Laminate vs. Plywood — What's the Difference?
Edited by Tayyaba Rehman — By Urooj Arif — Updated on May 14, 2024
Laminate is a synthetic material made by pressing layers of paper and plastic resins, offering a smooth, durable finish; plywood consists of multiple wood veneers glued together, known for its strength and versatility.
Difference Between Laminate and Plywood
Table of Contents
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Key Differences
Laminate is manufactured by bonding layers of paper and plastic resins under high pressure to create a hard surface, while plywood is made by gluing together thin layers of wood veneer, aligning the grains perpendicular to each other for added strength.
The surface of laminate is generally smooth and can mimic materials like wood or stone, whereas plywood has a more natural wood appearance, which can vary based on the wood species used.
Laminate is highly resistant to scratches, moisture, and wear, making it ideal for surfaces that require durability, on the other hand, plywood is more susceptible to moisture damage but offers greater structural strength.
In terms of cost, laminate can be more economical when considering finishes, since it doesn't require additional painting or staining; plywood, however, typically requires finishing treatments to enhance its appearance and durability.
For environmental considerations, laminate’s manufacturing process involves chemicals and non-renewable resources, whereas plywood uses a more natural material but concerns about deforestation and formaldehyde emissions in adhesives can be significant.
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Comparison Chart
Composition
Layers of paper and plastic resins
Layers of wood veneers
Appearance
Smooth, can mimic other materials
Natural wood texture, varies by species
Durability
High resistance to scratch, moisture
Susceptible to moisture, structurally strong
Cost
Generally cheaper, less finishing required
More expensive, requires finishing
Environmental Impact
Uses chemicals, non-renewable resources
Concerns about deforestation, uses adhesives that may emit formaldehyde
Compare with Definitions
Laminate
Composed of multiple layers bonded under high pressure.
Modern laminates include advanced plastic resins for improved durability.
Plywood
Each layer’s grain is perpendicular to the adjacent layer.
The cross-graining of plywood enhances its strength.
Laminate
Available in a variety of colors and patterns.
They chose a bright red laminate to accent the neutral kitchen palette.
Plywood
An engineered wood product made from several layers of veneer.
The builder used plywood for the interior wall sheathing.
Laminate
Commonly used in furniture, flooring, and countertops.
The office desks featured a wood grain laminate.
Plywood
Variability in quality depending on the wood source.
Higher-grade plywood is used for visible surfaces in cabinetry.
Laminate
Resistant to scratches and easy to maintain.
The laminate flooring remained pristine even in high-traffic areas.
Plywood
Requires treatment or finishing for enhanced durability.
They varnished the plywood to protect it from moisture.
Laminate
To cover with a thin sheet of material, as for preservation.
Plywood
Popular in construction and furniture making.
Plywood is favored for its structural properties in shelving.
Laminate
To beat or compress (metal) into a thin plate or sheet.
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).
Laminate
To divide into thin layers.
Plywood
A structural material made of layers of wood glued together, usually with the grains of adjoining layers at right angles to each other.
Laminate
To make by uniting several layers.
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.
Laminate
To split into thin layers or sheets.
Plywood
(countable) A specific grade or type of this construction material.
We stock exterior plywoods, interior plywoods, and furniture plywoods.
Laminate
Consisting of, arranged in, or covered with laminae.
Plywood
(transitive) To fit or block up with plywood.
Laminate
A laminated product, such as plywood.
Plywood
A laminate made of thin layers of wood
Laminate
A thin sheet of material, or the material itself, such as plastic, used to laminate something.
Laminate
To assemble from thin sheets glued together.
Laminate
To cover something flat, usually paper, in adhesive protective plastic.
We laminated the printouts so we could use them as signage.
Laminate
To form, as metal, into a thin plate, as by rolling.
Laminate
To cause to separate into thin plates or layers; to divide into thin plates.
Laminate
Material formed of thin sheets glued together.
Laminate
Consisting of, or covered with, laminae, or thin plates, scales, or layers, one over another; laminated.
Laminate
Consisting of, or covered with, laminæ, or thin plates, scales, or layers, one over another; laminated.
Laminate
To cause to separate into thin plates or layers; to divide into thin plates.
Laminate
To form, as metal, into a thin plate, as by rolling.
Laminate
To form by uniting two or more layers (in sheet form) of a material, so that the layers are bonded tightly.
Laminate
To unite (layers in sheet form) by bonding, so as to create a single object with multiple layers; - used with the material in sheet form as the object; as, to laminate plywood.
Laminate
To separate into laminæ.
Laminate
A sheet of material made by bonding two or more sheets or layers
Laminate
Create laminate by putting together several thin sheets of a material
Laminate
Press or beat (metals) into thin sheets
Laminate
Cover with a thin sheet;
Laminate the table
Laminate
Split (wood) into thin sheets
Laminate
A synthetic material used for decorative and protective surfaces.
The kitchen countertop was covered in a marble-effect laminate.
Common Curiosities
Can plywood be used in outdoor projects?
Yes, but it should be specifically treated or graded for outdoor use to withstand the elements.
How does laminate compare to plywood in terms of cost?
Laminate is generally more cost-effective than plywood, especially when considering the need for less finishing.
Which material is better for high moisture areas?
Laminate is better suited for high moisture areas due to its resistance to water and moisture.
What finishing treatments are required for plywood?
Plywood typically requires painting, staining, or varnishing to enhance its appearance and durability.
Is plywood stronger than laminate?
Plywood is generally stronger in terms of structural integrity, suitable for load-bearing applications.
What is laminate made of?
Laminate is made from layers of paper and plastic resins pressed together.
What are the primary uses of plywood?
Plywood is primarily used in construction and furniture making for its structural strength.
How environmentally friendly is plywood compared to laminate?
Plywood is considered more environmentally friendly due to its natural wood content, though concerns exist about deforestation and adhesives used.
Does laminate offer the same natural look as plywood?
No, laminate does not have the same natural look but can mimic various materials, including wood.
How does the weight of plywood compare to laminate?
Plywood is usually heavier than laminate, which can be a consideration in furniture and construction.
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Written by
Urooj ArifUrooj is a skilled content writer at Ask Difference, known for her exceptional ability to simplify complex topics into engaging and informative content. With a passion for research and a flair for clear, concise writing, she consistently delivers articles that resonate with our diverse audience.
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.
