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Windsor Plywood offers a comprehensive selection of cabinet-grade and construction-grade plywood and sheet goods, ideal for everything from fine woodworking to structural applications. Whether you're building custom cabinetry, shelving, or tackling a renovation, we have the right materials in a variety of sizes, thicknesses, and finishes. Choose from high-quality hardwood veneers like maple, oak, and birch, or durable construction-grade panels designed to stand up to demanding use. Be sure to ask about our specialty products that include aircraft plywood, marine grade plywood, bending plywood, superlite MDF and even whiteboards. Our sheet goods are carefully sourced for consistency, performance, and value—perfect for professionals and DIYers alike. With decades of experience and a reputation for carrying hard-to-find products, Windsor Plywood is your trusted destination for specialty wood and sheet materials in Canada and beyond. Visit your local store for expert guidance, custom cutting options, and a wide selection of in-stock and special-order plywood solutions.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is meranti and what is it used for?
Meranti is a broad category of tropical hardwoods from Southeast Asia (primarily Shorea spp.) used for interior doors, plywood face veneers, interior millwork, and light construction. It ranges from light to dark red in colour depending on the species group. Meranti is widely used in door manufacturing and interior applications where a cost-effective tropical hardwood is appropriate.
Is meranti the same as lauan?
Lauan and meranti are often used interchangeably in the North American market and refer to overlapping groups of Philippine and Malaysian hardwoods from the Shorea family. Lauan is the Philippine term; meranti is the Malaysian term. Both refer to similar species groups with comparable properties and are used for the same applications including interior door skins and plywood face veneers.
Is meranti durable for exterior applications?
Light and dark red meranti species vary in natural durability. Heavy red meranti and some dark red meranti species have moderate to good natural durability for exterior applications in protected installations. Standard light red meranti is appropriate for interior applications only. Confirm the specific durability rating of the meranti product with Windsor Plywood staff for exterior applications.
How does meranti take paint and stain?
Meranti accepts both paint and stain. Its open grain and moderate porosity produce reasonably consistent stain results. A pre-stain conditioner is beneficial for even colour distribution. Meranti's interlocked grain can cause some variation in grain absorption, which is typically considered an acceptable characteristic in stained door applications.
Does Windsor Plywood carry meranti products?
Windsor Plywood carries meranti in plywood panels and select lumber grades for interior applications. Availability varies by location. Contact your local Windsor Plywood branch to confirm current meranti stock and available dimensions for your project.