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Wood-based panels are used in almost every room of a Kerala home — kitchen cabinets, bedroom wardrobes, doors, partitions, false ceilings, and furniture. Buying the wrong grade or the wrong thickness for the application leads to warping, swelling, and delamination — especially in Kerala’s high humidity.
This guide covers plywood, multiwood, MDF, and blockboard — what each is, where to use it, and which brands to trust.
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| Panel Type | What It Is | Best For | Kerala Suitability |
|---|---|---|---|
| Plywood (BWR) | Layers of wood veneer bonded with waterproof resin | Kitchen cabinets, furniture, flooring base | Excellent — BWR grade is moisture resistant |
| Plywood (MR) | Layers bonded with moisture-resistant (not waterproof) resin | Interior furniture in dry areas only | Poor — avoid for Kerala kitchens and bathrooms |
| Multiwood / PVC Board | PVC foam core with wood-finish surface | Kitchen shutters, bathroom cabinets | Excellent — 100% waterproof |
| MDF (Medium Density Fibreboard) | Wood fibre compressed with resin | Interior furniture, painting surfaces | Average — swells if moisture gets in |
| Blockboard | Solid wood strips sandwiched between veneers | Doors, long shelves, tabletops | Good for interior use |
| HDF / High Density Board | Higher density than MDF | Door skins, drawer bottoms | Good for interior use |
This is the most important distinction for Kerala home builders:
| Grade | Full Form | Water Resistance | Kerala Use |
|---|---|---|---|
| BWR | Boiling Water Resistant | Withstands boiling water for 72 hours | Use everywhere — kitchen, bathroom, all furniture |
| MR | Moisture Resistant | Resists surface moisture only | Only for interior areas with no direct humidity exposure |
| Marine Ply | Marine Grade | Fully waterproof, no voids | Wet areas, outdoor use — premium cost |
Rule for Kerala homes: Always use BWR grade or better for kitchens, bathrooms, and any area that sees humidity. MR grade plywood delaminates in 2–3 years in Kerala’s climate.
Multiwood (also called WPC board — Wood Plastic Composite) has become the preferred choice for Kerala kitchen shutters and bathroom cabinets because:
| Thickness | Use For |
|---|---|
| 4mm | Drawer bottoms, back panels of wardrobes |
| 6mm | Small cabinet shelves, light partitions |
| 9mm | Cabinet sides, smaller shelves |
| 12mm | Standard cabinet shelves, doors of wardrobes |
| 18mm | Kitchen cabinet carcass, heavy shelves, tabletops |
| 25mm | Structural panels, heavy-duty shelving |
Kerala has a high termite risk — especially in laterite soil areas around Iritty. For any plywood-based furniture and woodwork:
Which plywood is best for Kerala kitchens?
BWR grade 18mm plywood for the carcass (body) of cabinets. For shutters (doors), use multiwood/WPC board — it handles steam and moisture far better than even BWR plywood.
What is the difference between Greenply and Century Ply?
Both are premium brands with consistent BWR quality. Century Ply has slightly better density and is preferred for high-load shelves. Greenply offers better value for standard furniture work.
Is MDF good for Kerala homes?
Only for interior areas away from moisture. MDF swells when it absorbs water. Don’t use MDF for kitchen cabinets, bathroom furniture, or any area with humidity exposure.
Do you deliver plywood to sites in Kannur?
Yes — free delivery across Kannur district including Iritty, Thalassery, Payyannur, and Sreekandapuram.
Call Now: +91 9400370219 | +91 9560310101
Email: info@pulickampurath.com
Address: Edoor Road, Madathil, Iritty – 670 703
Also read:
Best Building Materials Shop in Iritty
Tiles & Granite in Iritty