Basically the abbreviation MDO stands for Medium Density Overlay which is known to be an exterior-type of lumber. A MDO plywood is generally, used as a paintable surface where an exterior paint and primer or exterior varnish or (top coat) is painted on its surface which is used in many applications in the field of construction and industries. Well, this was just a brief take on MDO plywood; peep below to know what exactly is this plywood made up of.
What is MDO Plywood
Normally, as we are aware that plywood are available in a variety of types and plywood grades. This engineered piece of wood is expended in several manufacturing, construction or architectural fields for setting up valuable and vast projects. Of which, two most popular type of plywood are called MDO and HDO. MDO plywood is one of the kinds in the domain of plywood. It is a form of an overlaid plywood which is built from an overlapping veneer core plywood. Well, it doesn't have a complete veneer finished woodgrain, instead it sports a surface layer of MDF (medium density fiber). MDF is a fiber core hardwood plywood which is known to be the least expensive lumber ware out in the markets. It is built of dust and wood altogether and is bound by a binding glue to contrive into sheets. Well, this type of a fabrication isn't that strong enough to resist rough handling, but it's still good enough to adhere lamination of plywood for several applications. And that results in one complete sheet of plywood which can match up the lineaments of a concrete cover considerably.
The two kinds of plywood, that are mentioned above, are the most popular lumber wares sold out in the wood market for years now. They are expended broadly in the structural construction. Moreover, these lumbers are reinforced and lightweight allowing these two plywood to have a combination of veneer cored plywood, which in turn offers a smooth surface and high-consistency just like the MDF. For pouring concrete during constructions, a smooth surface is really helpful and valuable because even after the job is terminated, if in case the surface is not painted completely, the unfinished surface would be left out as a wall. Thus, moving further, let's see some basic information on what this subject has to gather along.
Characteristics of MDO Plywood
Physical Properties
- The general characteristic properties of this plywood are very practical and common.
- It is smooth and opaque in nature and the veneer surface which is the primary built of this plywood is wood-toned colored.
- Well, in MDO plywood there are legions of colors available too.
- It is just another regular plywood with no extraordinary properties present in them, but just a built of resin overlay which is bound to the wood on one or both surfaces by heat 'n' pressure techniques.
- It is mainly used in painting applications like painted signs or any sort of concrete frameworks. It is used for office or home furniture.
Chemical Properties
- It is basically chemical-resistant consisting of chloroform, methyl alcohol, benzene and acetone type of building materials, which are totally water and wear- resistant.
- Moreover phenolic glue which is a water-boiled proof (WBP) is a permanent adhesive which is exploited in the built of MDO plywood.
- It is due to these adhesives used in the plywood which gives a smoother and paint-receptive surface to the wood.
Uses
- It is normally used in applications like, sign-use, farm buildings, boats, concrete forms, storage-bins, counter tops, trailer and truck linings, lawn ornaments or factory work surfaces. Thus, this plywood is mainly called for applications regarding indoor and outdoor furniture work.
- In terms of industrial applications, it is extensively used to construct display shelves, assembly bins or benches, storage racks and much more.
- In the domains of residential and commercial construction, it is used to construct furniture, screens, garage doors, private fences and ramparts, fascias, color accent panels, partitions, shelves and many times chimney enclosures for kitchen and living rooms in residential homes.
Sizes and Cost of MDO Plywood
The standard thickness is 1 inch, 0.125 inch, 0.5 inch, 0.75 inch, 0.25 inch and so on. It is covered with a bonded stiff paper layer and long-lasting smooth surface. The priming and painting over these layers is exercised later on. Sheet sizes are generally available in 4 feet x 8 feet sheets. Speaking about plywood price, it normally depends on the specifications and requirements of the consumer. Similarly the size factor works in the same fashion. In many places the cost is $65.00 per sheet of 1 inch thickness, this factor varies from place to place and seller to seller. Probably for every inch say for instance, a 3/4'' would cost $32.00 per sheet. This amount chiefly depends on the weight of the sheet. This $32.00 sheet weighs around 75 pounds, other sheets would weigh different and hence would range different in terms of cost.
The MDO plywood is developed in the field of lumber so that it can serve a worker with a variety of characteristics, (the ones which are mentioned above) while this plywood is used extensively in the construction and infrastructure fields on a wide scale.
