Where are the best plywood suppliers in Canberra? Photo: File.
Widely regarded as flat pack mainstay, there is more to plywood than meets the eye. Yes, affordability is a key factor, however, so too is its natural earthy beauty, strength, and versatility. Indeed, recent years have almost borne witness to a plywood renaissance.
Increasing demand for renewable materials and a return to biophilic design has seen plywood decked out from pillar to post. From structural elements through to feature walls and custom joinery, plywood it seems is everywhere.
Cleverly constructed and available in a range of grades, plywood can be used for many things. While builders, carpenters, and joiners are all well versed in the wonders of plywood, for others it can be confusing.
From domestic to international hard and softwood options to glue bonds, grades, and usage cases there is plenty to consider. Thankfully, Canberra is home to numerous quality plywood suppliers, and our pick of the best are outlined below.
What makes a great plywood supplier?
Great plywood suppliers help translate your next project into a reality. If you’re looking for a plywood supplier, keep an eye out for the following:
- Product expertise. There is quite a lot get your head around with humble plywood. From bonding glues and grading through to sealing and more, finding the right product can be a task. The best plywood suppliers give their clients the upper hand by sharing their insider knowledge and product expertise. Moreover, they just as adept discussing fine technical details with master builders, as they are helping first time DIY enthusiasts.
- Plywood selection. Plywood is an incredibly versatile product with a multitude of applications. The best suppliers stock a selection of the finest quality options available, catering to internal, external, structural, and marine needs. Additionally, they offer materials in various dimensions, finishes, and coatings all under the one roof. The best suppliers also have great relationships with manufacturers and distributors, providing quick access to bulk or custom orders.
- Eco credentials. Not only is plywood a strong, light, and versatile product, it is one that can be created from renewable resources. Subsequently, the best plywood suppliers strive to carry eco conscious options which are produced with sustainability in mind. Look for products sourced from renewable plantations made by manufacturers with relevant environmental certifications.
- Custom millwork. Great plywood suppliers add value to their product offering by combining complimentary services like millwork. Some may have relationships with third parties, while others may have workshops on site. Either way, the ability to tailor plywood products to custom specifications is valuable, particularly when used for high spec projects.
- Swift service. Much like the supply of any other construction material, prompt and efficient service is important. Easy ordering, clear payment terms, efficient lead times, and flexible deliveries all help to move things along.
The best plywood suppliers in Canberra
Riotact’s editorial team has combed through 20 years of on-site comments to compile a list of the most recommended businesses according to you.
To be listed in our Best of Canberra series, each business needs to have consistently received positive feedback on Riotact and Facebook as well as maintaining a minimum average of 4/5 stars on Google.
Mitchell Building Supplies
Mitchell Building Supplies have been supplying the Canberra region with timber products for the past thirty years. They stock a select range of quality timber and builder hardware and are open to tradespeople, construction groups, and the public.
Their fully stocked warehouse carries a large range of timber and hardware products, from plywood, through to decking, flooring, doors and beyond. For some helpful advice on plywood products head over to Mitchell Building Supplies.
John Corver shared this sentiment on Google, “Great service and a great variety of Timber products. Set up for tradies.”
Monaro Timber & Joinery
As a second-generation family business, Monaro Timer & Joinery are a specialist timber supplier who have been servicing the local region for close to twenty years. They are known for delivering stellar customer service and products tailored to need.
Their range features almost everything timber; including local and international hard, soft, and recycled varieties. In addition to material supply, Monaro Timber & Joinery also create custom timber components, along with custom milling and timber machining services.
Bronwyn Ellis had this to say about the team on Google, “Great local business, owner spent plenty of time helping with my questions along with ones I hadn't even thought of, very happy with the level of service and products.”
Fyshwick Builders Suppliers
For over seventy years Fyshwick Builders Suppliers have been offering timber and building products to service the regions needs. This family owned and operated business are known for their product expertise, good advice, and genuine service.
Fyshwick Building Suppliers stock a large range of plywood and sheet products, along with various hard, soft, and distressed woods for all kinds of applications. Open from 7.30am Monday to Saturday they are a great choice.
David Rudland shared his experience on Google, “Awesome staff with huge amounts of knowledge for the non tradie. Great range of timber supplied by guys who are interested in what you're doing.”
Turners
As major distributors in the building, joinery, and shopfitting industry, Turners have an established reputation for service excellence that spans close to sixty years. This family-run enterprise prides itself on quality, industry alignment, and focus on Australian made products.
Turns stocks a large selection of speciality timber products, specialising in plywood, MDF, particleboard and veneers, all the way through to exotic timbers, mouldings, and coatings. For a helping hand from some of the best in the business look to Turners.
Ian Knox shared this great review on Google, “Turners have been helping me out, on and off, for over 20 years, I couldn't recommend them more highly.”
Timberwood Panels
As a leading distributor and manufacturer of premium grade timber panels, Timberwood Panels is well positioned to assist with building and construction projections. They stock a comprehensive range of plywood, timber veneers, veneered and coloured boards, particleboard and MDF.
Timberwood Panels are environmentally conscious, with both FSC Standards and PEFC certifications. Their team of passionate sales professionals operate from Beard, providing product, finish, and colour advice with a dedicated distribution centre managing client orders.
David Rudland had this to say on Google, “Very knowledgeable and helpful staff. Everything on display made choosing stock easy. Conveniently located.”
For those considering a project, perhaps our articles on the best joiners, the best carpenters and best builders and renovators in the region.
If you’re looking for contractors to help you build or renovate your space, check out our articles on the best carpenters, the best plasterers, the best tilers, and the best painters in Canberra. Additionally, our articles on the best kitchen renovators and best builders and renovators may also help.
Your experience with plywood suppliers in Canberra
Thanks to our commenters who have provided insightful feedback. If you believe we have got it wrong, please let us know.
Have you had experience with any of the plywood suppliers listed above? If so, share your feedback in the comments below.
Frequently Asked Questions
What exactly is plywood?
Plywood is an engineered timber material that is manufactured using thin layers or ‘plies’ of wood veneers that are bonded together to produce flat sheets. Available in a range of product grades, plywood is used for a wide variety of interior, exterior, and structural applications.
Is plywood a hardwood or softwood?
As an engineered timber, plywood offer both hardwood and softwood variants. Timber can be sourced from hardwoods like oak and maple, or softwood like cedar and pine. To see which is best for your project contact your plywood supplier.
What types of glue bonds are use in plywood?
Generally, four types of glue bonds are used to manufacture plywood, each with varying properties, strengths, and uses. Type A bonds are typically created with phenol-formaldehyde resin making it marine grade and best suited to weather conditions. Type B bonds often use a melamine fortified urea formaldehyde resin, which is great for exterior applications. Type C and D bonds tend to use urea-formaldehyde resin, most suited to interior applications. Note, these are guidelines only, for accurate details contact your plywood supplier.
How is plywood graded?
In Australia, most plywood veneers are graded by their characteristics and usage cases. This grading system ranks products as labelled from A, S, B, C and D grades in descending order. Each product is also graded on both font and rear faces. While this grading system is helpful to assess quality, it is always worth personally examining to ensure selected products meet your requirements.
Does plywood need to be treated?
Much like any other timber product, plywood is subject to decay. Direct contact with the elements including moisture, heat, and sunlight can all impact product lifespan, along with exposure to termites. To maximise durability, treatment is certainly recommended. Many suppliers provide treated products at the ready, however should the ply be cut thereafter treatment on the cut edge is also advised. For further details, consult your local plywood supplier.
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