Plywood
Big River Group is one of Australia’s last remaining plywood manufacturers, producing structural and marine-grade hardwood plywood at our Grafton NSW mill since 1936. Our range covers structural plywood certified to AS/NZS 2269, marine plywood to AS/NZS 2271, and decorative plywood for interior linings, joinery, and architectural applications.
All plywood products are PEFC chain-of-custody certified and available through our 20+ locations nationally with crane truck delivery to site.
Showing 11 products
Anti-Slip Plywood
Plywood with extra moisture protection in wet or damp exterior environments.
Ramps, walkways & high-traffic areas
Appearance Grade Structural Plywood
Made from Radiata Pine, Big River’s Appearance Grade Structural Plywood is a very cost effective option and is used...
Structural and general building
ArmourForm F27 Formwork Plywood
Structural plywood for concrete formwork. F27 stress grade.
Commercial concrete formwork
ArmourPly Structural Plywood
Structural plywood for bracing, flooring, and general construction
Bracing and flooring substrate
Deckply Range
Deckply is a high-quality plywood panel developed and engineered predominantly from graded eucalyptus veneers to the...
Concrete formwork
Hardwood Plywood Interior A/C
Interior-grade hardwood plywood for cabinetry and shopfitting
General cabinetry and shopfitting
Hoop Pine Plywood AA
Premium appearance-grade plywood for cabinetry and furniture.
High-end joinery and cabinetry
Sheet Products
Sheet Products – Melamine, MDF, Particleboard & Shelving Big River supplies multi-purpose sheet products that are...
Structural and general building
Sound Barrier Fencing
Armourply Sound Barrier Sound attenuation and visual screening or fencing for exterior applications.
Structural and general building
T&G Ply - Flooring & Roofing
Armourply T&G Flooring: T & G Structural ply flooring and roofing is ideal for residential applications, but is also...
Floor substrate and finishing
V-Grooved Plywood & Panelling
Armourply V-Grooved plywood Typically used for Ceilings, walls, lining and cabinet making, Big River sells a range of...
Wall panel systems
How to Choose the Right Plywood
Structural vs Marine vs Decorative
Structural plywood (AS/NZS 2269) is engineered for load-bearing applications – flooring, bracing, roofing, and sheathing. Marine plywood (AS/NZS 2271) meets stricter requirements for veneer quality and void-free construction, making it suitable for prolonged moisture exposure in marine, wet area, and infrastructure applications. ArmourPly is manufactured to AS/NZS 2271 from Australian hardwood eucalypt species, with structural properties that exceed standard structural plywood in unexposed applications. Decorative plywood prioritises face veneer quality for visible interior finishes.
Bond Types
The adhesive bond determines where plywood can be used. A-Bond (phenol formaldehyde) is permanent and waterproof – required for all structural, marine, and exterior applications. B-Bond (melamine urea formaldehyde) suits protected exterior and semi-exposed conditions. C-Bond and D-Bond are interior only and must not be used in structural or wet applications. Always verify bond type against the intended exposure conditions for your project.
Stress Grades and Applications
Stress grades from F8 through F27 indicate bending strength capacity. F8 and F11 suit residential bracing, general sheathing, and hoardings. F14 and F17 are specified for flooring, structural linings, and medium-duty applications. F22 and F27 – available in ArmourPly hardwood plywood – are specified for heavy-duty industrial flooring, transport, and infrastructure where maximum load capacity is required.
Veneer Grades and Finish Quality
Veneer quality grades from A (highest) through D determine surface appearance. Hoop Pine AA provides premium face quality for clear finishing and architectural joinery. CD and DD grades are suited to structural applications where appearance is secondary. Specify the appropriate face grade for your application – higher grades cost more but deliver a finish-ready surface.
Australian-Made Quality Assurance
All Big River plywood is manufactured under the EWPAA product certification scheme with JAS-ANZ accreditation. Our Grafton mill holds PEFC chain-of-custody certification (PEFC/21-31-174), ensuring sustainably sourced timber throughout the supply chain. Your local Big River location team can advise on the right plywood specification for your project, including stress grade, bond type, and veneer grade selection.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between structural and marine plywood?
Structural plywood is certified to AS/NZS 2269 for load-bearing applications and allows minor internal voids between veneers. Marine plywood is certified to AS/NZS 2271 with stricter requirements – virtually void-free core construction and higher-grade face veneers – making it suitable for prolonged moisture exposure. Both use A-Bond (phenolic) adhesive, but marine plywood offers superior resistance to water penetration and delamination.
What stress grade plywood do I need for my project?
F8 and F11 are suitable for residential wall and roof bracing and general sheathing. F14 is commonly specified for flooring underlays and medium-duty structural applications. F17 suits commercial flooring and higher-load structural work. F22 and F27 are specified for heavy-duty industrial flooring, transport applications, and infrastructure where maximum load-bearing capacity is required.
What does A-Bond mean in plywood?
A-Bond refers to a phenol formaldehyde (PF) adhesive that forms a permanent, waterproof glueline between plywood veneers. It will not deteriorate under wet conditions, heat, or cold, making A-Bond plywood suitable for structural, marine, and full weather exposure applications. All structural and marine plywood manufactured to Australian Standards uses A-Bond adhesive.
Is Big River plywood made in Australia?
Big River Group has manufactured plywood at its Grafton, NSW mill since 1936 – one of Australia’s last remaining plywood manufacturing operations. The ArmourPly range is produced from Australian eucalypt hardwood veneers and carries EWPAA certification, JAS-ANZ accreditation, and PEFC chain-of-custody certification (PEFC/21-31-174) for sustainably sourced timber.
Can plywood be used for interior wall and ceiling linings?
Decorative plywood with high-grade face veneers (A or B grade) is widely used for interior wall linings, ceiling panels, and joinery. Hoop Pine AA plywood is a popular choice for clear-finished architectural applications. For areas requiring fire performance, check the Fire Group Number rating – some plywood products achieve Group 3 fire ratings suitable for wall and ceiling linings under the NCC.
Related Product Categories
Structural Timber
Framing timber, LVL beams, and timber mouldings for residential, commercial, and industrial construction across Australia.
Explore →
Decorative Walling
Interior wall panel substrates and decorative finishes for commercial fitouts, hospitality, retail, and residential feature walls.
Explore →Visit Your Local Big River Location
Find specialist building products and expert advice at your nearest Big River Location.