Comparison · Plywood Protection
Treated Plywood vs Marine Plywood
"Treated" protects plywood from termites and borers; "marine" means its glue survives water. They are not the same thing. Here is the difference, when you need one or both, and how to check the sheet before you pay.
Two Words That Describe Two Different Things
"Treated" and "marine" are often used as if they mean the same thing. They don't. Treatment describes protection against termites, borers and fungus: chemicals applied to the veneers or added to the glue so insects and decay leave the wood alone. Marine (BWP) describes the glue: a phenol-formaldehyde resin that keeps the layers bonded even after boiling in water, tested under IS 710.
A sheet can be one without the other. Treated MR plywood resists termites but will delaminate if it stays wet. Marine plywood made with untreated veneers holds together in water but can still be attacked by borers. Good branded marine plywood is usually both. The point of this page is to help you check, not assume.
Treated Plywood vs Marine Plywood
| Factor | Treated plywood | Marine / BWP plywood |
|---|---|---|
| Protects against | Termites, borers, fungus | Water: glue line survives boiling |
| How | Preservative chemicals in veneers or glue | Phenol-formaldehyde (waterproof) resin |
| Standard | Treatment noted on the sheet by the maker | IS 710 |
| Survives constant wetting? | Only if it is also BWP | Yes |
| Termite-proof? | Yes, that is the point | Only if also treated (most branded BWP is) |
| Price (18 mm) | Depends on grade: commercial ₹65, MR ₹74 | ₹110 per sq ft |
Rates are our counter rates per sq ft, GST extra. Full list: plywood price list.
Do You Need Treated, Marine, or Both?
Both
Kitchen base units and bathroom vanities
Water and termites both find these spots. Use treated marine BWP. Marine plywood.
Both
Ground-floor furniture and damp walls
Old Ahmedabad homes and ground floors often have termites and monsoon damp together.
Treated
Dry rooms in termite-prone buildings
Treated MR is enough for wardrobes and beds where water never reaches. MR grade plywood.
Marine
Wet areas
Under sinks and in bathrooms, the glue line matters most. Check it's IS 710.
How to Check What You're Buying
For marine: look for IS 710 and the BWP grade printed or stamped on the sheet with the maker's name and batch. MR and BWR are IS 303. For treatment: branded sheets mention borer and termite treatment in their marking or literature; ask the dealer which treatment the line carries. For both: buy against a GST invoice that names the brand and grade. A sheet with no IS mark at all should be treated as unverified, whatever the seller says.
Termites in a building need more than good plywood: treat the walls and floor before fitting, keep furniture slightly off damp walls, and fix leaks. Our guides cover termite prevention at home, termite-proof vs normal plywood and whether gurjan plywood is termite-proof. On labels in general, see decoding plywood labels and IS 710 vs IS 303.
A word on "fully treated, fully waterproof" claims
Be wary of unbranded sheets sold as "marine, termite-proof, lifetime" at a price close to MR. Real IS 710 plywood costs more because the resin and veneers cost more. If the rate looks too good, check the stamp, the thickness and the invoice before you pay. See how to spot fake plywood.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between treated plywood and marine plywood?
Treated plywood is protected against termites, borers and fungus. Marine (BWP) plywood has a waterproof glue line that survives boiling, tested under IS 710. They describe different properties; a sheet can be one, the other, or both.
Is all marine plywood termite-proof?
Not automatically. Most branded marine plywood is also treated against borers and termites, but check the maker's marking or ask which treatment the line carries.
Is treated plywood waterproof?
Only if it is also BWP / marine grade. Treated MR plywood resists termites but will delaminate if it stays wet.
Which plywood should I use under a kitchen sink?
Treated marine BWP plywood (IS 710), or a PVC or WPC board, which cannot rot.
Do I need treated plywood in a dry bedroom?
If the building has termites, yes: treated MR plywood is enough in dry rooms. Also treat the walls and floor and fix any damp.
How do I verify marine plywood?
Look for IS 710, the BWP grade, the maker's name and batch on the sheet, and buy against a GST invoice naming the brand and grade.
Not Sure Which Protection You Need?
Tell us the room and the problem (water, termites or both). We will suggest the grade and quote it.