Underlayment is strong, flat wood-based panel material that is ideal for load-bearing applications. In our range, we deliberately use the term construction plywood, because that accurately describes what this panel is intended for: construction work.
The board consists of multiple layers of wood veneer and is known for its robust character. Compared to standard plywood, construction plywood is often slightly flatter and has a more pronounced, natural look. Whereas this ‘wild look’ used to be considered less suitable for visible work, we now see that it is precisely this rugged, honest look that is popular in interior design and finishing projects.
Please note: for a beautiful and durable result, it is important to use the correct processing and application methods. Our specialists will be happy to advise you on this.
Underlayment board: structural and construction
Strictly speaking, underlayment refers to its application. It is a base plate for floors on joists. In practice, underlayment is used much more broadly (e.g. in furniture), as described in the introduction. The name is frequently used nowadays, but it dates back to the time when American ‘Yellow Pine’ was the most commonly used board on the market.
Underlayment is a sheet of plywood with a tongue and groove. This groove allows the sheets to be laid neatly and tightly against or into each other. Underlayment consists of an odd number of cross-glued veneer sheets. The most commonly used thickness in the United Kingdom is 18 mm. Other thicknesses are 9 mm, 12 mm, 15 mm and 21 mm. In Germany, a thickness of 21 millimetres is much more common. The thickness depends on the construction. When underlayment is used for dust screens, 15 millimetres is more common. For packaging, it is 9 mm. Generally speaking, all underlayment boards are equally strong, as they are all suitable for structural use. Softwood veneers are well suited for this purpose.