Phenolic plywood is a type of plywood made of phenolic adhesive, which is a phenolic resin. Phenolic plywood has some benefits for construction and other applications, such as:
Dimensional stability: Phenolic plywood has excellent dimensional stability, which means it will not warp or shrink with changes in temperature and humidity.
Fire resistance: Phenolic plywood also has high fire resistance, making it very suitable for applications that require this function, such as building construction.
Nonmicrobial and nonabsorbent: If you prioritize safety in your home or workplace, phenolic resin plywood is also a good material. These boards are made of nonmicrobial and nonabsorbent materials, which can naturally repel bacteria, fungi, and even mold growth.
However, phenolic plywood also has some drawbacks, such as:
Cost: Phenolic plywood is more expensive than regular plywood due to its higher adhesive quality and manufacturing process.
Weight: Phenolic plywood is heavier than regular plywood because the glue and wood layer density is higher.
Formaldehyde release: Phenolic plywood still contains a certain amount of formaldehyde, which will release gas over time, causing health problems for some people. However, the gas release level of phenolic plywood is much lower than that of urea formaldehyde plywood, which is another type of plywood that uses different adhesives. Phenolic plywood can reach undetectable levels of formaldehyde in a short period.
So, phenolic plywood is usually safe to use, but before choosing it for your project, you should consider the pros and cons.