Gurjan plywood is one of the finest products available, with superior strength, durability, and long life span compared to other materials. Unfortunately the popularity of Gurjan plywood has resulted in many inferior or misrepresented products also being sold. Homeowners, contractors, and/or interior designers can verify the quality of Gurjan plywood prior to making a purchase to ensure that they are not being deceived and that their investment is secured.
The Core: Hardwood or Mixed Wood? What You Should Know
The primary indicator of authentic Gurjan plywood is that it has a hardwood core. Gurjan plywood is created using dense Gurjan timber veneers which are considerably heavier than mixed or soft wood plywood. When you look at a sheet of Gurjan plywood, check the edges, the layers should be tightly packed together without separation. Lightweight boards that claim to be Gurjan plywood should raise red flags.
Layer Bonding and Gaps
Genuine Gurjan plywood will have a very tight bond between the layers with no visible air pockets or voids between the layers. If an inferior manufacturing process produces poor bond quality, delamination will eventually occur, especially in high humidity areas. Check the cross section of the sheet; uneven layers or gaps are signs of an inferior manufacturing process.
Adhesive Used and Effects of Moisture
High-quality Gurjan plywood is manufactured using superior waterproof adhesives that make the plywood resistant to moisture and therefore have a long service life. When you purchase Gurjan plywood, always ask the seller what type of adhesive has been used, and whether it is safe for use in kitchen or bathroom areas. Honest suppliers will always provide you with information about the performance characteristics of the product rather than vague statements to assure you of its quality.
Test for Sound and Tap the Board
The tap test is an effective method for quickly checking the quality of the plywood. By tapping the surface of the plywood lightly, high-quality Gurjan plywood will produce a very solid sound, while a low-quality Gurjan plywood will produce an uneven or hollow sound, indicating that the plywood has gaps or voids within the core, an example of poor bonding. This simple test can help you quickly identify a low-quality board.
Check for Certifications and Manufacturers Details
Genuine Gurjan plywood is manufactured to very high-quality standards, so always look for certifications, product markings, and the name of the manufacturer on the sheet or in the manufacturer’s documentation. Plywood with no clear brand or batch number or product quality label should be avoided.
Don’t Be Fooled by Prices That Are Too Good To Be True
Gurjan plywood is a premium product, and therefore, is priced higher than typical plywood, so if you find a tremendous deal on Gurjan plywood, it is most likely a way to sell mixed-core plywood as though it were Gurjan.
In Conclusion
By checking the core material and bonding and by knowing whether the supplier is credible or not, you can avoid being taken advantage of by purchasing Gurjan plywood of unknown quality. By purchasing from reputable brands such as Royale Touche, you are assured of receiving genuine Gurjan plywood that has the strength, durability, and reliability that it is intended to provide. Therefore, your purchase will be a secure investment.
