Plywood as Finish

thirtybyforty.c... (for more info.)
Architects in search of novel uses for humble materials are now using plywood for a higher aesthetic purpose as a finished surface in living spaces. It’s become a handy means of modernizing and warming an interior for a relatively inexpensive cost. In this video I discuss ways to find out if it’s right for your project.
I review: veneer types, grades, thickness, joinery, finishing, where and how to use it.
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Please watch: "Making a Site Model - The Outpost Project"
• Making a Site Model - ...
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[@30by40]

An inside look at an architect's design process: kzbin.info/www/bejne/oWXHh5qYqt11d9k

[@BrentDaughertyMe]

This narration and slide show makes me feel like you're giving me a lecture in an architectural class. You always offer a unique, encompassing description of a topic that I don't find anywhere else. Thanks for sharing.

[@FoolyLiving]

The first picture you show, looks like poured concrete with wood backing and then removing the wood to show the grain? We have that type of building style here in Israel. We are hoping to move to America very soon. I have made plywood a floor finish in two of my homes, and it was beautiful and extremely durable. I pulled up the carpet, scrubbed it down, stained it, and poly'd it. Done! I loved it. Looked very nice stained a darker color. I am thinking of going with a grey floor the next time though.

[@aeronm9679]

show us the photos pls

[@JudiChristopher]

8:18 That is impressive... because you can't even tell that it is Plywood... I have always thought of plywood as "Cheap" (that is a joke... even cheap plywood is not cheap anymore)... This video has shown me the versatility of Plywood... I am a plywood snob... I want to use plywood... I just don't want it to LOOK like cheap plywood 6:54 This bothers me... it just looks like someone put up PLYWOOD... without staining it or painting it... It YELLS "Plywood"...

[@southstar577]

"Rooted in an idea rather than fashion" you are a true designer.

[@hikingmarie9]

Thank you. I appreciate the way you compose your videos and the concise, well researched information you provide. Excellent!

[@30by40]

so glad you've found them helpful +hikingmarie9 cheers...

[@goldsilverandiamonds]

There are hardwood floor finishes such as Bona's Traffic HD and Traffic that are waterborne finishes that are extremely durable. Even more durable than oil modified finishes. Another siding finish that can be affordable is laminate, laminate flooring or engineered hardwood flooring. You can also buy higher quality plywood designed for flooring at completive prices. This kind of plywood many times is typically designed to have less imperfections, be a higher grade, have no core weaknesses or hollow spots. Products like Multi ply or similar brands may make good choices. Typically they are available in 4x4, 4x5 and 4x8 foot sheets.

[@crystalclear451]

you hit the nail on the head with that one excellent analysis

[@mananpatel8616]

Crystal Clear lwowoii

[@arpie2081]

"used in this way the plywood has a timeless quality to it that transcends trendiness" I really pictured Patrick Bateman delivering that line 🙂

[@natureschild2000]

Wow, Eric! I am glad I found your website. So much practical info and inspiration for architecture and life, for professional and shelter dweller. FYI, I am a home owner designing a New Paradigm homestead with interior Scandinavian style. Maybe a consultation in the future, if it pans out? I would like to see a video about you and your family, and your island home, if you have the time and inclination, as further inspiration. One of my favorite books is "Carl and Karin Larsson - Creators of the Swedish Style" about the home and life style that these two artists created in Sweden at the turn of the last century - bright and inspirational. A video about Eric and family might have a similar effect and, for you, record these last few years (up to age 18) of your time with the kids for your future remembrance. The content and your organized, succinct and positive presentation of your videos are so useful, inspirational and a good example to follow. Thanks for sharing so much on You Tube. (yep, I look like a Viking - part of my background too and my visit to Norway at age 16 was a positive milestone in my life)

[@nickdow2140]

I am a design draftsman with larger background as woodworking contractor. I did a number of plywood (finish) build outs for a prominent architectural firm in my area as well as designing other installations for high end design/build millwork shops. Done right, it does take on a special character. And of course the famed miter fold is indispensable.

[@janea3371]

Nick Dow what does this mitre technique accomplish? In my attic space, I want to use my sloped walls to flat ceiling to be finished in plywood to avoid dry walled plaster costs. any suggestions would be invaluable.

[@JudiChristopher]

EXCELLENT VIDEO... Thank you for sharing this.

[@leoneranger9348]

very informative. enjoyed this short presentation

[@30by40]

you're quite welcome...!

[@Made2hack]

Love this video. I learned a whole bunch about plywood. Will come in useful in my next project.

[@ElrondBurrell]

I love good use of plywood and you showcase some lovely work here. I learnt a few extras about ply also!

[@sonjakozman1699]

Definately given me a lot to think about

[@doggiesarus]

I have a lot of plywood furniture because much of my furniture is 1950's style. I would like walls like these, so thank you for the slide-show and explanations. Very good. It would be nice if you did a program on the specific joints used to make those exposed joints. I would think just a thin spline of some alternate color, or some metal, like stained glass. Thank you.

[@MakeMeThinkAgain]

I was hoping this would tell me more about the kind of plywood you sometimes see in bookshelves where the layers are very distinct. I've never seen this plywood in a lumberyard but often in stores or magazines.

[@30by40]

It sounds like you're talking about Baltic Birch or Apple Ply. If your lumberyard doesn't stock it, you should be able to order it from them (or their supplier directly). Good luck...!

[@MakeMeThinkAgain]

30X40 Design Workshop Thanks, that got me on the right track. It's really just multi-ply plywood.

[@DJEllis]

Loved this video...and plywood! So informative and well written. Thank you! Now off to watch more of your channel.

[@DaDavidVids]

I usually hate slideshows, but the photos you used were a perfect selection. A+ info.

[@TheFloorBoys]

These guys know their stuff. Subbed.

[@psargaco]

Well now, this was a very interesting, informative and in-depth talk on the subject. Thanks!

[@Leodis.Leather]

I'd be interested to know how that worktop with the undermounted sink held up, I would think it would be hard to get a good enough seal on the raw plywood edge for it not to let some water in over time as the sink was used?

[@gee3883]

Top man, just the kind of info I need.

[@hazembata]

Looking to finish my basement myself. I want to use plywood with hidden fasteners. Cant find a video on how to do that. Any suggestions?

[@nafuregal1288]

Love this video. Indeed, so well presented!

[@forestpark73]

What about using epoxy on plywood flooring for added durability?

[@hanaspa]

Excellent!

[@TheAcousticframe]

Great videos! Keep it up :) Could you make a blog post of some sort about different methods to fix plywood to walls? For instance without visible screw or fixture ?

[@wesbit88]

Very informative video as usual, thank you for your amazing work and resources! Do you have any experience in using plywood as a backsplash for a kitchen or any precedents? It might not be the most suitable material but with the right grade it might work just fine, or am I totally wrong? Thanks!!

[@chriscas-ToolAficionado]

Nice presentation!

[@redapple1683]

does anyone know how to prevent the playwood from rotting ? especially on outside ceiling part of the building. thank you!

[@wipidipipaku]

People... Is it possible to glue a small width plywood to a substrate for a ceiling? I'd like to make a ceiling without the holes of the screws/nails. In that case what glue / method do you recommend ? cheers

[@motionsick]

Great video thanks.

[@BTCtrees]

Thanks!

[@benjaminzizi3145]

Hi, Really good video! By chance, do you have the name for the project at 7:15 ? Thank you for the good work!

[@Kricket2020]

Whoa, super informative, thank you so much.

[@poloo92]

That was so usefull ! Great video and commentary !

[@Galczynski_Studio]

Do you have sources regarding plywood for commercial applications. Specifically looking for ways to finish plywood, to meet code.

[@learningcoach1]

i so happy i found your channel and would like to ask how do I match the grain pattern in multiple sheets of plywood ?

[@ransom182]

This was excellent thanks.

[@jbutera6215]

In my option the bedroom @3:55 has an unfinished appearance.

[@Lululemon2023]

Is plywood fire resistant when used as ceiling and wall?

[@jrtg1990]

No it's not fireproof

[@wackolas]

It is actually not allowed in the UK for example, unless it is specifically fire resistant plywood, or with an intumescent coating applied. If not, having plywood walls and ceilings is the best way to ensure flames propagate as quickly as possible...

[@vivekchandrakant2210]

Didn't anyone notice that the joint on the ceiling plywood at 3:46 is not centered exactly?!

[@snj3680]

Do you have any suggestions for how to achieve a close joint finish for ceilings? We don't want to use a trim or shadow gap detail. Our contractor is concerned that the boards will be uneven at the joins, both in terms of gaps between them, and also to get them all to sit at the same level. There are so many photos of these types of ceilings, but without a t&g board, is it difficult to achieve?

[@30by40]

+snj - I recently finished the walls of my studio using a fir veneer plywood and despite similar concerns was very pleased the results of butt joints. The fact is, wood moves and if you can live with some of the seasonal shifts (gapping, etc.) then I think you'll be fine leaving the joints open and uncovered. Plan to rip the panels to your dimensions to handle any inconsistency between individual sheets. Source them from a high-quality mill (avoid Chinese plywood). Plan your joint pattern and nailing during framing and electrical rough-in to avoid any hiccups. One trick that worked well for us to keep the panels even at the edges was to use reverse threaded screws. This allowed us to back the panel edges in and out to achieve a perfectly uniform surface. I'll be recording another video on this soon. Good luck!

[@snj3680]

+30X40 Design Workshop Thanks for the help!

[@HotcupofJoe38]

Love this channel👌

[@TsetsiStoyanova]

Well scripted video! Well shot too!

[@bigbossasrul90]

sorry asking, what is the difference between veneer & plywood?

[@wilsonmetry]

Veneers are the thin sheets that are laminated together to make the full thickness of a sheet of plywood. Although, often, veneers refer to just the outer sheets that are visible. These are sometimes made up of different species (walnut, mahogany, fir, etc) to give the impress of full boards of those species.

[@bigbossasrul90]

@@wilsonmetry thank you

[@kimpries8830]

Hello Could you tell me the color and product used on the cabinets and passage door in the video at minute 5:55 ? Thank you in advance

[@frankschafer1505]

we had that back in the 80ies...

[@ebnhahn1993]

Heck a 4x8 drywall is for $10 max, this is about 4-10 times cheaper than Plywood!!. And now after covid the gap is even wider. I wouldnt associate the word "less expensive" with plywood.

[@30by40]

Plus: install, mud, sand, skim coat, prime paint…$10 isn’t even close

[@tomfoolery40]

great video! even more pics would be awesome. keep it up/

[@raphaelb.2350]

Very instructive video! I really wanted plywood flooring in my new house and it wasn't easy finding a contractor that would do it. Now, a year later, some spots are squeaky and I'm not sure what to do. They were initially glued and nailed to the sub-floor. Any suggestions?

[@30by40]

+Raphael Bousquet - I might investigate screwing the plywood rather than nailing. I've seen issues with noise when nailing finishes into substrates with high resin content (Advantech, etc.) Good luck!

[@fender24m]

wood expands and contracts constantly. during the winter months you keep windows and doors shut and typically your house will have low humidity which causes the wood to shrink. Since the wood was probably installed green (wet) then it was in a expanded state and so now there is play which basically a squeak comes from your body weight transferring into the area and if a nail is then when you apply your weight the wood slides down the nail until it bottoms outs. Find the nails and get a nail set if there visible and while holding floor down give it a tap. should take care of most of them. Just remember no one can guarantee a floor wont squeak because of expansion and contraction. Hope that helps!

[@bosheffield50]

30X40 Design Workshop

[@charlesrodriguez7980]

roofing felt or paper layer down first before laying the ply flooring should solve the problem

[@kornykory]

You have a great voice

[@mlangfordoutdoor]

I should have watched this before building my tear drop camper,

[@stoneyj1a1]

What do u do about joints if you're painting?

[@joewilkerson2010]

Are these all your projects or are you just commenting on pictures you've seen?

[@dustinderolph3542]

well done

[@mijikle]

Id be cautious of this. as its very likely the veneer will be worn through fairly quick

[@DIZFILE]

This kind of design reminds me of DUNE's houses (by DUNE i mean the muvie)

[@ambeadesignstudio1707]

Thanks great content

[@santamariamike]

You are a legend! Thanks for sharing

[@luna69_69]

Hi, I enjoyed this video Would you do some more sessions like these talking about Interior and exterior fitouts and joinery details ...?

[@gghgg1000]

Great video. Keep it up.

[@jaype741]

I want to use plywood as a wall covering. What thickness and type of plywood works best for this application?

[@30by40]

+Jay Sheeley - that depends on a variety of factors. First thing to check is whether your insulation requires a non-combusitble ignition barrier (spray foam will likely require one). If so you may need to go to 3/4" thickness (or use an intumescent barrier on the foam). 1/2" ply will work in many situations, but it's subject to more warping b/c it's thinner. If your framing isn't completely true go with 3/4". Type is up to you and the desire aesthetics: informal, formal, industrial...many choices. Be sure to watch the follow-up to this video where I've selected a Douglas Fir plywood for the interior of my design studio. Lots of tips and tricks in there for installing this as a finished surface. Watch it here: kzbin.info/www/bejne/g5PCYYGuYqmrpM0 Cheers!

[@schwartzzzzy]

2 mil multigrain with bran flakes

[@MrHeavyParty]

This is new?? Baohaus??

[@GLAJMAN]

Hi, thank you for the video. What house is at 3:52 when you are talking about curving the plywood? Thank you.

[@30by40]

it's by tandem design studio...cheers...

[@30by40]

kind words...many thanks...!

[@ghostjob6499]

Do you have a list of suppliers for plywood and plywood fasteners?

[@alexandrastratanphotographer]

in love

[@christopherwilkinson3128]

'Transcends trendiness'... 'an honest expression'.. architects hey

[@binjobabu8729]

thank you

[@MrEndzo]

Formaldehyde free plywood is impossible, wood naturally contain formaldehyde.

[@30by40]

touché...!

[@the0mighty0burrito]

I think he means that wasn't treated with formaldehyde.

[@nickdow2140]

Yes. It does. But the ratio is negligible in naturally occurring VOC. If I’m not mistaken, Formaldehyde(along with a multitude of other chemicals) is a key ingredient in the drying and pressing of conventional plywood veneers.

[@edstud1]

Have you ever asked someone what time it is and they begin to tell you what a clock is and what it's made of?

[@coronadelmarpaintingco4081]

Forgot to mention finishing plywood takes 3-4x the work or coatings for a finishers so don’t be surprised if the carpenters bill is much less then the finisher bill!

[@30by40]

why?

[@coronadelmarpaintingco4081]

30X40 Design well plywood comes in many different species but overall it’s usually still rough grade over all and takes considerably more prep and material which result in more coatings. Hope that helps, staining can be touchy as well.

[@chuckd2483]

3/4" plywood is not 3/4" thick.

[@luckym0nk3y]

You are right bud! It's 18mm!

[@ThekiBoran]

Chuck D How thick is it? Some I've seen is 11/16" some is exactly 3/4". Cheap plywood varies in thickness whereas high quality and expensive ply is very consistent in thickness.

[@southstar577]

Plywood sizes differ slightly

[@michaelkahlbetzer5689]

👍👍👍 Fettes Lob

[@irvinwittmeier5208]

!;-)Thankyou

[@romaineathey6512]

I made it with Woodprix handbooks !

[@creativespace3077]

Happy Easter! Remember that Jesus loves you!

[@angelaslaney1514]

You might want to think how this comes over to a viewer. Fast speech, reading from a script, with poor voice inflection is devoid of communication.

[@Themrleonkennedy1]

Plywood is JUNK

[@chris2944]

david bean in what way? It serves it's purpose and more. What is your alternative?

[@lexturner2365]

Plywood sucks as a finish. It's inherent grain pattern is undesirable and much less than attractive.

[@fenix310]

Lex Turner That looks pretty attractive

[@xadam2dudex]

Not worth it