If you’re building a shed or a deck, or just making repairs to your home, you may need to buy some 4×8 plywood. Before you buy, however, make sure that the plywood is fit for the job.
Ways to Tell If the Plywood Is Fit for the Project
Here are some reliable ways to tell if this plywood is fit for your project:
1. Look at the Edge of the Plywood
The first thing you want to do when buying any type of wood is look at the edge of the plywood. If it’s splintery or has rough edges then it’s not fit for your project. This means that it was poorly made and will probably fall apart quickly when you start working with it.
2. Look at the Staining on the Plywood
You can also tell whether or not 4×8 plywood is fit for your project by looking at how stained it is on one side of each piece. You want to see that there is no stain and that there are no marks from where screws were once in place before being removed from this side of the wood.
3. Check the Grain Direction
You want to make sure that your 4×8 plywood is cut from a board that has its grain running parallel to its width. If the grain runs perpendicular to the length of the board, then it will be much weaker than one that has its grain running parallel. This is especially important if you’re using pressure-treated wood for outdoor projects because this type of wood tends to warp over time due to exposure to moisture.
Best Finishes for a 4×8 Plywood
Plywood comes in a variety of sizes, but the most common is 4 x 8. Here are some of the best finishing options for this size of plywood so that you can make an informed decision.
Staining or Painting
One of the most popular finishing options is to stain or paint your plywood. Staining is a process where the wood is treated with a chemical solution that colors it and makes it look like a piece of furniture. Painting is similar, except instead of using chemicals, you use paint thinner and brushes to apply it to the wood. Both processes are relatively easy and inexpensive.
Laminating
Laminating involves applying multiple layers of thin paper to your plywood before sanding it down to smooth out rough spots and imperfections in your project. This can be done with up to five layers of paper depending on how thick you want your finished product to be. It’s an excellent option if you’re looking for something more durable than just painting or staining alone.
Varnishing
Varnishing your 4×8 plywood project can help protect it from damage and make it last much longer than if you didn’t varnish it at all. This is especially important if you are using your 4×8 plywood for outdoor projects such as building decks or fences because these areas tend to be exposed to the elements more often than indoor areas do.
Conclusion
4×8 plywood is among the most versatile, useful and economical wood available on the market today. This small inch’s thick sheet of lumber can be used to make virtually every project and accessory you can think of. If you want to work with hardwood but are not interested in the hassle of big sheets or planks, 4×8 plywood sheets is your best and affordable option.
In the end, it comes down to what you’re looking for. Would custom ordering be best? Would a pre-finished giclee be better? Is there value in multiple wood types, or is one enough? Take your time to decide, take the proper measurements, and then get the job done.
