Plywood 18 mm

Plywood: moisture-resistant (MR, WBP), flexible, fire-retardant, marine with delivery across Ukraine

Plywood for various applications is available at our warehouse in Kyiv. Panel materials of different thicknesses are ready for dispatch: 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 10, 15, 18, 21 mm. Plywood sizes: 1525 x 1525 mm, 2440 x 1220 mm, 2500 x 1250 mm, 2500 x 1220 mm.

We offer moisture-resistant (MR, WBP), flexible (bendy), and waterproof (marine) plywood starting from 1 sheet; wholesale is available. Pick-up and delivery across Ukraine are available. An additional service for plywood cut-to-size is available, as well as CNC routing (machining), edge banding, and cutting map generation (nesting). Detailed information on current prices for retail and wholesale buyers, stock availability, payment options, and delivery terms will be provided by our sales advisors.

Plywood: types and specifications

The main goal of Woodway Expert is to provide manufacturers of furniture, doors, panels, and souvenirs, as well as carpenters and craftspeople, with quick access to high-quality plywood sheets. Our wholesale and retail warehouse is a place where you can buy plywood by the sheet and in bulk, and also personally select the material for your project.

Plywood is an engineered wood product consisting of three or more layers of rotary-cut veneer bonded together. The sheets are arranged so that the wood grain in adjacent layers is mutually perpendicular (cross-banded). This gives the panel sufficient strength. It is important that the grain direction of the outer layers runs parallel. Phenol-formaldehyde resins are used to bond the plywood layers. The adhesive composition significantly affects the properties of the composite material. Thus, the binding components determine the panel’s environmental safety (formaldehyde emission class), moisture resistance, and other characteristics.

There are several criteria used to classify plywood panels. The main parameters include:

MR (moisture-resistant) plywood for furniture, laser cutting, and interior products

MR (urea-formaldehyde) plywood is an engineered wood material designed for interior applications and furniture manufacturing. Complying with the strict E1 emission class, the panels feature low formaldehyde emissions and are free from toxic phenolic compounds, making them entirely safe for residential and commercial premises. It is designed for use in environments with normal to moderate humidity levels (not intended for direct contact with water or exterior applications).

We offer moisture-resistant plywood:

• with sanded and calibrated surfaces;
• in thicknesses of 3, 4, 5, 6, 8, 9, 10, 12, 15, 18, and 21 mm;
• in standard panel sizes of 2440 x 1220 mm and 1525 x 1525 mm;
• in veneer grades B/BB, BB/BB, BB/CP, and CP/CP.

Please check current stock availability with our sales representatives. Panels of other formats and thicknesses are available upon request.

Technical properties of MR plywood

• Laser cutting and CNC machining. The urea-formaldehyde glue line ensures a clean cut without excessive resin charring or black soot on the edges. This significantly reduces the time spent on edge sanding in mass production.
• Routing and sawing. The dense core structure prevents edge chipping and tear-out while minimising the wear on carbide tooling.
• Screw holding power. The cross-banded veneer structure provides high resistance to screw pull-out on both the face and the edge of the panel.
• Finishing. The surface is fully prepped for veneering, painting, or coating with hard wax oils.

Applications of MR plywood

1. Cabinetry and furniture making. The material is used to construct interior carcasses, drawer bottoms, frames, fascias, and shelves.
2. Toys. An environmentally safe substrate for construction sets, puzzles, shape sorters, and educational toys.
3. Interior decor. These highly machinable panels are used to produce wall clocks, world maps, lighting fixtures, decorative wall panels, room dividers, organisers, and holders.

WBP (Weather and Boil Proof) plywood for exterior applications and load-bearing structures

WBP (phenol-formaldehyde) plywood is designed for use in environments with fluctuating humidity, temperature variations, and high mechanical loads. Phenolic resins provide excellent resistance to water and fungal decay. Thanks to these characteristics, the material has become an industry standard for roof sheathing, exterior wall cladding, commercial vehicle bodywork, and outdoor structures.

At the WoodWay Expert distribution centre, WBP plywood is available from a single sheet; wholesale quantities are also available. To purchase waterproof exterior birch plywood panels (2500 x 1250 mm) in thicknesses of 4, 6, 9, 12, 15, 18, and 19 mm, please submit a request on our website, contact a sales representative, or visit our warehouse.

Performance characteristics of WBP plywood

• Increased moisture and decay resistance. The phenol-formaldehyde adhesive creates a strong, waterproof glue line between the veneer layers. The panel maintains its structural integrity during prolonged contact with moisture, resists delamination during temperature fluctuations, and is highly resistant to mould.
• Bending and shear strength. The high density of a birch or combi core provides an increased modulus of elasticity. The material withstands dynamic and static loads, outperforming solid wood in its resistance to splitting along the grain.
• Machining. The panels are optimised for CNC routing and machining. Please note: due to the presence of phenolic resins, laser cutting requires higher laser tube power and leaves a dark resin soot (charring) on the edges.
• Fastener holding power. The cross-banded veneer structure ensures the secure retention of screws, ring-shank nails, and bolted joints.

Applications of WBP plywood

1. Building and construction. Builders and contractors use these structural panels for roof decking under asphalt shingles, exterior wall sheathing of timber-framed houses, and the manufacture of reusable concrete formwork (shuttering).
2. Transportation and marine. The panels are used for the interior lining and partitions of commercial vans, heavy-duty trailer decking, and deck elements of boats.
3. Packaging and crate manufacturing. WBP plywood is widely used to produce shipping crates, sea container linings, and heavy-duty pallets.
4. Exterior structures. The material is utilized in the production of outdoor furniture, advertising hoardings (billboards), and architectural elements for gazebos and verandas.

Flexible Ceiba plywood for curved structures, furniture, and decor

Flexible Ceiba (Ceiba pentandra) plywood is a panel material for forming curved parts without prior steaming, soaking, or kerfing. The sheets are used to manufacture curved fronts, round columns, arches, and curved interior elements.

We have flexible plywood in stock, available to purchase from 1 sheet. Panel material is available in thicknesses of 2, 3, 5, 8, and 10 mm, with sizes of 2500 x 1220 mm / 1220 x 2500 mm.

The material’s flexibility is achieved through a combination of the natural characteristics of Ceiba timber and the specific structure of the sheet:

• Low density and porosity of the timber. Ceiba is a fast-growing tropical species with a low density (around 300–350 kg/m³). The solid timber has thin cell walls that easily compress and stretch without breaking the fibres.
• Non-standard structure. Unlike traditional plywood, where adjacent layers alternate strictly perpendicularly (90°), the grain of the outer layers in flexible plywood is oriented in the same direction. This relieves internal stress and allows the sheet to bend. ‘Long’ sheets bend along the length, while those marked ‘Cross’ bend along the width.

Applications of flexible plywood

1. Curved and designer furniture. Rounded fronts for wardrobes, chests of drawers, cabinets, and tall units are created from flexible plywood sheets. The material allows for the cold-forming of curved parts.
2. Commercial interiors. The cladding of cylindrical support columns, rounded screens for meeting areas, and curved reception desks in hotels and banks — functional and original products are created from flexible plywood sheets.
3. Architectural forms. The material is suitable for bedroom screens, interior partitions, arches with non-standard geometry, and wavy ceiling and wall panels.

Waterproof (marine-grade) Okoume plywood for shipbuilding, bathrooms, and extreme climates

Marine-grade Okoume plywood is a structural panel material of the highest moisture-resistance rating, designed for constant contact with fresh and salt water. Thanks to the natural decay resistance of this tropical hardwood and its bonding with waterproof melamine/phenolic adhesives, the panel does not delaminate and retains its shape even under 100% humidity conditions. It is widely used in boat building, as well as in the manufacturing of furniture for wellness areas, kitchens, and outdoor recreation spaces.

Order marine-grade Okoume plywood 2500 x 1220 mm starting from a single sheet. Available thicknesses: 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, 12, 15, 18, 20 mm. Please check current stock availability. Custom orders and procurement are also available.

Technical advantages of Okoume plywood for craftsmen and manufacturers

• Natural water resistance and dimensional stability. Okoume wood features a close-grained, fine-textured structure that absorbs moisture at a significantly slower rate than birch or softwood species. The panel demonstrates a minimal coefficient of linear expansion during extreme temperature and humidity fluctuations.
• Reduced weight (up to 30–40% mass reduction). The average density of Okoume is approximately 450–500 kg/m³ (for comparison, birch plywood is 650–750 kg/m³). This reduced panel weight is critical for marine construction, as it directly impacts the speed and performance characteristics of boats and yachts.
• Void-free core structure. The strict absence of core gaps between the veneer layers prevents internal condensation accumulation, eliminates hidden fungal decay, and ensures a clean, solid edge during CNC machining and routing.
• Excellent machinability and bonding. The plywood is easy to sand and cut, provides an excellent substrate for epoxy resins, polyurethane varnishes, and gelcoats, and serves as a highly stable base for veneering.

Where is waterproof Okoume plywood used?

1. Boat building and yacht manufacturing. Boat hull sheathing, fabrication of interior bulkheads, deck flooring, and bespoke furniture for yachts, motorboats, and catamarans.
2. Wet room furniture. Washbasin countertops, bathroom vanity units, and fixtures for wellness centres, saunas, swimming pools, and medical laboratories.
3. Exterior applications and facade solutions. Terrace cladding, manufacturing of outdoor furniture, and cabinetry for BBQ and outdoor kitchen areas.
4. Motorhomes and campervans. Lightweight cabinetry frameworks and interior bulkheads in recreational vehicles (RVs), where every saved kilogram of mass directly improves fuel efficiency.

Fire-retardant Okoume plywood for shipbuilding, transport, and commercial interiors

Fire-retardant (FR) Okoume plywood is a specialised panel material, treated with fire retardants via a deep vacuum-pressure impregnation process applied to each veneer layer prior to bonding. The material meets stringent international fire safety standards: it blocks the spread of open flames, produces no flaming droplets, and emits minimal smoke. This makes it a mandatory standard for contract interiors, passenger transport, and cruise ships.

Fire-retardant technology in plywood panels

Each veneer ply is impregnated with fire retardants throughout its entire thickness under high pressure. This ensures that during sawing, CNC edge routing, or drilling, the inner layers remain 100% protected against fire without the need to re-apply chemical treatments to the exposed edges.

• Flame resistance. Under exposure to open flames, the panels do not support combustion but slowly char, forming a heat-insulating char layer that blocks oxygen access to the inner wood fibres.
• Low smoke emission. The material does not produce heavy, toxic smoke, thereby maintaining visibility on emergency escape routes.
• No flaming droplets. It completely eliminates the risk of forming flaming droplets or particles, effectively preventing the secondary spread of fire.

Furthermore, the panels retain their water-resistant properties. The use of specialised fire-retardant salts allows the material to maintain the naturally low hygroscopicity inherent in Okoume wood.

Manufacturing and structural advantages for fabricators

• Reduced weight combined with high fire resistance. Even after impregnation with fire retardants, the density of the Okoume core remains within 500–550 kg/m³, making it 25–30% lighter than fire-retardant birch plywood or gypsum fibreboards.
• Optimised for CNC machining. The panel resists chipping and tear-out during profile cutting and routing. The void-free core guarantees a solid, clean edge.
• Surface finishing. The panel surfaces are ready to be coated with fire-retardant enamels or varnishes to maintain the fire safety certification of the finished product.

Veneered WBP plywood for furniture and wall panels

Veneered WBP plywood combines a moisture-resistant core with a face layer of natural sliced veneer. The material serves as a highly stable alternative to solid wood. It fully replicates the natural wood grain but is not subject to warping, bowing, or cracking during humidity and temperature fluctuations.

We offer plywood veneered with oak, ash (white, stained), American walnut, alder, and other wood species. The panel size is 2500 x 1250 mm. Panels are available to order in thicknesses of 5, 10, 16, 19, and 22 mm.

Why veneered WBP plywood outperforms MDF and chipboard (particleboard)

• Moisture and deformation resistance. Water-resistant WBP plywood eliminates the risk of core swelling in the event of local water exposure or fluctuations in air humidity.
• Load-bearing capacity and fastener holding power. Thanks to the cross-banded structure of the veneer layers, the panel withstands significant bending and breaking loads. The material securely holds hinges, concealed drawer runners, and screws without the risk of hardware tear-out or pulling out from the edges.
• Solid wood aesthetics. The surface can be covered with veneers of various species using different veneer layons (matching techniques) according to the design project requirements.
• Reduced weight. WBP plywood is lighter than dense MDF of a similar thickness, which reduces the load on cabinet suspension brackets, door hinges, and wall panel mounting frames.

Main areas of application

• Furniture manufacturing. Cabinet fronts (fascias) and carcasses for bathroom vanity units and kitchen sets.
• Wall and ceiling panels. Architectural wall cladding for offices, hotel rooms, restaurants, and lobbies.
• Door blanks and partitions. Interior doors and sliding partitions, where the dimensional stability of the leaf without warping or bowing is critical.

TWIN (birch/poplar) combi-core plywood for lightweight furniture and interior finishing

TWIN plywood is a specialised combi-core material that harmoniously combines the structural strength of birch with the lightness of poplar. The outer face layers are made of dense rotary-cut birch veneer, which guarantees high dimensional stability, wear resistance, and surface smoothness. Sanded and calibrated panels are ready for varnishing, painting, or veneering.

Meanwhile, the inner core layers are made of poplar, which significantly reduces the overall weight of the panel and the material cost without compromising rigidity. This balance makes birch and poplar combi plywood an optimal solution for the manufacture of large-scale cabinetry, wall panels, partitions, and other projects where every kilogram of mass matters. Furthermore, this plywood is easier and faster to machine on CNC routers, significantly reducing wear on carbide cutting tools.

Plywood grades: markings and manufacturing tolerances

The plywood grade determines the visual appearance and permissible natural wood defects on the outer veneer layers (face and back). Structural integrity, load-bearing capacity, and resistance to delamination remain consistent across all grades. Therefore, the choice of panel is based solely on the aesthetic requirements of the finished surface and the project’s budget.

Marking principles for combined plywood grades

A plywood panel is designated by two letters (or Roman numerals) separated by a slash. The first indicates the veneer quality of the face side, and the second denotes the back side.

• B/BB. The face side is designed for exposed applications and is suitable for clear varnishing, staining, and hard wax oiling. The back side is ideal for the concealed inner surfaces of cabinetry, cabinet fronts (fascias), and drawer boxes.
• BB/CP. The optimal choice for mass-produced cabinetry and furniture. The face side (BB) is ready for opaque painting, laminating, or veneering, while the back side (CP) is positioned towards the inside of the carcass or faces the wall.
• CP/C. A cost-effective solution for structural construction work and packaging manufacturing, where neither side requires a decorative or architectural finish.

Technical grade tolerances (EN 635)

How should fabricators and carpenters choose the right plywood grade for a task?

For clear varnishing or hard wax oiling (where the natural wood grain remains visible), B/BB or B/B panels are recommended.

For finishing with opaque paints, materials graded BB/BB or BB/CP are the optimal choice.

If surface veneering, laminating (HPL), or film-facing is planned, BB/CP or CP/CP plywood serves as an excellent stable substrate.

Rough construction assemblies, structural sheathing, and flooring underlayment require CP/C or C/C grades.

7 reasons to buy plywood from WoodWay Expert

WoodWay Expert supplies panel materials to furniture factories, craft workshops, joineries, and manufacturers of doors, flooring, and other interior finishes. Here is why it is beneficial for manufacturers to partner with us:

1. Extensive product range. We stock not only MR and WBP plywood of various thicknesses but also highly specialised solutions: flexible (bendy) Ceiba plywood for curved furniture, marine-grade Okoume plywood, fire-retardant panels, and plywood veneered with natural wood veneer.
2. Sanded and calibrated panels. We work with furniture-grade plywood: the panels are calibrated and sanded on both sides (S2S), fully ready for CNC machining and finishing.
3. Stock availability. Materials are in stock and ready for dispatch. Fabricators and carpenters can personally select the panels by visiting our warehouse.
4. Supply to order. We provide wholesale plywood procurement on a made-to-order basis. Please check the specific details with our sales representatives.
5. Available from a single panel. We partner with both retail and wholesale buyers, offering sales starting from just one sheet.
6. Convenient payment options. Orders can be paid to a corporate LLC account (including VAT) or a Sole Proprietorship account (non-VAT), in cash, or by credit card at the warehouse using a POS terminal (a fully itemised receipt is issued).
7. Additional fabrication services. We provide value-added machining services for panel materials: cut-to-size, cutting map generation (nesting), edge banding, and wood veneering.

Our team is focused on building long-term partnerships. We can select materials remotely: provide your technical specifications, and a sales representative will send photos of the products currently in stock, agree on the details, and process your order. Warehouse pick-up and delivery across Ukraine are available.

Please note: plywood is dispatched only after full upfront payment.

FAQ: frequently asked questions about plywood

How much does one sheet of plywood cost?

The price depends on the thickness, type, and grade. The current cost per panel and square metre is indicated on the product pages in our catalogue, in the price list, or provided by a sales representative upon request.

Where can I buy plywood in Kyiv?

You can purchase plywood at our wholesale and retail warehouse in Kyiv, 7-D Zdolbunivska St. Warehouse pick-up, local door-to-door delivery in Kyiv, and dispatch across Ukraine are available.

What plywood is in stock?

We maintain stocks of MR (moisture-resistant) furniture plywood, WBP (Weather and Boil Proof) exterior plywood, flexible (bendy) Ceiba plywood, marine-grade and fire-retardant Okoume plywood, as well as veneered panels.

How can I buy moisture-resistant plywood, and what is the price per sheet?

You can place an order via the website shopping cart, by phone, or by sending your specifications via messenger. The cost of a moisture-resistant panel is calculated based on the required thickness and veneer grade.

Which is better: plywood or OSB?

Plywood significantly outperforms OSB in terms of bending strength, elasticity, and fastener holding power. It does not suffer from tear-out during profile cutting on a CNC router, has an even, smooth surface, and is suitable for cabinetry and decor, whereas OSB is primarily a budget material for rough construction work.

MR or WBP plywood: what is the difference?

The key difference lies in the adhesive glue line and intended application. MR (urea-formaldehyde) plywood is safe for residential interiors (E0 and E1 emission classes), is easily laser-cut without excessive charring, and is designed for dry spaces. WBP (phenol-formaldehyde) plywood features enhanced water resistance, withstands temperature fluctuations, and can be used for exterior applications, roof sheathing, timber framing, and high-humidity environments.

Where can I order plywood with delivery across Ukraine?

You can order the required number of panels on the WoodWay Expert website. We arrange prompt dispatch via courier companies or LTL (less-than-truckload) freight transport to any region of Ukraine using secure packaging.

What plywood sizes can I buy?

We offer plywood panels in 1525 × 1525 mm, 2500 × 1250 mm, and 2440 x 1220 mm. Choosing the correct format allows you to optimise the cutting map (nesting layout) for the specific part dimensions or your CNC machine bed size.

Is there a plywood cutting service for custom sizes?

Yes, we perform rough cross-cutting of panels for convenient transport, and we also provide precision cut-to-size services based on your cutting maps.

Can I order plywood in bulk, and what are the terms for wholesale buyers?

Special commercial terms apply to wholesale buyers. The discount rate depends on the order volume and specific products. Please check the details with a sales representative.

What do the S1, S2, and NS markings on plywood mean?

These abbreviations refer to the type of surface sanding on the panel’s outer faces (internationally marked as S1S, S2S, and U/S). S2 (S2S — sanded two sides) offers a consistent calibrated thickness across the entire area and serves as a ready substrate for furniture, laser cutting, and CNC machining. This is the exact type we hold in stock. S1 (S1S — sanded one side) is more commonly used for wall and floor cladding. NS (U/S — unsanded) is a utility panel with natural roughness intended for structural construction work and packaging.