denser than ordinary plywood). (3) Inner cores — solid wood (not hollow strips); typically gurjan or okume hardwood. (4) Surface — typically 0.6-1.0 mm hardwood veneer; smooth grade for furniture, rough grade for shuttering. (5) Sheet sizes — 8 × 4 ft (2440 × 1220 mm), 10 × 4 ft, etc.; thicknesses 6, 9, 12, 18, 25 mm. (6) Service life — 10-15 years in marine exposure; 20+ years in indoor use.

Applications: (1) Concrete shuttering — Marine BWP plywood can be reused 8-15 times vs ordinary plywood 4-6 times. (2) Exterior cladding — water-resistant finish under paint/sealant. (3) Water-exposed furniture — kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, outdoor seating. (4) Marine — boats, deckhouses, dock structures. (5) Heavy-load formwork in commercial construction. Major Indian suppliers: Century Ply, Greenply, Sharon Ply, KitPly, Action Tesa.

Where used
  • Concrete shuttering (multi-cycle reusable)
  • Exterior cladding under paint/sealant
  • Water-exposed furniture — kitchens, bathrooms, outdoor
  • Marine — boats, dock structures
  • Heavy-load construction formwork
Acceptance / threshold
Per IS 710:2010: BWP glue test; density 600-650 kg/m³; surface veneer per grade; dimensional tolerances ±0.5%; mill test certificate; visual inspection for defects.
Frequently asked
What is marine plywood?
Marine plywood is high-grade plywood with phenol-formaldehyde (BWP) glue and solid hardwood inner cores, designed for water-resistant applications. Per IS 710:2010. Distinguished from MR (Moisture Resistant) and BWR (Boiling Water Resistant) by superior water resistance — withstands continuous water exposure without delamination. Used for marine, exterior, water-exposed applications.
How long does marine plywood last?
Service life depends on exposure: 10-15 years in marine exposure (continuous water contact); 15-20 years in exterior application (cladding under paint); 20+ years in indoor use (kitchen cabinet). Marine plywood for shuttering: 8-15 reuse cycles vs 4-6 for ordinary plywood. Cost premium 25-40% over ordinary plywood; justified by reuse and durability.
What is the difference between BWP, BWR, and MR plywood?
Per IS 710 + IS 303: BWP (Boiling Water Proof) — withstands 72 hours boiling water; for marine and continuous water exposure. BWR (Boiling Water Resistant) — withstands 24 hours boiling water; for occasional water exposure. MR (Moisture Resistant) — withstands humid conditions but not continuous water. BWP > BWR > MR > Commercial plywood. For shuttering with multi-cycle reuse: BWP marine recommended.
Related materials terms
Ordinary Portland Cement (OPC)
33/43/53 grade Portland cement. 53 most common for structural use.
Portland Pozzolana Cement (PPC)
Cement blended with fly ash. More durable than OPC.
Portland Slag Cement (PSC)
Cement blended with blast furnace slag
Aggregates (Fine & Coarse)
Coarse (10-40mm) and fine (sand) aggregates per IS 383
Sand (River / M-Sand)
Fine aggregate. River sand or manufactured sand.
Brick / Block Masonry
Bricks per IS 1077, blocks per IS 2185
Tile (Floor / Wall / Roof)
Floor/wall/roof tiles per various IS codes
Paint & Coatings
Wall paint, primer, putty, coatings