Commercial Plywood is the most widely used type of plywood in the world.If you go to a local timber yard and simply ask for “a sheet of plywood,” this is almost certainly what they will give you.

It is officially known as MR Grade Plywood (Moisture Resistant), and it is designed for general-purpose interior work where cost-effectiveness is more important than extreme weatherproofing.²

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Key Features of Commercial Plywood

• MR Grade (Moisture Resistant): Don’t let the name confuse you—it is not waterproof. It can handle high humidity and damp air (like in a bedroom or living room), but it will swell and ruin if it gets soaked or stays wet.

• Urea-Formaldehyde Resin: It is bonded using urea-formaldehyde glue, which is strong but doesn’t have the water-fighting power of the phenolic resins used in Marine or Film Faced plywood.⁴

• Affordability: This is the most “budget-friendly” plywood. It’s perfect for large-scale projects where you need strength without the high price tag of specialized boards.

• Termite & Borer Resistance: Most modern commercial plywood is chemically treated during manufacturing to prevent insect infestations.

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What is it Made Of?

Commercial plywood usually has a core made from hardwood veneers (like Eucalyptus or Gurjan) or softwood veneers (like Poplar), depending on your region. The “face” of the board is sanded smooth so it’s ready for paint, polish, or laminate.

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Common Applications

Project	Why use Commercial Plywood?
Wardrobes & Closets	It’s lightweight enough for doors but strong enough for heavy shelving.
Wall Paneling	It provides a smooth surface for paint or wallpaper.
Office Furniture	Desks, filing cabinets, and partitions are almost always MR grade.
Ceilings	Thin sheets (4mm or 6mm) are often used for false ceilings.
Sofa Frames	It is rigid and holds nails/screws exceptionally well.

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Comparison: Commercial vs. Others

Feature	Commercial (MR)	Marine (BWP)
Water Resistance	Low (Humidity only)	High (Waterproof)
Glue Used	Urea-Formaldehyde	Phenol-Formaldehyde
Price	Affordable	Expensive
Best For	Living rooms, bedrooms	Kitchens, bathrooms

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Quick Selection Guide

If you are buying commercial plywood, look for the thickness that fits your needs:

• 6mm: For drawer bottoms or back panels of wardrobes.

• 12mm: For wall partitions or light shelving.

• 18mm / 19mm: The “standard” for heavy-duty furniture, bed frames, and tabletops.

Are you trying to figure out if Commercial Plywood is “safe enough” for a kitchen or bathroom project? I can help you decide if you should upgrade to a water-resistant grade instead!