Flexible Plywood Sheets
(4 Products)The name 'flexible plywood' speaks for itself. Flexible plywood sheets are exactly that - 'flexible'. Otherwise referred to as 'bendy plywood', this high-quality sheet material can bend in all manner of ways and is both moisture-resistant and termite-proof. This duality of resistance ensures it holds up well in kitchens, bathrooms and laundry rooms where exposure to water and humidity is high. Flexi ply gets its innovative pliancy from its multi-layer composition of thin plies.
What Is Flexible Plywood?
Flexible plywood, often referred to as bendable or flexi-ply, is a specialised type of plywood that possesses a unique property: it can be bent or curved easily without breaking or splintering.
This flexibility is achieved through its construction and composition, making it a valuable material in applications where conventional standard plywood cannot be used.
Where Is Flexible Plywood Used?
Flexible plywood is a boon to the experimental carpenter - allowing the exploration of new furniture concepts with less intensive effort.
Due to its bendy composition, flexible plywood is ideal for creating curved surfaces in furniture and decorative projects (e.g. to board a circular building post/pillar).
Flexible plywood products are suitable for use in the following applications:
- Cabinetry
- Wavy walls
- Staircases
- Shelves
- Modernist and decorative furniture - where curves are required
- Arches and columns
- Furniture making
- Model making
- Shop Fittings
- General joinery
Flexible Plywood Key Features & Benefits
- Extremely flexible - can be bent into any shape without chipping, cracking, peeling, or staining
- Can be bent by hand - more advantageous than wooden counterparts
- Price-effective material
- Excellent seam-hiding qualities
- Ready to paint or stain
- High-quality finish suitable for most types of decoration - internal use
How Does Flexible Plywood Achieve Its Flexibility?
To better understand what endows flexible plywood with its characteristic 'whippy' composition, we must first get to grips with the way the sheets are manufactured.
Flexible bending plywood is achieved by laying each individual layer (ply), with the grain direction running the same way on all the layers that make up the panel.
Unlike regular plywood (where the grains of each layer are pressed in a perpendicular direction in a cross-grain design), the grain direction of Flexi ply is what endows the sheets with its unrivalled pliancy.
Frequently Asked Flexible Plywood Questions
What's The Difference Between Cross-Grain & Long-Grain Flexi Ply?
Flexible plywood is available in both long grain ('column wrap') and cross grain ('barrel wrap') orientation. If you are new to the plywood scene, you may be a bit unsure about what long grain and cross grain design means.
Let us clear it up for you:
- Cross-grain - the short edge of the sheet bends to join with the opposite short edge - the grain pattern goes across the sheet.
- Long grain - the long edge of the sheet bends to join with the opposite long edge - the grain of the outermost plies is parallel or nearly parallel to the long edge of the panel.
What Are Some Other Names For Flexible Plywood?
- Curve-Ply
- Flexply
- Wacky Wood
- Wiggle wood
- Bending plywood
What Thicknesses of Flexible Plywood Are There Available On The Market?
Flexible plywood thicknesses range from 3mm to 16mm.
Please note - the bending radius will vary according to the thickness of the sheet.
Can Flexible Plywood Be Painted?
Yes, absolutely. Flexi ply can be waxed, painted, stained, oiled or lacquered to achieve your desired aesthetic.
How Much Does Flexible Plywood Cost?
The flexible plywood price depends on which type you are after and for what purpose. Don't hesitate to ask our friendly team about our bendy plywood to get the details before purchasing.
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