I've just got hold of a sheet of plywood I need for a project. It's been outdoors for a few days and is a bit damp. If I dry it off would it be ok to use? Will it be just as strong?
2006-10-25 02:06:52 · 12 answers · asked by Les-Paul 3 in Home & Garden ➔ Do It Yourself (DIY)
Depends if it is external or internal grade plywood and that's not a joke. Check the kite mark on it to find out.
2006-10-25 02:16:52 · answer #1 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
Plywood is made up of several layers of wood that are bonded with an epoxy adhesive using heat and pressure.
The plywood loses strength when the layers become disbonded. When it is exposed to water for long periods, it becomes disbonded because the adhesives are not waterproof.
The exception to this is marine plywood which is nearly indestructible.
If you check your sheet for what appears to be bubbles and find some, these are delaminations of the individual layers or plies.
These areas can be off cuts if you don't need the entire sheet. If the disbonded areas are large, the sheet is pretty much ruined.
Warping of the sheet does not necessarily cause it to lose strength. Plywood will warp if it is leaning against a wall for a long time. Warping may prevent you from using the sheet the way you had intended.
2006-10-25 02:41:46 · answer #2 · answered by Munster 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Do what Chris e told you and you'll be fine. Unless this is the main load baring portion of a space shuttle it doesn't matter if it's been damp. All plywood warps dry or otherwise. If you're putting a finish on it, dampen the entire thing and let it dry and then sand it. It will have the same color when stained then.
2006-10-25 02:32:03 · answer #3 · answered by Braveheart 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Dry slowly , it is stuck together with strong glue, some of the boards are what they call Marine ply this is good for inside or out, it should be okay you will soon tell the edges will lift apart if damaged
2006-10-25 02:16:45 · answer #4 · answered by john r 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
If it's still flat then dry it out and it should be OK. If its bent due to the moisture then lean it on a wall with the bend facing up and you should be ok especially if you cutting it into smaller bits.
2006-10-25 02:11:22 · answer #5 · answered by Goatie 3 · 2⤊ 0⤋
Yes it will be just as strong, and yes it will be fine to use. Even if it has bowed some from being wet. It will straighten out when you screw it where you are putting it. It is alot better to use screws than nails. If you ever want to do something different screws are much easier to take out.
2006-10-25 02:15:02 · answer #6 · answered by CHEROKEE 2 · 2⤊ 0⤋
yes i had 10 of then outside for the good part of a year still good to work with.
2006-10-25 07:51:56 · answer #7 · answered by nollaig 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Yes it will be okay, my partner is a joiner, but make sure it is bone dry
2006-10-28 09:51:23 · answer #8 · answered by party girl pauline 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Providing its not showing signs of lifting, then its OK.
Don't continue to leave it outside.
2006-10-25 03:54:57 · answer #9 · answered by xenon 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
hi
depending on what grade is the plywood.
you might have water mark on it when it's dried.
2006-10-25 02:11:46 · answer #10 · answered by pcc122 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋