What is Lauan Plywood? Lauan plywood, also known as Meranti, is a versatile wood product that’s frequently referred to by many aliases, including Wiggle Wood, Wacky Wood, and Snakewood. Its unique properties make it an ideal choice for various applications, such as underlayment in flooring, lamination, paper overlay, furniture making, and millwork.
Available in utility and better grades, this plywood type allows for slightly imperfect specimens with knots, patches, and discoloration, making it a reliable option for woodcraft enthusiasts and professionals alike.
Is Lauan Plywood Suitable for Outdoor Furniture Making?
Lauan plywood is a type of marine-grade plywood that’s popular among woodworkers and DIY enthusiasts. While it’s certainly a viable option, its suitability for outdoor furniture making depends on several factors.
- Moisture resistance : Lauan plywood is resistant to moisture, but it’s not entirely waterproof. It can withstand exposure to rain and humidity but might be prone to warping or delamination if submerged in water consistently.
- Durability : Lauan plywood is known for its durability and is often used in boat-building and other applications where it’s exposed to harsh conditions. However, it’s not as dense as some other types of plywood, which can make it more prone to scratches and dents.
- UV resistance : Lauan plywood is sensitive to ultraviolet (UV) light, which can cause it to discolor or become brittle over time. This means that outdoor furniture made from Lauan plywood may require additional protective treatments or coatings.
If you’re planning to make outdoor furniture using Lauan plywood, it’s essential to take these factors into consideration. You may need to apply special coatings or finishes to protect the wood from moisture and UV light. Additionally, you should choose a design that minimizes the amount of water exposure and takes into account the potential for warping or delamination.
What is the Best Grade of Lauan Plywood for Furniture Construction?
When it comes to building furniture, the right type of plywood can make all the difference. Lauan plywood is a popular choice due to its affordability, durability, and aesthetic appeal. However, with so many grades available, selecting the best one for your project can be overwhelming.
Here’s a rundown of the main grades of Lauan plywood:
Bintangor
- Density: 0.4-0.7 g/cm3
- Appearance: Natural, knotty, or plain
- Strength: Medium to high
- Uses: General-purpose furniture, cabinets, shelves
- Pros: Affordable, workable, attractive
- Cons: May have knots, limited availability
Meranti
- Density: 0.7-1.1 g/cm3
- Appearance: Reddish-brown, straight grain
- Strength: High
- Uses: High-end furniture, doors, windows
- Pros: Strong, durable, beautiful grain
- Cons: More expensive, may be prone to warping
Mahon
- Density: 0.5-0.9 g/cm3
- Appearance: Cream-colored, fine grain
- Strength: Medium to high
- Uses: Furniture, paneling, decorative trim
- Pros: Attractive, workable, affordable
- Cons: May have knots, limited availability
When choosing a Lauan plywood grade, consider the type of project you’re working on, your budget, and the desired appearance. Bintangor is a great all-around choice for general-purpose furniture, while Meranti is ideal for high-end applications. Mahon is a good option for decorative pieces.
What is the Name of the Tree Species Used to Make Lauan Wood?
Lauan wood is a popular type of wood known for its beautiful grain pattern, fine texture, and durability. But have you ever wondered what tree species is used to make Lauan wood?
The answer is that Lauan wood comes from the Dalbergia latifolia tree, which is a species of legume that is native to Southeast Asia. Also known as the Philippine walnut or golden satinwood, this tree is highly prized for its stunning wood grain and is often used to make high-end furniture, cabinetry, and decorative items.
Here are some interesting facts about the Dalbergia latifolia tree:
- The tree can grow up to 40 meters tall, with a trunk diameter of up to 1 meter.
- The wood of the Dalbergia latifolia tree is characterized by its golden-brown color, fine texture, and wavy grain pattern.
- The tree is native to the Philippines, Indonesia, and other parts of Southeast Asia.
- The wood is highly valued for its beauty, durability, and resistance to decay.
The Dalbergia latifolia tree is an important species that is much sought after for its beautiful wood, which is used to create a variety of high-end products.
Is Lauan Hardwood More Expensive than Other Types of Wood?
Lauan hardwood is a type of wood that originates from the Philippines and is widely used for furniture-making and other applications. When it comes to the cost of Lauan hardwood compared to other types of wood, the answer is complex.
- Lauan hardwood is generally considered to be a mid-range wood in terms of price.
- It is more expensive than some lower-grade woods, such as pine or poplar, but less expensive than high-end woods like mahogany or walnut.
- The cost of Lauan hardwood can vary depending on the quality and thickness of the wood, as well as the specific supplier or retailer.
- On average, you can expect to pay between $2 and $5 per board foot for high-quality Lauan hardwood.
Some of the factors that affect the cost of Lauan hardwood include: * Quality: High-quality Lauan hardwood that has been properly processed and dried will cost more than lower-quality wood that may have imperfections or warp. * Thickness: Thicker pieces of Lauan hardwood will typically cost more than thinner pieces. * Supplier: The cost of Lauan hardwood can vary depending on the supplier or retailer you purchase from. Some suppliers may charge more for high-quality wood, while others may offer discounts for larger quantities. * Location: The cost of Lauan hardwood may also vary depending on your location. If you live in an area with limited access to the wood, you may need to pay more for transportation or importation.
What Type of Veneer is Used in Lauan Plywood Production?
Lauan plywood is a type of engineered wood made from layers of wood veneer. The veneer used in Lauan plywood production is typically made from the wood of the Lauan tree (Pentace sulcata), which is native to the Philippines.
- The high-quality wood of the Lauan tree is prized for its smooth, even grain and rich, reddish-brown color.
- The veneer is typically 1/8 inch thick and is made by peeling the wood into thin layers, often using a steam process to make the wood more pliable.
- The peeled veneer is then sliced into thin layers, often using a machine designed specifically for this purpose.
- The veneer layers are then glued together, with the grain direction of each layer aligned to create a strong and stable sheet.
- To add additional strength and stability, some Lauan plywood products may also include additional layers, such as a medium-density fiberboard (MDF) core.
- The resulting product is a durable, versatile, and attractive engineered wood product suitable for a wide range of applications, including furniture making, construction, and interior design.
It’s worth noting that the term “Lauan” is often used interchangeably with other types of Philippine hardwoods, such as agar or mango wood. However, true Lauan plywood can only be made from the wood of the Lauan tree. Other types of wood may be used to make similar products, but they will not be considered “Lauan” plywood.
Can You Use Lauan Plywood as an Overlay for Other Types of Wood?
Lauan plywood has been a popular choice for many woodworking projects due to its quality and versatility. But have you ever wondered if you can use Lauan plywood as an overlay for other types of wood? The answer is yes, but with some considerations.
Pros of using Lauan plywood as an overlay
- Lightweight : Lauan plywood is significantly lighter than solid wood, making it easier to handle and transport.
- Cost-effective : Compared to solid wood, Lauan plywood is often more affordable.
- Aesthetically pleasing : Lauan plywood has a beautiful, uniform grain pattern that can enhance the visual appeal of your project.
Cons of using Lauan plywood as an overlay
- Layered construction : Lauan plywood is a composite material made from layers of wood veneer, which can affect its stability and durability.
- Prone to expansion and contraction : Like any wood product, Lauan plywood can expand and contract depending on humidity and temperature changes. This might lead to warping or cracking.
Choosing the right Lauan plywood
- Thickness : Choose a thickness that suits your project’s requirements.
- Grain direction : Opt for a grain direction that complements the other wood’s grain pattern.
- Quality : Select a high-quality Lauan plywood from a reputable supplier to ensure stability and durability.
How Does the Grade of Lauan Plywood Affect Its Quality and Price?
Lauan plywood is a type of engineered wood made from the Philippine mahogany tree (Toona spp.). Its quality and price are affected by the grade, which determines the appearance, durability, and intended use of the product. Here’s a breakdown of the different grades and what you can expect:
A-Grade
- Appearance: Dense and even, with few knots and no imperfections
- Use: Best for high-end furniture, cabinetry, and architectural applications where appearance is paramount
- Price: Expensive
B-Grade
- Appearance: Good, with some knots and slight imperfections
- Use: Suitable for medium-grade applications such as furniture, decorative panels, and architectural details
- Price: Moderate
C-Grade
- Appearance: Fair, with more knots and significant imperfections
- Use: Suitable for budget-friendly applications such as packaging, construction, and DIY projects
- Price: Inexpensive
D-Grade
- Appearance: Poor, with many knots and severe imperfections
- Use: Limited to rough-hewn or rustic applications, such as construction and renovation projects
- Price: Very inexpensive
Pay attention to the grade when selecting Lauan plywood for your project. Higher grades offer better appearance, durability, and performance, which can impact the quality of your finished product. Consult with a supplier or manufacturer to determine the best grade for your specific needs.
- A notable difference between grades is the amount of knots and imperfections.
- Higher grades often have fewer knots and imperfections, while lower grades may have more open knots and imperfections.
- Prices vary significantly among grades, with A-grade being the most expensive and D-grade being the least expensive.
- The intended use of the product should be considered when selecting a grade, as some grades are better suited for specific applications.
- Always check the specifications and certifications of the product to ensure it meets your project’s requirements.
