Nothing to add, except expansion gap is not as crucial on ply as it is cross-bonded and is not as susceptible to expanding/contracting as natural grain wood. Not only that, but fixing down prevents this too. Definitely no gaps between sheets.
Another common query is “Does plywood expand?”.
Yes and no. It really depends on what type of plywood you’re talking about, as well as the environment it is in. Hardwoods do expand and contract with changes in humidity, while softwood tends to warp, which can result in great gaps or cracks that ruin your paint job!
One of the next things we asked ourselves was does plywood expand?
An answer is that the cells begin to expand ever so slightly. This expansion is greatest along the face of the grain of a piece of wood. This means that on a piece of 4 x 8 plywood, you can experience expansion due to swelling across the 4 foot dimension as well as the 8 foot dimension.
Does 4×8 plywood expand?
This means that on a piece of 4 x 8 plywood, you can experience expansion due to swelling across the 4 foot dimension as well as the 8 foot dimension. Don’t forget, plywood has the face grain aligned in two directions!
Does plywood expand in moisture?
You can see this orientation and layering when you look closely at the edge of a piece of plywood. This means that plywood expands both lengthwise and widthwise when it is subjected to excessive moisture. Knowing this, it is important that you plan for this expansion.
How much gap do you leave around edges of plywood?
Virtually every one recommends that you, your carpenter or builder create a 1/8 inch gap around all edges when installing plywood. This gap will minimize or totally eliminate any puckering caused by swelling. Use a 16d sinker nail for this purpose.
Why is it important to reinforce plywood?
That’s why it’s important to reinforce it if you’re going to using it to build shelves or other weight-bearing furniture. Plywood also has more flex than MDF, so you can gently bend it to create curves; plus, plywood won’t expand, contract, or warp, even under temperature extremes.
It can really expand the scope of your woodworking projects. Hardwood plywood can cost about as much as an equal quantity of solid hardwood, depending on grade and appearance. But plywood has many advantages: * Dimensional stability.
Plywood is stable; it does not expand and contract like solid wood. Many hardwood species are available or sheets can be made using veneer. Flexible paper back veneer is easy to work with and readily available. Cabinets and furniture cases are good candidates for plywood construction.
Be sure to buy all hardwood plywood for the same project at one time. •Thin face veneers. S.-made hardwood plywood has face veneers averaging 1⁄30 ” in thickness. Some species, such as black walnut, are sliced thinner, to 1⁄32 “.