Plywood is of course a fantastic building material that can be used for a wide variety of applications. However, you should know that there are many different types of plywood out there. A very popular one is RTD plywood.
Today, we’re going to figure out what exactly it is, what it’s good for, and what it is most commonly used for.
What Is RTD Plywood?
What you need to know about RTD plywood is that RTD stands for resistance temperature detector.
In terms of how it is built, RTD plywood is similar to normal plywood. Thin veneers of wood are taken and laid side by side to form a sheet. There are then consecutive layers stacked onto each other, with each layer having the veneers perpendicular to the last. A special adhesive is then used, along with heat, to press these veneers together to form a solid sheet.
With RTD plywood, that resistance temperature detector is used in the pressing and heating process. This is a special type of temperature detection and regulation tool. This allows the plywood to be pressed together using the exact amount of heat that is necessary. Ensuring that the temperature is ideal means that this type of plywood is very strong and better resists delamination.
RTD Plywood Specifications: What Sizes and Grades Does It Come In?
Technically speaking, RTD plywood does not come in different grades. RTD plywood is RTD plywood. With that being said, it could usually be compared to CDX plywood. This means that one face features grade C veneers, whereas the other side features grade D veneers.
Although this does not mean the plywood isn’t structurally sound, it does mean that there may be some holes and knots present. The X indicates that the adhesive used is exterior grade. In general, this means that RTD plywood is considered to be an extremely moisture-resistant and structurally sound type of plywood.
It is also generally always used for exterior purposes, although there are some situations where it may be used indoors. In terms of the sizes, RTD plywood comes in all of the typical sizes that you would expect for plywood.
Advantages of RTD Plywood
Now that we know exactly what RTD plywood is, let’s figure out what its advantages are. As you can see, there are actually quite a few of them.
1. A Stronger Bond and Less Delamination
One advantage that comes with using RTD plywood is the fact that the bond between the various layers is extremely strong. Due to the special way in which it is made, this type of plywood suffers far less delamination than other types.
This means that even with exposure to elements and moisture, the layers should not separate. This, therefore, means that this type of plywood is ideal for a wide variety of applications, and lasts for an extremely long time.
2. It Is Very Durable
Related to the above point, the simple fact of the matter is that RTD plywood is extremely durable. It is one of the strongest and most durable types of plywood out there. This is not only due to the fact that it resists delamination very well, but also because it’s made out of high-quality wood. RTD plywood can take quite the beating without wearing down.
3. It Is Fairly Flexible and Impact Resistant
Another big benefit that you get with RTD plywood is the fact that it’s extremely impact resistant and also somewhat flexible. Due to the special way in which it is made, that adhesive allows the veneers to stay together even when they flex. For this reason, RTD plywood can be used for a variety of weight-bearing applications such as for subflooring, where the floor needs to be able to flex a bit when people walk over it.
4. It Is Very Moisture Resistant
One of the biggest benefits of RTD plywood is the fact that it is extremely moisture resistant, almost to the point of being 100% waterproof. Now, RTD is of course not 100% waterproof, although most would consider it to be at least 95% waterproof, if not better.
5. It Is Resistant to Extreme Conditions
Just like with moisture, RTD plywood is also fairly resistant to extreme weather conditions. Along with being able to withstand moisture, RTD plywood handles extreme heat and cold very well. The layers of veneers used to construct RTD plywood are closely bonded together, and even with moisture, heat, or cold, the plywood shouldn’t degrade or start to wear down. Those layers should stay together, and the plywood, in general, should not warp or bend.
6. It Is Structurally Sound and Weight Bearing
One of the biggest benefits of RTD plywood is of course the fact that it is structurally sound and able to bear a good deal of weight. For this reason, it can be used for walls, roofs, ceilings, and more. It’s durable, flexible, moisture resistant, and, as mentioned previously, won’t delaminate. It’s a good option for floor underlayment because of its good flexibility and impact resistance, as it won’t break when a good deal of weight is put on it.
7. It Is Boil Proof
Although this is not something that you are ever going to be able to take advantage of in any reality, the fact is that RTD plywood is boil proof. In other words, if it happens to come into contact with boiling water, the glue is so high quality that it still won’t delaminate or come apart.
8. It Holds Onto Screws Well
Just like with other types of plywood, due to the cross grain construction of it, RTD plywood also holds onto screws and nails really well.
9. It Is Pest Resistant
Because this is a specially treated type of plywood, it is also extremely resistant to pests. Both pests and fungus have a very hard time taking hold in this type of plywood.
Disadvantages of RTD Plywood
Now that we know what makes our RTD plywood advantageous, let’s figure out what its drawbacks are.
1. It Is Not Quite 100% Waterproof
Although RTD plywood is nearly waterproof, it’s not quite 100% waterproof. For this reason, it’s not recommended for purposes such as building boats or docks. That said, you can treat it to improve this property.
2. It Can Be Quite Expensive
Although it does depend on where you buy it from, RTD plywood can be fairly expensive, usually a bit pricier than your average plywood.
3. It’s Not Very Visually Appealing
Although you can sand and paint it, regular RTD plywood isn’t the most visually appealing option out there.
5 Common RTD Plywood Uses
Let’s now take a look at what exactly RTD plywood is usually used for.
1. Floor Underlayment
One of the most common applications of RTD plywood is for flooring underlayment. Due to the fact that it is moisture-resistant, structurally sound, weight-bearing, and flexible, it makes for a perfect option to put under your floors.
2. Roofing and Ceilings
Because of the same reasons mentioned above, RTD plywood also makes for a great option when it comes to roofing and ceilings. It’s a great type of plywood to have under those shingles.
3. Walling
Although RTD plywood is not something that would usually be used for interior walls, it can certainly be used for exterior wall sheathing. Once again, this is especially due to the fact that it is not only structurally sound, but also very moisture resistant. This is, of course, mainly an exterior type of plywood.
4. Furniture and Cabinetry
Although it’s certainly not the most common use, RTD plywood may also be used for making furniture and cabinets. It’s certainly strong and resistant enough to last for a long time when used for this kind of project.
5. Basic Structures
Due to its great weather resistance and moisture resistance, RTD plywood can also be used for a variety of other structures such as sheds and patios.
Summary
As you can see, RTD plywood is a fairly high-quality type of plywood that can be used for a wide variety of applications. It certainly has more benefits than it does drawbacks. At the end of the day, RTD plywood could be a great option for your next project.