Problem number 1 posed by an ordinary buyer: how to buy the required brand and grade of plywood for your tasks without overpaying? The assortment of plywood is huge, let's see the differences.
Plywood grade - what's the difference?
In fact, this is just an appearance. And that's all. You will notice a visual difference in the quality of the outer veneer layers. The variety does not affect strength and other characteristics. The exception is grade E (elite), but we do not consider it, those who need it know the difference very well.
Plywood sanding - why is it important?
In general, it is convenient, such a sheet pleases in appearance and to the touch. Sanded plywood is used for furniture, for painting, quite often for flooring (the so-called subfloor). In most cases, one-sided grinding (marking Ш1) will be enough for you - it will come out cheaper.
Plywood brand
It's more interesting here. The difference is in properties. Water resistance most of all depends on the brand. It is influenced by the type of adhesive composition: the most popular are FC - compositions with urea resins and FSF - adhesives based on formaldehyde resins are used. It is generally accepted to consider the FC brand as moisture resistant (normal water resistance), and the FSF brand as water resistant (increased water resistance, in terms of GOST).
In 99% of cases, for interior work, the FC brand will be enough for you (an exception may be the floor in a private house in a permanently moist environment). By the way, the FC brand is more environmentally friendly than the FSF, therefore it is more suitable for interior work.
FSF - take more for outdoor work. It is possible to use FSF in arranging formwork, but if this is not a one-time job, then laminated plywood is more suitable.
By the way, as far as film faced plywood is concerned, it so happened that we have formwork structures - this is its main application. In this regard, the most common thicknesses of film faced plywood are 18 and 21 mm.
There are also special brands - bakelized, aviation, etc. We do not consider them, who needs them, he knows why.
Geometry and other
Thickness. The biggest dilemma here is what to take on the floor. In general, there is such a rule that at least 3/4 of the thickness of the subsequent floor covering. From experience - less than 10mm on the floor is not taken. For residential premises with a small load, this is usually 12-15mm thick. It is not the thickness that is more important here, the quality with which the sheets will be laid. 18mm plywood can also creak and bend perfectly.
There is nothing to advise on the format - it is chosen based on their design needs. The most popular format of the FC brand is square sheets 1525x1525mm.
There is also such a factor as the manufacturer: the price may differ by 20% or more. For example, film faced plywood is successfully produced by both China and the Russian Federation. Guess what is cheaper :) There are really a lot of plywood manufacturers with the same marking - it is better to be interested in the differences on the spot with the supplier. Touching a product is also a significant factor in choosing.
A plywood sheet is a material made from 3 or more tightly glued layers of wood veneer. The placement of the fibers in it is strictly perpendicular, which gives it greater reliability in different directions and a stable shape. Plywood is very often used as a material for construction and for the production of furniture.
Properties
FC (sheet plywood) is a relatively inexpensive raw material and, as a result, is in great demand. In addition, silicate glue is used in its manufacture, which is minimally harmful to human health. It is produced from birch or alder, probably a combination of these tree species. If a large amount of moisture gets on the FC, then during the drying process it has the ability to exfoliate and curl. Such plates can be up to 40 millimeters thick, and are divided into types, due to the presence of knots on the surface.
For gluing, glue based on urea-formaldehyde resin is used. It differs in its low moisture resistance and therefore is used as a base for laminate or parquet in rooms with relatively low humidity, for the production of furniture and wall decoration. This kind of raw material is reliable and durable, which is especially provided for when purchasing furniture.
Description and application
Plywood of this type is used for the production of packaging and containers, as well as in construction and furniture manufacturing.
The basis for this type of material is wood, peeled in a special way, birch or pine veneer. As a rule, the produced sheet is glued in several layers of similar veneer. Therefore, the thickness of plywood sheets also fluctuates. The adhesive is applied on the basis of phenol-formaldehyde resin. Although a maximum of two types of wood are used for production purposes, sheets can have three main subtypes. These are constructions made only of pine or birch veneer or a combined sheet, inside of which there is a pine veneer, and birch is covered on top.
Plywood FSF
It has rather demonstrative qualities in practical terms. This is reliability in shock and to various mechanical defects, resistance to absolutely all types of moisture, ease of processing, which is very important when you intend to carry out repair and construction work with your own hands.
Such sheets are used most of all in the production of furniture products, various partitions between rooms. They are also often used for making large marketing boards. Whereas for roof supports and frames, they are one of the most durable and cheapest materials.
Thus, the key properties of 2 types of plywood were considered. Now is the time to summarize and characterize the key differences between these plywoods. This will help you choose the right type of material for the job. First of all, the main differences between plywood are their moisture resistance. But let's describe in more detail according to the main aspects.
Main criteria
Security
Here, the greatest interest should be given to the adhesive for plywood layers. From the above, a certain conclusion suggests itself - FSF plywood is most harmful to human health, since it includes phenol-formaldehyde, which is quite dangerous in the glue. And plywood-glued sheets are much less harmful. Thus, it is more correct to use plywood-glued sheet for the purpose of interior decoration and in residential premises for household furniture. Whereas FSF cannot be used for these purposes. This type will look better in outdoor structures that are constantly in the fresh air.
Reliability
The first position is taken by the FSF materials. Actually, therefore, this plywood is used for rigid, resistant structures, which are expected to produce a considerable load in the future. It is impossible to count on plywood glued sheet in this situation, therefore it is pointless to produce serious furniture and supporting structures from them.
Moisture resistance
FSF in this situation has a higher significance, so it can be confidently applied in all directions. The difference is that plywood-glued sheets have a slight moisture resistance, all this is manifested in the fact that this type of raw material is categorically not recommended for the street and damp rooms.
Decorativeness
According to this criterion, these two types of material are good in terms of their performance. Everything will depend on the quality of the product from a particular manufacturer. The better the given level of the leaf, the fewer the number of different scratches and knots on them. From the experience of builders, it can be determined that most often both materials are chosen as the basis for decoration without any preferences.
So, the key properties of the canvases are fully considered. It was worth noting the fact that these two materials have their pros and cons, they must be taken into account when designing different works, otherwise the choice is up to the consumer.
The choice of any kind (modification) of products from one group of products always raises many questions. The main reason is that it is sometimes difficult even for a specialist to find differences between samples, since in many parameters (size, appearance, color design, etc.) they are often almost identical.
It is even more difficult for a potential buyer, since it is not always possible to arrange products next to each other and make a comparative analysis of the structure, shades or something else. This fully applies to plywood. FC and FSF have a difference in individual characteristics (physicochemical, technical), which determine the specifics of the use of sheets. So what is it?
It is not entirely correct to focus only on the abbreviation indicated on the plywood price tag. Moreover, there is a difference between FC and FSF plywood not only in some operational parameters, but also in cost (although not so significant). It is hardly appropriate to hope for professionalism, and the decency of the seller, if the building material is not purchased at a specialized outlet. Therefore, when buying, be sure to make an external inspection of the sheets. Such meticulousness will help not only to identify defective samples, but also to make sure that this is exactly the type of plywood that you need.
Unfortunately, it is not uncommon for unscrupulous traders to make an obvious forgery, hoping for the incompetence of the buyer. Otherwise, it is not a fact that after the repair, after a short time, you will not have to deal with restoration, alteration, or even complete dismantling of the entire structure.
Plywood FC and FSF have a lot in common. This is what often confuses potential buyers. For example, both the one and the other plywood belongs to the category of "moisture resistant", "multi-layer". And the varieties of veneer are the same - coniferous wood (pine), deciduous (birch, sometimes alder in FC) or a combined version. The fundamental difference is in the adhesive composition, as evidenced by the product labeling.
- Ф - letter at the first position in the designation of all sheet modifications. It stands for plywood.
- K - the composition is urea-formaldehyde.
- SF is a somewhat different glue, resin formaldehyde.
It is the means used for fastening the veneer in these modifications of the wood-layered plate that determines the properties of a particular type of plywood.
Difference between FC and FSF
It is easier to understand if you compare the sheets for the most important performance characteristics of plywood.
Damp resistance
The glue used in the manufacture of FC is destroyed upon contact with moisture (this process begins in about an hour). As a result, sheets of this type of plywood are deformed when wet; even veneer peeling is possible. But the restoration of the PC geometry does not occur when it dries. Therefore, after eliminating the cause (excessive moisture, leakage from the water supply system), the sheet will have to be definitely replaced.
The situation with the FSF is somewhat different. The leaf in such conditions will only swell, but then it will take its previous shape. That is why this modification of plywood is recommended for use outside buildings - solid lathing under the roof, sheathing of the "skeleton" of the structure when erecting gazebos or other buildings in a summer cottage, adjoining territory, and so on.
When purchasing FC plywood for interior work, you need to focus on the specifics of the premises. If there is constantly high humidity in it (kitchen, unheated basement, cellar, garage), then it will not last long in such conditions. This means that you will have to deal with the surface protection of the sheets. What this will result in (processing complexity) and how much it will cost - that's what should be taken into account. Perhaps, instead of FC plywood, it is better to buy another sheet (plate) material (OSV, chipboard, and the like).
Strength
According to this indicator, FSF plywood is in the lead. For loaded structural elements - just right. But FC is most often used only for cladding, as a future basis, for example, for pasting walls (internal partitions) with wallpaper. An intermediate option is multilayer assemblies. The lower level is FSF (for reliability), the upper level is FC, since it is easier to varnish.
"Ecological cleanliness"
An important indicator. Especially when you consider that different "chemistry" in everyday life surrounds us literally from all sides. In this regard, FC plywood wins. In the composition with which its veneer is held together, there is no formaldehyde in its pure form. Consequently, there are no harmful fumes. This is one of the factors why FC is recommended for interior work. FSF is more "poisonous" (due to the toxicity of the adhesive), therefore, if used indoors, then only non-residential. Moreover, provided that the temperature in them does not rise to high values.
This is not a mandatory requirement, since no regulatory document indicates a direct prohibition on the use of FSF inside buildings. But it's best not to experiment. If there is no other choice, then it is worth considering such a feature of this type of plywood.
Plywood FC, taking into account the specifics of the adhesive composition, is more suitable for use inside buildings (structures) as the safest from the point of view of the environment, but less resistant to moisture. FSF sheets are recommended for outdoor use, moreover, they practically do not absorb moisture. Consequently, they will last much longer in such conditions than FC.
The author deliberately does not give approximate prices for sheets, since they differ significantly depending on the manufacturer, the region of sale (and therefore, plus transport surcharges), as well as the geometry of the samples and their thickness. Generally speaking, FC is somewhat cheaper than FSF, which is easy to guess, knowing the differences between these modifications of plywood.
The reader who has read this article will involuntarily have a question - there is enough information, everything is written clearly and understandably, but is it possible to visually distinguish between FC and FSF without having special training so as not to trust the seller too much? Yes, and it's easy to do.
When choosing plywood, you need to carefully examine the end of the sheet. FC has a lighter glue layer than FSF. This is immediately noticeable. Moreover, it is not necessary to put samples side by side and compare. If you look closely, the glue in the structure of FSF plywood is not just dark, but with a certain reddish tint. At FC, it is more reminiscent of fresh lime (or May) honey. The difference is obvious - this glue is light (usually to match the veneer).
If fire resistance is an important aspect of using plywood in a particular case, then you should focus on FSF sheets, in the marking of which there are letters TG. These are samples with extremely low flammability, that is, the category "materials are not easily combustible."
Everything else - the quality of grinding, deviations from the declared linear parameters, the number of knots per unit area (grade of goods) and the like - is a topic for another conversation.
Well, what kind of plywood to buy is up to you, the reader, to decide. Knowing why it is needed and the fundamental differences between FC and FSF sheets, it is easy to make the right choice.
A material that is tightly bonded with three or more layers of wood veneer is called plywood sheet. The fibers in it are arranged mutually perpendicular, which gives it greater strength in various directions and a constant shape. Plywood is very often used as a building material and for making furniture.
Characteristic
For gluing FC (plywood glued sheet), glue based on carbamide-formaldehyde resin is used. It is notable for its low moisture resistance and therefore is used as a base for parquet or laminate indoors with relative humidity, for wall decoration and furniture production. Such material is durable, which is especially taken into account when buying furniture.
FC is a relatively cheap material and therefore is in great demand. Also in its production, silicate glue is used, which is the least harmful to human health. It is made from birch or alder, and a combination of these tree species is also possible. If a large amount of moisture gets on the FC, then after drying it can curl or stratify. Such sheets can be up to 40 mm thick and can be divided into grades, depending on the presence of knots on the surface.
The concept of "plywood" is a collective term that unites sheets glued from three or more layers of wood veneer. The fibers of the wood are usually perpendicular, which allows the plywood to hold its shape and resist dynamic loads.
Currently, plywood of the class is very popular FC and FSF... However, disputes about the quality of products and their environmental safety do not subside between the finishers. Let's try to understand this issue.
Explanation of abbreviations
Let's start with the definitions. In both cases, we are talking about a material made from certain types of wood. It usually looks like this:
Birch- all layers of plywood sheet are made from this type of wood.
coniferous trees- pine is used as a raw material.
combined options- outer layers are made of birch, inner layers are made of pine.
What's the difference? Among themselves, all plywood on the market is distinguished by its adhesive composition. In the decoding of the abbreviation, the first letter indicates the name of the material. In our case, "F" stands for plywood.
The following symbols identify the glue that was used to make the sheet. In particular:
TO- urea formaldehyde.
SF- phenol-formaldehyde resin.
The difference in adhesive composition largely determines the technical properties of plywood. For example, the material of the series FC it is more often used in the production of cabinet and upholstered furniture.
FSF- more suitable for interior partitions and billboards. The scope of application is determined by the fact that resinous phenol-formaldehyde makes sheets more resistant to a humid environment.
Key Differences Between Submissions
The use of different adhesives assumes its own technical features and field of application for each type of plywood. Let's compare two materials in the table.
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Comparative review of two types of plywood |
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Criterion |
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Fire safety* |
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Environmental Safety |
Phenol is absent |
Phenol is present at a concentration of 8 mg / 100 g ** |
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Moisture resistant |
After wetting and subsequent drying, it exfoliates |
Does not delaminate after being in a humid environment |
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Scope of application |
In rooms with low humidity |
Indoors and outdoors (under awnings, in outbuildings) |
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Gluing |
Urea-formaldehyde composition |
Phenol-formaldehyde composition |
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Flexural strength MPa |
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On a leaf cut |
Single color, light (layers of veneer and glue - the same color) |
Multi-colored, layers of light veneer are combined with dark adhesive |
*If you need non-combustible plywood - choose FSF-TV impregnated with a special composition. It is used in passenger car building.
**Assigned safety class E-1- permission for use in residential premises. However, in a number of rooms, especially in the nursery, it is undesirable to use.
In terms of presentability, both types of plywood are identical. There are several categories: the higher the class, the fewer external defects.
Regardless of these features, FSF more often used for rough work, FC gets the function of finishing.
Behold at the root! Visual differences
Visually, both types of plywood are very similar. Here, similar types of wood veneer are used, laminated coating and sanding of sheets are provided. However, there are external differences, and they are due to the difference in the adhesive composition.
Plywood FC does not contain phenol, therefore it looks lighter. Interlayers and veneer sheets have an identical color range, therefore they look like a homogeneous material. FSF has layers of a dark red hue. Knowing these features, it is easy to distinguish between types of plywood, even without special skills and knowledge in the field of construction.
Which is safer for your health?
If the importance of environmental friendliness plays a decisive role, it is better to choose plywood FC... Here, silicate glue is used for gluing the sheets, which is a neutral artificial material without chemically active additives.
In case of FSF a moot point. According to requirements GOST applied to this type of material, the phenol content in the composition does not exceed the permissible values. In addition, this substance is actively and widely used in medicine, agriculture and even the food industry.
However, in terms of toxicity, the component belongs to the second class of chemical hazard. This means that there is only a fine line between the permissible and the exceeded concentration. Therefore, if there is a desire to maintain a healthy atmosphere in the house, it is better not to risk it.
Decent alternative
Curious fact:
It was from it that kamikaze planes were designed, from which the idiomatic expression "plywood over Paris" appeared.
When choosing plywood for finishing work, do not forget about such a category of material as FB... It also uses hardwood or softwood veneer. However, the sheets are impregnated with bakelite varnish before gluing, the glue is made on the basis of water - or alcohol - soluble resins.
Thanks to these features, the material is devoid of the disadvantages of plywood. FC and FSF, while embodying the best qualities.
It looks like this:
plywood has high moisture resistance, does not lose its original qualities even in sea water;
the material does not ignite and does not support the spread of open fire - the sheet will char, but will not flare up;
there are no toxic components in the composition, therefore, plywood of this series can be used in children's institutions;
a wide range of operating temperatures in conjunction with resistance to almost any aggressive environment;
life time at least 10 years without loss of initial characteristics;
in terms of strength, such plywood is twice as strong as wood.
It should be noted that the characteristics of plywood FB confirmed by time: it was this material that was used for the manufacture of kamikaze aircraft.
With a lot of undeniable advantages, the material also has a very significant drawback. For the price of such plywood at least 2 times surpasses other analogues.