Plywoods play an important role in home interior decoration and building construction. When it comes to plywood for interior furnishing, HDHMR and plywood boards are indispensable. Though the choice between those two depends on the requirements of one’s construction, it is mandatory to compare both these varieties. HDHMR plywoods offer a very high moisture resistance and are extremely durable. They are at a higher cost, while the plywood is more budget-friendly and renders a wide variety of options such as waterproof plywood, fire retardant plywood, zero-emission plywood, etc. Let us compare and contrast both these varieties here.
Everything you need to know about HDHMR
HDHMR boards are known as high-density high moisture resistant boards, which are engineering wood panels that serve as a durable and versatile alternative to traditional plywoods. These boards are designed specifically to withstand high moisture levels and render enhanced stability and strength.
The production of the HDHMR boards will start with the selection of high-quality wood fibers and particles that are derived from sustainable sources such as pine, rubber wood, or other hardwood species. These selected wood fibers are then mixed with resin binders, wax, and additives to enhance strength and water resistance. This mixture is then blended thoroughly to ensure the uniform distribution of the components.
These mixed materials are spread evenly on a conveyor belt and are compressed under high pressure. This compression process will ensure exceptional bonding and consolidation of the fibers, resulting in a sturdy and dense panel. This formed panel is subjected to high temperatures and pressures in a hot press. After the pressing is complete, the boards will be trimmed to the desired size and sanded to achieve a smooth surface finish. These boards may also undergo additional treatment, such as laminating and coating, to enhance performance and aesthetics.
Everything you need to learn about Plywood:
Plywood is the most widely recognized, multi-purpose engineering wood-based product for the home construction process. These plywoods bind resin and wood fiber sheets to form a composite material that is generally sold in panels. A typical plywood panel has face veneers of very high grade than the core veneers.
Plywood panels will get fabricated with different layers of plywoods that are attached with each other, and are also perpendicular to the subsequent layers. These cross-laminated sheets are fastened together with the help of waterproof phenol-formaldehyde resin adhesive and are cured under extreme pressure and heat. Plywood varies in different thicknesses, the most common being ½-inch. A pressure process will be used to preserve the plywood on part with the standards.
Comparison Between Plywood Vs HDHMR
| Aspect | HDHMR |
Plywood |
| Durability | These boards are extremely resistant to dents, scratches, and other impacts, which, in fact, makes them extremely durable. | Plywoods have exceptional structural integrity and are crafted from many layers of veneer that are bonded together. They are made of a robust and stable material that is capable of withstanding heavy loads. |
| Resistance to moisture | These boards are designed to resist moisture. They are also extremely stable in their structure and would not warp or swell when they get exposed to spills or humidity. | Plywoods have less moisture resistance compared with HDHMR boards. They can ensure exposure to water and are thus ideal for outdoor projects. |
| Cost | HDHMR boards are definitely costlier than the plywoods. But their initial cost pays off for their long term durability. | Plywoods are cost-effective and are thus a highly preferred choice for budget-friendly projects. |
| Weight | HDHMR boards are heavier and denser compared with plywood. | Plywoods are both lightweight and are also easy to handle. |
| Sustainability | These boards are highly sustainable and also hold a very low environmental impact if they are made from recycled materials. | The impact of the plywoods on the environment depends completely on the harvesting options and also on the different practices of wood sourcing. |
| Applications | HDHMR boards are used primarily in moisture-prone areas and high-traffic environments such as bathroom vanities, kitchen cabinets, and commercial spaces. | Plywoods are suitable for a range of applications, from furniture and cabinetry to general construction.= |
HDHMR vs. plywood boards – which is better Option?
In order to choose between both these types of boards, it is mandatory to compare their prices. Estimating the differences in the cost and evaluating the value for money they offer will help in choosing the most suitable option for one’s project and budget. The comparison should be made on the availability of suppliers and the seamless buying process. Both these products are quite durable and can be considered for kitchen and other applications, as they are literally split-proof. Both can last for over fifteen years and are resistant to termites as well. So, the choice between both these types depends on the application, area of coverage, and one’s budget constraints.
