Plywood vs. HDHMR — What's the Difference?

Plywood is made by gluing together thin layers of wood veneers, with the grain of each layer oriented at right angles to the adjacent layers, enhancing its strength and reducing expansion and shrinkage. HDHMR, on the other hand, is an engineered wood product made from wood fiber extracted from chips and pulped wood waste, designed to have higher density and moisture resistance compared to conventional plywood, making it suitable for areas with high humidity.

In terms of application, plywood is widely used for a variety of purposes, including furniture, cabinetry, and structural applications, due to its strength and ease of workability. HDHMR is particularly favored in environments where exposure to water or high humidity is common, such as in kitchen cabinets and bathroom furniture. While plywood offers versatility, HDHMR provides enhanced performance in moisture-prone areas.

Plywood can vary in quality and is available in various grades, depending on the type of wood used and the manufacturing process. HDHMR is generally consistent in quality and density, given its engineered nature. Plywood's quality may vary based on factors like wood type and adhesive used, whereas HDHMR offers more uniform quality and performance.

Plywood has a natural wood appearance, which can be an advantage when a natural look is desired. HDHMR boards usually come laminated or pre-finished and can mimic the appearance of wood, but they do not have the natural wood grain texture of plywood. Aesthetic preferences often dictate the choice between the natural look of plywood and the more uniform finish of HDHMR.