Table of Contents
Comparison Between 303 & 710 Grade Plywood
In Indian Plywood industry, plywood is produced in accordance with specific standards set by the Bureau of Indian Standards (BIS). These standards ensure an appropriate manufacturing of the plywood, all by adhering to the policies laid down by BIS, so that the end product is high on quality, safety and endurance. To ensure BIS certified plywood is purchased, one should make sure the plywood sheet is stamped with an ISI mark along with the Indian Standard specification number like IS 303 or IS 710. Based on these labels, there are two grades of plywood: 303 Grade Plywood and 710 Grade Plywood. In this post, let’s have a look at these grades in detail and also how they differ from each other.
What is 303 Grade Plywood?
303 Grade Plywood refers to two types of plywood:
- Moisture Resistant (MR) Plywood, also known as Commercial Plywood
- Boiling Water Resistant (BWR) Plywood
What is 710 Grade Plywood?
710 grade plywood refers to Boiling Water Proof (BWP) Plywood which is otherwise called Marine Grade Plywood.
303 Grade Plywood Vs 710 Grade Plywood: A Walk-Through Of Their Differences
1. Waterproof Quality
| 303 Grade Plywood | 710 Grade Plywood |
|---|---|
| MR grade is not waterproof in nature. BWR grade is waterproof in nature but it is not as waterproof as BWP plywood. | When compared to MR and BWR grade plywood, BWP grade has superior waterproof quality. What gives this plywood such a high waterproofing quality is the use of undiluted synthetic plastic resins during its manufacturing process. |
2. Moisture Resistivity
| 303 Grade Plywood | 710 Grade Plywood |
|---|---|
| MR plywood is capable of resisting humidity and moisture. BWR grade plywood is weather-proof and therefore it is perfect for locations with high humidity or rainfall. | BWP plywood can withstand extreme weather conditions and hence these panels can be exposed to humidity or moisture for a long time without any delamination. |
3. Water resistance
| 303 Grade Plywood | 710 Grade Plywood |
|---|---|
| Though MR grade plywood is resistant to moisture, it is not resistant to water. Therefore, it is not preferred for making furniture that has a high probability of continuously getting wet. BWR plywood shows a high tendency to resist water. | BWP Plywood has a high resistance to boiling water and hence it is ideal for applications where the plywood has prolonged exposure to water. A good quality BWP plywood can withstand 72 hours of continuous boiling water at 100°C. |
4. Heaviness
| 303 Grade Plywood | 710 Grade Plywood |
|---|---|
| This grade is relatively light in weight when compared to BWP plywood. | BWP plywood is relatively heavy. So it is better to avoid BWP ply for shutters and overhead shelves. If used, support them with some extra good quality hinges. |
5. Strength
| 303 Grade Plywood | 710 Grade Plywood |
|---|---|
| Both MR and BWR plywood are high strength materials but only next to BWP plywood. | Since high-quality veneers are bonded with undiluted resins, BWP plywood is usually high on strength when compared to both MR and BWR plywood. |
6. Cost
| 303 Grade Plywood | 710 Grade Plywood |
|---|---|
| MR ply is less expensive than BWR ply and BWR ply is less expensive than BWP ply. | Due to its superiority over MR and BWR ply in various aspects, BWP plywood is generally a little expensive. |
7. Application
| 303 Grade Plywood | 710 Grade Plywood |
|---|---|
| MR plywood is the interior grade plywood and hence it is widely used in the construction of the home and office furniture like wardrobes, tables, shelves, beds, etc. BWR plywood is exterior grade plywood and hence it is ideal for making furniture like lawn chairs, garden tables, outdoor swings, patio benches, etc. Because of its waterproof nature, BWR ply can also be used for making furniture and cabinets of the kitchen and bathroom. | When compared to BWR plywood, BWP plywood is better exterior grade plywood and hence it is used for outdoor applications and extreme weather conditions as well. Due to its high water -resisting property, BWP plywood is also best suited for applications that are likely to get wet often for a prolonged period of time. e.g. Kitchen cabinets, bathroom cabinets, etc. |
303 Grade Plywood Vs 710 Grade Plywood : The Short
| Parameter | 303 Grade Plywood | 710 Grade Plywood |
|---|---|---|
| Waterproof quality | Low | High |
| Moisture Resistivity | Low | High |
| Water resistance | Low | High |
| Cost | Comparatively Cheap | Comparatively Pricey |
| Strength | Comparatively Low | Comparatively High |
| Heaviness | Light | Heavy |
| Termite resistance | Low | High |
| Warping & dimensional stability | Relatively Low | Relatively High |
| Durability | Relatively Low | Relatively High |
So, which one will you choose – 303 or 710 grade plywood?
Both grades are strong, durable and perform well for years. The two main questions that will help you rule out one grade and settle on the other are: how much and how long water comes into contact with the plywood and how much you can afford. Self-answer these questions and cheery-pick your best one.
Did this mini-guide help you find out whether 303 grade or 710 grade plywood is the way to go? We hope it did.
Still got questions? Talk to a pro and clear them off. Contact ZAD Interiors today!
