The three names show up on almost every plywood quote in Kolkata. Behind them are three different glue systems and three different levels of moisture tolerance.
MR: moisture resistant
Urea-formaldehyde glue. Suitable for dry interiors. It resists normal humidity but not water. Lowest cost of the three.
BWR: boiling water resistant
Phenolic glue. Resists repeated exposure to moisture, and tolerates damp conditions much better than MR. Mid-priced.
Marine: boiling water proof
Phenolic glue and stricter construction. Intended for the wettest conditions. Highest cost.
Which one, where
| Location | MR | BWR | Marine |
|---|---|---|---|
| Dry bedroom, upper floor | Good | Fine | Not needed |
| Living room storage | Good | Fine | Not needed |
| Ground-floor or outer-wall wardrobe | Risky | Good | Fine, not needed |
| Kitchen base units | Avoid | Good | Good near sink |
| Bathroom vanity | Avoid | Possible | Good |
Mixing grades in one project
A sensible approach is to match the grade to the risk. Use BWR or marine where water is likely and MR where it is not. It cuts cost without adding risk. Confirm the plan with your designer, and ask us to quote each grade so that you can see the difference.
Check before paying
- The grade named on the quote and on the sheet match
- Thickness is as stated
- The brand is as stated