Fibrewood vs. Plywood — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Fiza Rafique — Updated on May 17, 2024
Fibrewood is a type of engineered wood made from wood fibers, while plywood is made from thin layers of wood veneer glued together.
Difference Between Fibrewood and Plywood
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Fibrewood is less expensive than plywood and offers a smoother surface that can be easily machined and finished. However, it is more susceptible to water damage and lacks the strength and durability of plywood. Plywood, with its layered construction, is more resistant to warping and cracking, making it suitable for structural applications where strength is critical.
Fibrewood is heavier than plywood due to its density and is often used in interior projects where weight is not a significant concern. Plywood, being lighter and stronger, is preferred for projects where both weight and strength are factors, such as flooring, roofing, and wall sheathing.
Both materials are available in various grades and finishes, allowing them to be tailored to specific project requirements. Fibrewood is often chosen for its cost-effectiveness and ease of finishing, while plywood is selected for its strength, durability, and resistance to environmental factors.
Comparison Chart
Composition
Wood fibers combined with wax and resin
Thin layers of wood veneer glued together
Surface
Smooth, ideal for painting and veneering
Natural wood grain, can be finished or painted
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Strength
Less strong, not suitable for heavy loads
Strong and durable, suitable for structural use
Water Resistance
Susceptible to water damage
More resistant to water and humidity
Uses
Furniture, cabinetry, interior projects
Construction, furniture, general-purpose
Weight
Heavier due to density
Lighter and stronger
Compare with Definitions
Fibrewood
Engineered wood product made from wood fibers.
The shelves were constructed from fibrewood for a smooth finish.
Plywood
Known for its strength and durability.
Plywood is a preferred material for constructing subfloors.
Fibrewood
Dense and uniform material ideal for painting.
Fibrewood panels were used for the custom-built bookcase.
Plywood
Cross-grained layers reduce shrinkage and expansion.
The plywood table top remained stable despite humidity changes.
Fibrewood
Composed of wood residuals, wax, and resin.
The cabinet doors are made from fibrewood, ensuring they remain flat.
Plywood
Engineered wood product made from thin layers of veneer.
The house was built with plywood for the roof and walls.
Fibrewood
Susceptible to water damage if not sealed properly.
The fibrewood desk swelled after being exposed to moisture.
Plywood
Versatile and used in various construction applications.
Plywood was chosen for the cabinetry due to its sturdiness.
Fibrewood
Cost-effective alternative to solid wood.
Fibrewood is often used in budget-friendly furniture.
Plywood
More resistant to warping and cracking.
The outdoor playhouse used plywood to withstand weather conditions.
Fibrewood
Fiberboard
Plywood
Plywood is a material manufactured from thin layers or "plies" of wood veneer that are glued together with adjacent layers having their wood grain rotated up to 90 degrees to one another. It is an engineered wood from the family of manufactured boards which include medium-density fibreboard (MDF), oriented strand board (OSB) and particle board (chipboard).
Plywood
A structural material made of layers of wood glued together, usually with the grains of adjoining layers at right angles to each other.
Plywood
(uncountable) Construction material supplied in sheets, and made of three or more layers of wood veneer glued together, laid up with alternating layers having their grain perpendicular to each other.
After the hurricane there was a severe regional shortage of plywood, especially exterior plywood.
Plywood
(countable) A specific grade or type of this construction material.
We stock exterior plywoods, interior plywoods, and furniture plywoods.
Plywood
(transitive) To fit or block up with plywood.
Plywood
A laminate made of thin layers of wood
Common Curiosities
Can fibrewood be used in outdoor projects?
Fibrewood is not recommended for outdoor use due to its susceptibility to water damage.
Which material is better for furniture making?
Both can be used for furniture, but fibrewood is preferred for its smooth finish, while plywood is chosen for its strength.
What is the main difference between fibrewood and plywood?
Fibrewood is made from wood fibers and resin, while plywood is made from layers of wood veneer.
Which is stronger, fibrewood or plywood?
Plywood is generally stronger and more durable than fibrewood.
Is plywood more expensive than fibrewood?
Yes, plywood is typically more expensive than fibrewood due to its strength and durability.
What are the common uses of fibrewood?
Fibrewood is commonly used for furniture, cabinetry, and interior projects.
Is plywood resistant to moisture?
Plywood is more resistant to moisture compared to fibrewood, especially when properly sealed.
Is fibrewood eco-friendly?
Fibrewood can be eco-friendly if made from recycled wood fibers and low-emission resins.
Can fibrewood be painted?
Yes, fibrewood has a smooth surface that is ideal for painting.
Does fibrewood warp over time?
Fibrewood can warp if exposed to moisture or not properly supported.
Can plywood be used structurally?
Yes, plywood is often used in structural applications due to its strength.
What are the common uses of plywood?
Plywood is used in construction, furniture making, flooring, roofing, and wall sheathing.
Which material is heavier, fibrewood or plywood?
Fibrewood is generally heavier than plywood due to its density.
Can plywood be easily cut and shaped?
Yes, plywood can be easily cut and shaped, making it versatile for various applications.
How is plywood graded?
Plywood is graded based on its quality and intended use, with different grades available for various applications.
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Written by
Fiza RafiqueFiza Rafique is a skilled content writer at AskDifference.com, where she meticulously refines and enhances written pieces. Drawing from her vast editorial expertise, Fiza ensures clarity, accuracy, and precision in every article. Passionate about language, she continually seeks to elevate the quality of content for readers worldwide.
Edited by
Tayyaba RehmanTayyaba Rehman is a distinguished writer, currently serving as a primary contributor to askdifference.com. As a researcher in semantics and etymology, Tayyaba's passion for the complexity of languages and their distinctions has found a perfect home on the platform. Tayyaba delves into the intricacies of language, distinguishing between commonly confused words and phrases, thereby providing clarity for readers worldwide.
