B And Q Plywood

Your Complete Guide to Selecting the Perfect Plywood for Your Project

As a DIY enthusiast and amateur carpenter, I often find myself wandering the aisles of my local B&Q, overwhelmed by the sheer variety of plywood available. From outdoor grade to moisture-resistant options, softwood to hardwood, they seem to have it all. But with so many types and thicknesses to choose from, it can be tricky deciding which plywood is right for your needs.

In this blog post, I’ll share everything I’ve learned from years of trial and error when it comes to buying plywood from B&Q. You’ll discover the different varieties they stock, the quality on offer, sizes available and vital factors to consider before making your purchase. I’ll provide tips to ensure you pick the perfect plywood for your next construction or renovation project. Let’s get started!

Plywood Types Stocked at B&Q

B&Q offers an extensive range of plywood boards to suit all applications. Here are the main types you can expect to find:

• Softwood plywood – Made from pine, cedar or spruce woods. It’s lightweight and inexpensive but prone to dents and scratches. Ideal for temporary structures.
• Hardwood plywood – Manufactured from birch, oak, mahogany or rosewood. More durable and decorative but requires sealing. Perfect for furniture or flooring.
• Marine plywood – Uses waterproof glue. Resists swelling and delamination. Recommended for outdoor, damp or high moisture areas.
• Moisture resistant plywood – Treated to repel water and humidity. Not fully waterproof like marine plywood. Good for kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms.
• Structural plywood – Made with enhanced veneers to bear heavy structural loads. Used for roofing, flooring, walls and sound barriers.
• Fire retardant plywood – Chemically treated to resist fire and slow the spread of flames. Building code approved. Ideal for commercial construction.
• WBP Plywood – Weather and boil proof plywood made with fully waterproof adhesive. Withstands outdoor exposure.
• MDF – Medium density fibreboard with smooth finish. Machines well but can swell and disintegrate with moisture. Great for intricate trims.

Plywood Quality at B&Q

The quality of plywood available at B&Q can vary depending on the collection chosen. Here are my observations:

• Ultra Board Plywood – Their premium range. High quality construction with few imperfections. Worth the extra cost for flawless results.
• Premier Board Plywood – A mid-range option. Good value for money but may have some knots and surface defects. Check boards carefully before purchase.
• Economy Board Plywood – Budget sheets with visible flaws and patches. Acceptable for projects where appearance isn’t important. Prone to damage.
• Own Brand Plywood – Variable standards. Check veneers thoroughly for delamination or cracks. Can find the occasional decent sheet among less refined plies.

My advice would be to inspect all plywood thoroughly before purchase, regardless of brand. Look out for gaps in glue seams, scratches, surface bubbles or rough patches which could affect strength and appearance. Don’t rely on name alone as quality can fluctuate.

Plywood Sizes at B&Q

B&Q stocks a range of imperial and metric plywood sizes to cover most project needs:

• 8 x 4ft – The most common size. Many types are available in 2440 x 1220mm sheets. Watch heavy sheets in windy car parks!
• 11 x 5.5ft – Large 2750 x 1700mm sheets. Require roof racks or trailer to transport. Useful for big builds like sheds or outbuildings.
• 6 x 2ft – Handy 1829 x 610mm sheets for smaller DIY tasks. Easy to lift and maneuver solo.
• 3 x 2ft – Small 915 x 610mm panels. Ideal for crafts, shelving or box construction. Transport a few in a hatchback or estate.
• 5 x 5ft – Square sheets great for cabinet carcasses or table tops. Check stock availability in 1525 x 1525mm.
• 6 x 4ft – Popular 1829 x 1220mm size. Many finish ply and moisture resistant types available. Manageable for one person.

Remember to measure space available in your car or van before purchase and consider any cutting you require done in store. Don’t overload yourself and risk damage in transit.

In-Store Cutting Service

B&Q offer a very handy service of cutting plywood sheets to size for customers with minor adjustments required. Here are some key points about their cutting service:

• Cuts are free for full boards only. Off-cuts and damaged boards incur a small charge.
• They are equipped to make straight rip cuts up to 6mm in width. No angle cutting facility.
• You must transport and lift boards yourself to the saw area. Assistance can be requested.
• For liability reasons staff cannot make complex or repeated cuts. Only simple tweaks to dimensions.
• For safety allow 1-2 days for plywood to acclimatise before cutting to avoid warping, shrinking or cracking.

If you need intricate cuts, it’s best to do these yourself with a circular saw and straight edge guide for the cleanest edges. But for quick length or width adjustments, B&Q’s in-store cutting service is very handy. Just be aware of the limitations.

The Quest for Marine Plywood

In my early days of buying plywood I often found myself on the hunt for marine grade sheets at B&Q. Why? Because the internet said it was the best kind for outdoor use! Sadly, it also seems to be the most elusive…

After drawing countless blanks, I discovered marine ply is a special order product not routinely stocked in most stores. They can bring it in but you’ll need to ask at the trade counter and likely order full packs due to cost. That rules out single sheet purchases.

For small outdoor projects, moisture resistant ply is a decent alternative at B&Q. But for boats or projects involving prolonged water contact, proper marine plywood remains the best choice. Don’t waste hours scouring regular B&Q shelves like me – go straight to the trade counter to order it!

Plywood Thickness Guide

Plywood thickness is specified in millimetres. B&Q stocks a range from 3mm up to 18mm. Here’s an overview of common plywood thicknesses and their uses:

• 3-6mm – Thin sheets suitable for hobby projects, toys, modelling or laser cutting. Avoid structural use.
• 9mm – All-purpose thickness for interior panels, shelving, cabinets etc. Easy to work and cut.
• 12mm – Provides moderate strength and rigidity. Good for flooring, workbenches, framing.
• 15mm – Robust plywood for furniture,staging, flooring in joist spans. Resists bowing or sagging.
• 18mm – Extra strong and heavy sheets. Often used in roofing, cladding, decking, wall bracing. Harder to cut and handle.

Think carefully about the thickness needed for your project and how you’ll use the finished item. Thinner sheets are fine for indoor use but thicker exterior grades are best for structural elements or heavy loading to prevent flexing. Watch those fingers on the tablesaw!

Using Plywood Outdoors

I’ll admit I was naive in my first attempts to use regular B&Q plywood for outdoor projects. Without protection from the elements, exterior use severely shortened its lifespan regardless of my good intentions and enthusiastic wood sealant application!

Here’s what I learned about using plywood outside to save you making the same mistakes:

• Opt for WBP or Marine grade – the moisture resistant glues are key for durability.
• Seal all exposed edges thoroughly before installation – plywood delaminates when moisture penetrates unprotected seams.
• Apply a high quality exterior wood finish like yacht varnish for weatherproofing and UV protection.
• Allow for expansion gaps in joined boards and check fixings in seasonal temperature swings.
• In heavy moisture areas, cover top face with roofing felt for extra protection.
• Avoid ground contact as moisture from soil hastens sheet decay. Use treated timber rails or feet to raise base.

Follow these tips and your outdoor plywood projects can withstand the elements for years to come! Just steer clear of standard interior grades if you want your work to last.

Choosing the Right Plywood

With all the varying grades, thicknesses, sizes and types of plywood available at B&Q, it can get confusing identifying the perfect sheets for your needs. Here are my top tips for choosing the right plywood for your project:

• Consider the end use – is it structural or decorative? Interior, exterior or damp? This dictates ideal ply properties.
• Check stiffness values – higher numbers indicate improved strength and rigidity. 12mm ply can range from 300 to 700 N/mm2.
• Inspector veneer quality on both faces – reject sheets with flaws, gaps or damage if appearance matters.
• Ensure suitable environmental rating – Class 1 is driest, Class 3 is exterior/damp areas.
• Buy thicker ply for large spans – rigid support prevents bouncing, warping and damage.
• Handpick sheets yourself for consistency – avoid batches with mixed quality.
• Don’t scrimp for the sake of budget – cheap ply shows its weaknesses fast with poor results.
• Double check dimensions match your design before loading up. Measure twice, cut once!

Follow this advice and you’ll leave B&Q confident you’ve selected the perfect plywood for a successful project. Take your time, examine the sheets thoroughly and avoid rushing the decision.

B&Q Home Delivery Service

Lugging heavy plywood sheets around the store and into your car can be exhausting. Luckily B&Q offer a convenient home delivery service for bulky items.

There are a few things to note about their delivery service:

• Available for orders over £50 in value
• Booked online or in store up to 7 days in advance
• Two person delivery team will bring items into your home
• They’ll assemble purchases but won’t install
• Prices start from £5 for small items or £15 for large products
• Sunday and out of hours deliveries cost extra

Checking delivery costs beforehand helps avoid surprises at the checkout. Their service eliminates the manual work of hauling plywood and provides additional help with assembly. Just be sure to clear adequate space first!

Which Plywood for Flooring?

When it comes to plywood flooring, you want decent thickness and stiffness to prevent flexing underfoot plus a smooth, blemish-free face for your chosen floor finish.

Here are my top B&Q plywood recommendations for flooring use based on positive experiences:

• 15mm Hardwood Plywood – Gives excellent rigidity and load resistance for floor joists up to 600mm centres. Durable surface for refinishing.
• 15mm Moisture Resistant Plywood – Great internal flooring option even for bathrooms or kitchens. Withstands spillages and damp.
• 18mm Softwood Plywood – Budget-friendly sheets which perform surprisingly well for home flooring with additional bracing.
• 12mm Euro Poplar Plywood – Higher quality with unique grey colouring. Handles light traffic when used with suitable joist spacing.

Always remember to leave expansion gaps between boards, thoroughly seal edges and glue and screw sheets to joists for quiet, secure fixing. And take care of your plywood floor with rug protection in heavy traffic zones.

Waterproof Options at B&Q

For truly waterproof plywood that can withstand submersion or very damp conditions, marine grade remains the gold standard choice. Although not stocked routinely, B&Q can order this in on request.

For most indoor wet area projects, their moisture resistant plywood provides good water shedding properties and sells in convenient sheet sizes off the shelf. Just ensure edges are fully sealed and avoid direct pooling on the surface.

An alternative would be exterior grade WBP plywood. This utilises weather and boil-proof adhesive so offers enhanced water resistance with the right additional sealing and protection.

For temporary outdoor use, cheaper exterior softwood ply can work when thoroughly coated with waterproof varnish, paint or wood preservation treatments. But it won’t last indefinitely – WBP or Marine ply is a worthwhile investment for permanent outdoor projects.

Returning Unused Plywood

After an ambitious start to a new project, I inevitably end up with surplus plywood needing to be returned. But can you actually refund unused sheets at B&Q?

The answer is yes – with some caveats. According to their policy:

• Uncut full sheets can be returned for a full refund within 90 days. Proof of purchase is needed.
• They will accept part used boards for exchange or refund at their discretion. Check before purchasing if planning to return or exchange off-cuts.
• Plywood must be resaleable condition – not used, marked or damaged. Factory edge labelling must be intact.
• Home deliveries have 28 days for change of mind returns under Consumer Contracts regulations.

So provided you have receipts and original intact sheets, B&Q are quite reasonable regarding plywood refunds. Just avoid custom cutting sheets until sure of the dimensions to allow for returns if needed.

Plywood Warranties

Don’t expect too much in the way of warranties when buying standard plywood from B&Q. Their own brand boards come with very limited manufacturer defects coverage:

• 10 years for interior use plywood
• 5 years for external grade plywood

Warranty periods are further reduced if used in wet conditions. And faults need to be proven manufacturing defects, not accidental damage.

In reality, it’s very rare plywood itself fails structurally within these timeframes unless seriously neglected. More commonly, incorrect use or sealing causes issues. Check grades suit the desired purpose and apply appropriate finishes for best results.

Paying extra for higher sheet quality could extend the usable lifespan. But there’s no guarantee attached – inspect boards carefully yourself for reassurance rather than relying on warranties.

Eco-Friendly Options

For the most environmentally friendly plywood, seek out FSC certified timber sources. This ensures sustainable forestry management. B&Q sell FSC ply options including:

• GoodHome Birch Plywood – Euro variety made with timber from responsibly managed sources. Available in various sizes and thicknesses.
• Redwood Plywood – Made using thin FSC certified cedar lamina veneers with great stability and sustainability credentials.

There are also great reused options in their Reclaimed Plywood made from reworked timber salvaged from old buildings and their Conti Eco Plywood containing recycled wood fibres.

Choosing these eco-friendly alternatives helps reduce demand for new timber. And you can request home delivery in an electric van for zero emissions transport! Just look for the FSC logo.

Using Plywood for Furniture

Plywood is an excellent material choice for building homemade furniture. It machines cleanly, has dimensional stability and provides solid structural integrity for shelves, units and carcasses.

Here are my top tips for furniture projects using plywood from B&Q:

• Select void free grades for each exposed face to avoid imperfections on show
• Use WBP or MR ply for moisture resistance in kitchens, bathrooms and laundries
• Apply real wood iron-on edging to conceal plies and create a quality finish
• Prefinish sheets before assembly to ensure full coverage on exposed edges
• Accent with solid timber strips, trim and mouldings for decorative features
• Prime and paint or use clear top coats for protection and longevity

With the right finishing techniques and careful material selection, you can create stunning handmade furniture with plywood that matches any store bought pieces. Just invest time into the details like edging solutions and paint prep.

Sealing Tips for Outdoor Use

Using standard plywood outside risks delamination, swelling and decay without proper protection. Follow my 5 sealing tips when using B&Q ply for outdoor furniture, planter boxes or play equipment:

1. Choose marine grade or exterior WBP plywood for weather-proof glues
2. Varnish all surfaces and edges with a water resistant exterior product like yacht varnish
3. Fill exposed screw holes and joints with waterproof wood filler before varnishing
4. Leave generous expansion gaps between boards and use slotted fixings to allow movement
5. Elevate plywood off ground with feet or bearers to prevent moisture drawing from earth

Repeat coats annually as varnish wears off to maintain effective waterproofing. And check for any cracks or gaps in the coating which could provide moisture ingress pathways. Proper sealing is vital for getting longevity from standard plywood outdoors.

Bargain Plywood Hunting

As plywood is sold in bulk sheets, there are no special “one day only” offers to watch for. But you can still hunt for plywood bargains at B&Q with these money saving tips:

• Shop end of lines being discontinued in older product ranges
• Inspect economy packs closely – you can sometimes find decent sheets among poorer quality if you handpick
• Check for imperfect sheets with minor defects or damage which may be stickered for clearance
• Ask when next deliveries are due to snap up surplus stock they need to clear from previous shipments
• Take advantage of sales like seasonal clearance events in store or online

The best tactic is examining sheets thoroughly yourself and only purchasing if the flaws won’t affect your projects. Buy a thicker grade than needed if the cheaper ply is knotty or knot-free face is preferred. With patience, you can score plywood deals.

Fire Retardant Options

For commercial or public buildings, fire retardant plywood is a mandatory requirement. Luckily B&Q offers the following options to meet regulations:

• 18mm Eurocodon Fire Retardant Plywood – Class B approved and Building Regulation compliant. Ideal for walls, floors and ceilings.
• Medite Fire Plywood – Treated wood panel product rated Class B also. Comes pre-primed for paint finish. Easy to work and cut.

Both these products achieve Euroclass B fire ratings through chemical treatment. This disrupts combustion and slows the spread of flames. While expensive, it provides peace of mind for legally required applications.

For lower risk home projects, it may be overkill. Class C untreated plywood can suffice where permits allow when finished accordingly. But for commercial builds, forensic facilities or rental properties, insist on certified fire retardant ply.

Sanding and Finishing Tips

For a flawless smooth finish, it pays to put in some elbow grease preparing and sanding B&Q plywood prior to adding your final coats:

• Wipe sheets with a damp cloth to raise the grain then lightly sand smooth
• Use a random orbit sander with 150 grit then 180 grit to remove machining marks, glue residue and any surface defects
• Always sand along the grain in the veneer direction using minimal pressure for the best results
• Avoid oversanding veneer surfaces which can damage the delicate plies
• Mask off any exposed edging to prevent staining
• Wipe clean and allow to fully dry before finishing

Take things slow and methodical. Rushing sanding risks uneven surfaces and veneer damage. Paying attention to prep work pays dividends in the finished appearance.

In Summary…

I hope this detailed guide gives you all the inside knowledge required to pick the perfect plywood at B&Q. Take time to assess your needs, inspect sheets thoroughly, measure car space and don’t overload yourself. Be realistic about outdoor use and seek help moving bulky sheets. And never feel embarrassed about changing mind and returning surplus unused boards.

With the right plywood selection and preparation, you can bring any project vision to life. Just avoid spontaneously grabbing sheets without researching first – think through the purpose, location and desired qualities before purchase. Follow this advice for plywood success! Let me know if you have any other B&Q plywood tips I should try.