Types and Grades of Plywood: MR, BWR, BWP, Marine and Fire Retardant on One Page

Short answer: plywood is described in four ways at once: the glue grade (MR, BWR, BWP), the core (full or alternate), the face wood (Gurjan, Meranti, pine) and any special purpose (fire retardant, shuttering, flexible, decorative). One sheet can be "Gurjan face, full core, BWR grade".

Four ways to describe plywood

"How many types of plywood are there?" isn't answered by one list. It's four separate questions:

1. Glue (grade): how much water can it take?
2. Core: what are the inner layers like?
3. Face: which wood is the top layer?
4. Special purpose: fire, shuttering, flexible, decorative?

All four apply to every sheet at once.

1. By glue: MR, BWR, BWP

Grade	Standard	Water	Where
MR (commercial)	IS 303	A little humidity, not water	Bedrooms, living rooms, offices
BWR	IS 303	Humidity and splashes	Kitchens, ground floors
BWP / marine	IS 710 (marine), or IS 303 BWP since 2024	Constant damp and water	Sinks, bathrooms, balconies

Which plywood is "100% waterproof"? The most water-resistant plywood is BWP / marine (IS 710). But any wooden sheet with an open edge left in water will eventually fail, so sealing the edges matters. For places that stay wet, WPC board is better.

In detail: commercial (MR) plywood, BWR vs BWP.

2. By core

• Full core (hardwood core): every inner layer is hardwood. The strongest, with the best screw holding.
• Alternate core: hardwood and lighter-wood layers alternate. Middle on strength and price.
• Light-wood core (such as poplar): light and budget.

You identify the core from the edge: what Gurjan plywood is.

3. By face

Face	Looks	Good for
Gurjan	Reddish brown, heavy	Beds, kitchens, heavy furniture
Meranti	Red, fine grain	Polished panels, kitchens, wardrobes
Pine	Pale yellow-white, light	Lofts, paneling, light furniture

The face is the wood, not the grade: even if it says "Gurjan", check MR, BWR or BWP separately.

4. Special-purpose plywood

• Fire retardant plywood (IS 5509): slower to catch fire; for offices, shops and public places.
• Shuttering plywood: used as concrete formwork in construction; not for furniture.
• Flexible plywood: bends for curved designs.
• Decorative plywood: with a natural veneer on top, ready for polish.

Surface type: AA, AB, BB

This is the surface quality of the face and back: AA clean on both sides, AB clean at the front, BB normal. If it will be laminated the difference is small; if polish or veneer will show, take AA or AB. How to read the stamp: how to read a plywood stamp.

Plywood-like boards

Board	What it is	Where
Block board (IS 1659)	Wood strips inside, veneer outside	Long shelves, bed tops, doors
MDF (IS 12406)	Fine fibres pressed, very smooth	Paint, CNC designs, shutters
HDHMR	Denser than MDF, moisture resistant	Kitchen and wardrobe shutters
WPC / PVC board	Wood and plastic; doesn't absorb water	Sinks, bathrooms, balconies

Comparisons: block board vs plywood, MDF vs plywood, HDHMR vs plywood.

A direct answer for your job

Pick your job and see the board, grade and thickness: which plywood for which job (tool), or the full list: which plywood for which job.

FAQ

What are the main types of plywood for a home? By grade: MR (commercial), BWR, BWP / marine, and fire retardant. People also name types by core and face.

Which plywood is the most expensive? Usually BWP / marine with a full hardwood core and a good face. Ask the shop for today's rate; rates change.

Which is the strongest plywood? A full hardwood core (such as Gurjan), in BWP grade if the place is wet.

Nitin Plywood House, Alipur

We stock MR, BWR and BWP grades, Gurjan, Meranti and pine faces, block board, MDF, HDHMR and WPC, so you get the right mix in one place. To check which grade and brand is in stock and today's rate, call +91-9212017608.