From backyard decks and pergolas to outdoor furniture and garden structures, plywood can be a fantastic choice for outdoor projects in Australia. But with our famously harsh climate, scorching summers, heavy rain, salty coastal air, choosing the wrong type of plywood could mean your project won’t stand the test of time. The key to success? Selecting the right grade and protecting it properly.
Australia is home to some of the toughest outdoor conditions for building materials. Between high UV exposure, seasonal temperature extremes, and unpredictable weather patterns, plywood needs to withstand a lot more here than it might in other parts of the world. Add coastal humidity and salt spray into the mix, and the wrong plywood can quickly warp, delaminate, or deteriorate.
This is why the grade and treatment of plywood matter so much for outdoor applications, it’s not just about the look, it’s about performance and longevity.
For outdoor builds, marine plywood is the gold standard. It’s manufactured to resist water penetration, using high-quality face and core veneers bonded with waterproof adhesive. This makes it ideal for projects exposed to constant moisture, from boat building to coastal decking and exterior cladding.
Marine plywood also meets strict Australian Standards (AS/NZS 2272), ensuring durability in demanding conditions. Choosing a trusted supplier like Bord Products means you know your marine plywood meets these standards and will perform as promised.
While marine plywood is the go-to for high-moisture environments, other plywood sheets can also be suitable for outdoor projects if they’re the right grade and properly treated:
Even the best plywood benefits from extra care in Australia’s climate:
Plywood isn’t just tough, it can also be beautiful in outdoor spaces. Whether you’re crafting a pergola with warm timber tones, building a minimalist outdoor bench, or creating stylish cladding for a coastal retreat, the right plywood can deliver both durability and design appeal.
By matching your plywood grade to your project’s environment and giving it the protection it deserves, you’ll create outdoor structures that look great and last for years, no matter what the Australian climate throws at them.
