When choosing plywood for furnishings and interior design, termite protection is a critical factor. There are two types of plywood available: termite-resistant plywood and termite-repellent plywood. While both help decrease the risk of termites causing damage, the two types function rather differently and provide distinctly different levels of protection.
What is Termite Resistant Plywood?
Termite-resistant plywood is created using specially treated veneers, as well as protective chemicals, to help prevent any potential damage to the internal structure of the plywood from termites. The treatment protects the wood itself, making it more difficult for a termite to feed and destroy all of the wood in the plywood panel.
Key considerations include:
- Protection of the internal plywood core
- Lower risk of structural damage
- Long-term durability
- Higher lifetime of furniture
Because of the built-in protection in the plywood, termite-resistant plywood is primarily used in wardrobes, cabinets, doors, storage units, and long-lasting furniture applications.
What is Termite Repellent Plywood?
Termite repellent plywood repels termites and prevents them from coming to the surface of the plywood. The purpose of the treatment to help repel termites will not prevent a termite from infesting around the panel.
Key considerations include:
- Helps to deter termites
- Provides surface protection
- Used in low-risk environments
- Support the prevention and management of termites
Termite repellent plywood can be very beneficial when the risk of exposure to termites is low and other pest control methods are already being utilized
Key Differences Between the Two
The main difference between the two is the method of protection. Termite-resistant plywood helps to protect the plywood from termite infestation, while termite-repellent plywood simply discourages termites from coming to the surface of the plywood.
Termite-resistant plywood usually provides a greater level of protection for a much longer period of time than termite-repellent plywood; the treatment protects the internal structure of the panel. Conversely, termite repellent plywood is much more limited in its ability to protect due to the focus being on prevention; therefore, if a termite penetrates through the surface, it can have a significant impact.
The second difference between the two is in terms of durability. Termite-resistant plywood is generally used in the construction of furniture and interior design that require consistent long-term performance and service life. Conversely, termite repellent plywood is generally used in applications where the potential for termite is low, and the preventative measures suffice.
How to Choose the Right Product
In order to choose the most appropriate option, determine your level of required protection and how you intend to use it. For long-term installations, such as wardrobes, cabinets, storage units, and interior furnishings, termite resistant plywood is typically the most reliable product due to its ability to protect the structure of the plywood from damage or destruction.
Conclusion
The critical difference between termite resistant and termite repellent plywood is how they protect an individual from termites. Termite repellent plywood repels termites; in contrast, termite resistant plywood safeguards an individual’s plywood from internal damage. Therefore, if you want to provide long-lasting service and performance for your furniture and interior design needs, the most considered and superior choice is to use termite-resistant plywood because of its long durability and structural protection.
