Plywood Expert Guide · Lati Bazar Since 1980
Plywood for Flooring
As a subfloor under laminate or engineered wood, or a raised platform floor — which grade and thickness to use, room by room. Explained by Ahmedabad's plywood dealer since 1980.
Where Plywood Fits Into a Floor
In most Indian homes, plywood's role in flooring isn't as the visible finished surface — it's the subfloor underneath laminate flooring, engineered wood planks, or a raised platform section, giving the finished floor a flat, stable base to sit on. Getting the subfloor grade and thickness right matters just as much as the finish on top, since a subfloor that swells or flexes will telegraph straight through to the visible floor above it.
The grade needed depends entirely on the room, and the thickness depends on the load the floor will carry — a bedroom subfloor has very different requirements from a raised platform in a heavy-traffic commercial space.
Which Grade to Use, by Zone
Match the subfloor grade to the room's moisture exposure, not the flooring finish above it.
MR Grade Plywood
Dry interior spaces with normal humidity are well served by MR grade plywood as a subfloor under laminate or engineered wood flooring.
Marine (BWP) Grade
Any wet zone needs a fully waterproof subfloor grade — Marine or BWP plywood resists the constant moisture these areas see from below and above.
Calibrated Plywood
Machine-sanded for uniform thickness across the sheet, Calibrated plywood suits heavy-load commercial flooring where consistency across a large area matters.
Thickness by Application
12mm – 18mm for a Standard Subfloor
Under laminate or engineered wood flooring in a normal residential room, 12mm to 18mm plywood gives the finished floor a flat, stable base without adding unnecessary height to the floor level.
18mm – 25mm for Heavier Loads or Raised Platforms
A raised platform floor without a secondary structural layer underneath, or a subfloor in a heavy-traffic commercial space, needs the extra rigidity of 18mm to 25mm plywood.
Always Add a Moisture Barrier
On a ground-floor concrete slab, lay a polythene sheet or dedicated moisture barrier between the slab and the plywood subfloor. This protects against rising dampness even when using a waterproof grade above it.
Subfloor Grade Selection at a Glance
A quick reference for matching grade to room.
| Zone | Recommended Grade | Typical Thickness |
|---|---|---|
| Living Room / Bedroom | MR Grade | 12–18mm |
| Dining Room | MR Grade | 12–18mm |
| Kitchen | Marine (BWP) Grade | 18–25mm |
| Bathroom / Laundry | Marine (BWP) Grade | 18–25mm |
| Basement | Marine (BWP) Grade | 18–25mm |
| Gym / Showroom (Heavy Load) | Calibrated Plywood | 18–25mm |
Frequently Asked Questions
Which plywood grade is best for flooring?
MR Grade plywood works for a subfloor under laminate or engineered wood flooring in dry rooms like living rooms and bedrooms. Marine (BWP) grade is necessary for wet zones — bathrooms, kitchens, laundry areas and basements. For heavy-load commercial flooring like a gym or retail showroom, Calibrated plywood with its uniform thickness is the better choice.
What thickness of plywood should be used for flooring?
12mm to 18mm plywood works for a subfloor under a finished flooring layer in normal residential rooms. Heavier load areas, or a raised platform floor without a secondary structural layer, should use 18mm to 25mm for adequate rigidity.
Can plywood be used as a finished floor, not just a subfloor?
Yes, though it's less common in Indian homes than as an underlay. Plywood plank flooring with a durable factory finish or site-applied varnish can serve as a finished floor in dry rooms, but it needs more careful maintenance than tile or engineered wood and isn't recommended for wet areas.
Does plywood flooring need a moisture barrier?
Yes, especially on a ground-floor slab. A polythene sheet or dedicated moisture barrier between the concrete base and the plywood subfloor prevents rising dampness from reaching the panel, which matters even when using a waterproof grade of plywood.
How long does a plywood subfloor last?
A plywood subfloor built with the correct grade for the room and a proper moisture barrier typically lasts as long as the flooring finish above it — 15 to 20 years or more. Using the wrong grade for a wet-area subfloor is the most common cause of early failure, showing up as a soft or springy feel underfoot.
Planning a Subfloor or Raised Floor?
WhatsApp us the room and finished flooring type and we'll recommend the right plywood grade and thickness.