---
title: "Define plywood in brief"
subject: "Civil Engineering Materials"
chapter: 7
key: "semester_3/civil_engineering_materials:plywood-definition"
source: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/plywood-definition
site: BCT Engineering
---

# Define plywood in brief

Civil Engineering Materials · Chapter 7: Timber

- Asked in: 2081 Baisakh, 1 marks
- Video: [11 Best Types of Plywood: Subfloors & Underlayment](https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-QmxrwOebV8) — Building Materials Nationwide Ltd
- Answer checked by Claude Opus 5.5 (high effort) on 2026-10-14
- Page: https://www.bctengineer.com/q/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/plywood-definition
- Whole chapter: https://www.bctengineer.com/md/semester_3/civil_engineering_materials/chapter-7

## Question

Define plywood.

## Short answer

Plywood is a manufactured board of an odd number of thin wood veneers glued with grain at right angles under heat and pressure. It is strong, stable, resists splitting and warping, and is used for doors, partitions, furniture and shuttering.

## Answer

**Plywood** is a manufactured board made by gluing together thin layers of wood (veneers, plies) in an odd number (3, 5, 7...) with the grain of each layer at right angles to the next one, under heat and pressure. It is strong, stable and resists splitting and warping; used for doors, partitions, furniture and shuttering.

## Check yourself

The answer's key points as multiple-choice questions, with the correct option and why.

1. Plywood has an
   A. Even number of layers
   B. Odd number of veneer layers
   C. Single layer
   D. Random number
   Answer: B. 3, 5, 7 plies. (Key point: Odd layers)

2. Adjacent layers of plywood have grain
   A. Parallel
   B. At 45 degrees
   C. At right angles
   D. Random
   Answer: C. Crossed grain. (Key point: Grain direction)

3. Plywood is
   A. Weak and warps
   B. Brittle
   C. Soluble
   D. Strong, stable, resists splitting and warping
   Answer: D. Crossed grain gives stability. (Key point: Property)