- 1. Introduction
- SpecX quick selector
- 2. Materials and definitions
- 3. Key performance parameters
- 4. Selection guidance
- 5. Edge and joint details
- 6. Common failures and remedies
- 7. QA / QC checklist
- 8. Sample BOQ lines
- 9. Standards and references
1. Introduction
Joinery materials (plywood, MDF, blockboard) form the substrate for cabinetry, doors, panels and furniture. Selection should be guided by exposure (moisture), required finish, structural load (shelves), fire rating, and environmental certifications (FSC, E0/E1 for formaldehyde emissions).
SpecX quick selector
- Kitchen carcasses: 18 mm BWP plywood, edges sealed, HPL finish
- Wardrobes: 18 mm MR plywood or PB carcass with HPL; 19 mm MR MDF shutter with veneer/HPL
- Toilet vanities: BWP plywood with edge sealing and compact laminate facia
- Shelves (heavy load): 19 mm plywood or HDF with continuous support; verify deflection
Joinery materials (plywood, MDF, blockboard) form the substrate for cabinetry, doors, panels, and furniture. Selection should be guided by exposure (moisture), required finish, structural load (shelves), fire rating, and environmental certifications (FSC, E0/E1 for formaldehyde emissions).
2. Materials and definitions
- MR grade plywood (BWR): Moisture‑resistant plywood (IS 710) for interior use
- Marine plywood (BWP): Higher water resistance; verify certification
- Blockboard: Softwood strip core with plywood faces; doors and panels
- MDF (medium density fibreboard): Uniform, smooth for veneers and laminates; use MR‑grade where moisture is possible
- HDF (high density fibreboard): Denser; suitable for high‑end doors and acoustic panels
- Particleboard / pre‑laminated PB: Cost‑effective for furniture; check moisture sensitivity
- Veneers and laminates: Natural veneer or HPL finishes for aesthetics
3. Key performance parameters
- Thickness tolerances per IS/EN (6/9/12/18/25 mm common)
- Moisture content and swelling: 6–12% storage equilibrium; low thickness swelling for critical uses
- Formaldehyde emission class: E0/E1 preferred for indoor air quality
- Bending strength / modulus of rupture: verify for shelves and load‑bearing joinery
4. Selection guidance
- Wet locations (kitchen, toilet): Marine/BWP plywood with sealed edges and laminate finish
- Wardrobes / interior cabinetry: MR plywood or PB with laminate; MDF for veneered doors
- High‑end furniture / doors: MDF/HDF veneered or plywood with veneer
5. Edge and joint details
- Seal all exposed edges; use edge banding or polyurethane edge seal
- Fixings: Appropriate wood screws; pre‑drill MDF to avoid splitting
6. Common failures and remedies
- Edge swelling → unsealed edges or water ingress; seal all edges with PU/edge banding and protect from moisture
- Delamination → poor adhesive/grade or prolonged wetting; insist on BWP where needed and verify MTCs
- High emissions/odor → non‑E0/E1 boards; specify E0/E1 and ventilate/acclimatize before install
- Warping/cupping → improper storage or unbalanced lamination; store flat, acclimatize, ensure face/back balance
- Formaldehyde off‑gassing: Choose E0/E1 grades; acclimatize boards before install
- Edge swelling: Inadequate edge sealing → reseal edges; replace damaged panels
7. QA / QC checklist
- Manufacturer test certificates for plywood grade and adhesive system (phenol‑formaldehyde for BWP)
- Formaldehyde emission certificate (E0/E1)
- Thickness and dimensional checks
- Edge sealing and finish verification
8. Sample BOQ lines
- “Supply and fix 18 mm BWR plywood for kitchen carcasses including edge sealing and pre‑lamination — m².”
- “Supply and fix 19 mm MR MDF veneered door shutters — m².”
9. Standards and references
- IS 303 / IS 710 / IS 848 / IS 5509 series — plywood and adhesives
- EN 717 — formaldehyde emission classes (E0/E1/E2)