Plywood vs Engineered Wood

You can find three main types of plywood: sanded, pressure-treated and water-resistant. These are mainly made of southern yellow pine, maple, fir, birch, douglas fir, poplar, oak, spruce pine fir, whitewood, pine and radiata pine.

Engineered woods mainly have two finish types, prefinished and unfinished. These are mostly bamboo, white oak, oak, hickory, red oak, maple, acacia, birch and walnut.

Plywood is made by gluing together many layers or plies of softer wood veneers. These veneers are kept in alternating grain patterns, which makes them stronger. Each layer runs at 90 degrees to the previous grain. Plywood is mostly made with odd numbers of plies, that balance the sheet and stop it from bending.

But, in engineered hardwood, the top layer is constructed with real, natural wood veneers over HDF or plywood. These are made by bonding layers of wood, fibers or veneers with glues under heat and pressure. These types of wood are made with binding pieces of real wood, shredded wood fibers, scrap wood and/or sawdust with adhesives.

Plywood has more strength and can hold screws and nails well. Because of its cross-grain pattern, it can withstand warping, shrinking and swelling. They also provide good dimensional stability. This stability is crucial in environments with changing temperatures and humidity levels. This helps maintain the integrity of the structures and surfaces it supports.

Engineered wood holds the shape of the structure together and is also very sturdy. For example, laminated veneer lumber (LVL) and oriented strand board (OSB) are known for their high strength and load-bearing capacities. These are best for beams, joists and structural panels. These are fewer chances of bending and swelling. These are best used in high-moisture areas.

Plywood, especially exterior grade, offers good water resistance, making it suitable for areas exposed to moisture, like bathrooms and kitchens. They are easy to cut, have a strong grip and lower the chances of splitting when fastening.

While engineered wood can be treated to improve water resistance, it generally doesn't perform as well as plywood in wet conditions. It's best used in dry areas or for smaller projects. 

You can get plywood in many colors and finishes. But, for a polished look, you can further color it or get it to a finish of your choice. Additionally, plywood's natural look can complement a variety of interior styles, from rustic to modern, adding warmth and character to any space.

Engineered wood looks and feels like solid wood. You can get it in many colors, finishes and wood types. It can be more cost-effective and durable than natural wood finishes. This makes engineered wood a popular choice for modern cabinetry, shelving and furniture where a sleek, uniform appearance is desired.

Plywood is heavier than engineered wood. It can make transportation more challenging to handle. However, its weight contributes to its strength.

Engineered wood is lighter, making it easier to handle and install, especially for DIY projects.

Plywood offers good thermal insulation, helping to maintain indoor temperatures. This makes it a great choice for building construction, as it can contribute to energy efficiency.

Engineered wood also provides thermal insulation but might not be as effective as plywood in extreme conditions. It's still a good choice for furniture and interior projects where insulation is optional. 

Plywood is naturally more pocket-friendly than engineered wood. Prices can vary depending on the type and grade you buy.

Engineered wood can get more pricey if you want high-quality engineered hardwood. But you can surely save cash as it's an ideal dupe of solid wood. 

Installing plywood typically involves cutting the sheets to size and securing them with nails, screws or adhesives. Because of the heavier weight, plywood may need more effort to handle and install. It's a preferred choice because of its strength and structural integrity.

Engineered wood products are generally easier to install than plywood due to their lighter weight and consistent dimensions. Depending on the type of engineered wood (such as MDF or particleboard), installation methods can include nailing, screwing, gluing or even floating installations for flooring. This wood's lighter weight makes it easy to handle and install.