Using top-quality plywood sheets is essential to meet construction requirements. However, there are fake or low-quality plywood available in the market. This might affect your durability and safety concerns when constructing.
You can get rid of this by knowing the real and high-quality plywood from the fake one. Let us proceed to some tips and signs for identifying fake plywood so you will make good choices.
1. Certification Marks
Genuine plywood sheets are produced with high-quality control. Always check the product for ISI, ISO, or FSC certification marks. Such marks ensure that the plywood has been made as per industry standards and is safe to use.
Such products have no marks or carry counterfeit ones. Always inspect the logo and verify if it’s an official mark of the manufacturer. If needed, check the manufacturer’s website for confirmation. A certified plywood product, therefore, guarantees durability and safety for your project.
2. Checking Surface and Finish
The surface of a real plywood sheet must be flat, uniformly shined, and free from kinks. Run your hand across the plywood checking for lumps, cracks, or any gaps. Counterfeit plywood often has uneven finishes or visible defects such as knots and splits. These defects reflect that the product is low in quality production and durability.
Check the edges of the plywood too. Quality plywood has edges that are smooth and straight edged. Counterfeit plywood often has jagged or split edges. Someone paying close attention to these details can easily distinguish between genuine plywood and a counterfeit product.
3. Density Test
One way to determine the authenticity of plywood is to test its density. Authentic plywood sheets are made from layers of high-quality wood veneers bonded together. The structure provides the plywood with uniform density.
However, some fake plywood often use low-quality materials, which makes the plywood have uneven density. Tap the plywood lightly across different spots. High-quality plywood will produce consistent sounds, while counterfeit plywood may sound hollow in certain areas. If possible, weigh the plywood—authentic plywood is heavier because it is solidly built.
4. Water Resistance
Another salient feature of original-quality plywood is that it is water-resistant. Fake plywood is not water-resistant; thus, when it is exposed to moisture, it swells, warps, and decays. To test this, simply drip some water on the plywood and observe its response.
Authentic plywood doesn’t absorb water for an extended period, whereas counterfeit plywood becomes soggy in a short time. This test is essential when purchasing marine or waterproof plywood sheets for use in kitchens, bathrooms, or outdoor spaces.
5. Check the Marking
High-quality plywood makers mark their brand name and details on the product. The details are readable, durable, and tamper-evident, while counterfeit goods cannot create good images of the maker. Details printed on plywood would comprise the name of a manufacturer, logos, number of the batch, as well as manufacturing date.
Shady products might be missing some details that are not properly readable. It would be better to buy nothing. Always research the manufacturer and buy from authorized dealers to avoid fakes.
6. Examine the Layers
Authentic plywood sheets are composed of several layers of wood veneers laminated together with glue. The interlocking grain directions are what give ply its strength and stability. Cheap plywood cut corners and saves on fewer layers or lower-grade material.
Examine its cross-section to be sure. The quality plywood will have even layers without gaps, voids, or overlaps. Contrasted with that, false plywood may present inconvenient layers with gaps, voids, or irregularities that will eventually reduce its durability and load-bearing capability.
7. Test it in a Boiling Water Test
To check the authenticity of high-grade plywood sheets like marine plywood, test it through a boiling water test. Place a small amount of plywood in boiling water for a few hours. Good quality actual marine plywood should withstand the heat, and not delaminate, swell, or break apart.
Plywood will certainly delaminate, swell, or even break apart. Of course, it’s not possible to perform this test for every purchase. However, it is an effective way to verify the water resistance of high-quality plywood.
8. Price
If the price seems too low to be realistic, it usually is. Quality plywood always sells at a proper price because it has great durability and benefits. Fake ones are being sold at very cheap prices to attract customers.
This could seem like a deal of your lifetime, but repairs and replacement costs in the long term could add up to tenfold to the initial saved money. Always compare prices from trusted suppliers and avoid deals that seem suspiciously cheap. Investing in genuine plywood sheets ensures lasting value and peace of mind.
9. Purchase from Reputable Suppliers
The best way to avoid fake plywood sheets is by purchasing from trusted suppliers or authorized dealers. Reliable sellers make sure that their products are authentic and of quality standards. They also give great warranty and after-sales support.
Avoid buying plywood from unverified sellers or online platforms with no return policies. By trusting established brands and reliable vendors, you are sure to receive authentic quality plywood for your construction needs.
Conclusion
In terms of appropriate safety, durability, and aesthetic appeal of your products, identifying counterfeit plywood is highly important. You might want to check for certification marks, inspect the surface, test density, and verify branding. Using these tips, you can avoid substandard products and make a smart investment in a market full of counterfeit products.
CenturyPly is a name to reckon with in the industry offering premium quality plywood with reliable performance for all applications. Their excellence and innovation are committed to giving you the best materials for your needs. Always opt for authentic products like those from CenturyPly to ensure the safety of your construction projects and enjoy long-lasting satisfaction.