What Is Lauan Plywood? (Find Out Now!)
Plywood is an engineered wood product that’s used for all sorts of projects, big and small. But with so many different variations of plywood to choose from, it can be challenging to keep them all straight! So what exactly is Lauan plywood, and what should it be used for?
Lauan plywood, also called Luan plywood, is a tropical hardwood that originated in Southeast Asia about 40 years ago. It is frequently used for furniture, craft projects, millwork, lamination, paper overlay, and underlayment. Lauan plywood is durable, with stable wood fiber and consistent coloring; however, its appearance can vary, and it’s not eco-friendly.
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What Is Lauan Plywood?
Lauan plywood (commonly referred to as Luan plywood) refers to a ⅛” to ¼” plywood panel made of tropical hardwood.
Where Does Lauan Plywood Come From?
The first Lauan plywood originated in Japan, Taiwan, and Korea more than 40 years ago. These three countries imported huge amounts of tropical hardwood logs from Malaysia, Indonesia, and the Philippines.
They mainly used a species called Shorea, which was called “Lauan” in the Philippines. This is how Lauan plywood got its name.
In the United States, Lauan plywood is commonly referred to as Luan plywood. The Shorea tree species is also used in Philippine mahogany as well as Meranti plywood.
How Is Lauan Plywood Made?
Making Luan plywood is very similar to making other types of plywood. Thin slices of wood (also called plies) are glued on top of each other. Each one is rotated 90 degrees in a process called cross-graining. This makes the plywood extremely strong.
The plies come from a tree trunk, which is cut with a lathe. The lathe peels a long layer of wood veneer according to the specified thickness. Lauan wood is known for being much easier to peel than other types of trees.
After the plies are cut, placed, and glued under compression, the sheets are stacked. Then they’re given ample time to dry before sanding them for a smooth finish. Imperfections are filled, and the Lauan plywood is sanded again.
What Is Lauan Plywood Used For?
Lauan plywood has many uses. It can be used as part of the underlayment process, although it’s not ideal for underlayment on its own. Paneling, cabinetry, siding, and interior trim are all areas where Lauan plywood can be used successfully. Lauan plywood is also good for use in lamination and paper overlay.
You can find some furniture made from Lauan plywood, and it’s sometimes used in millwork as well. Some of the most creative and fun uses for Lauan plywood are craft projects such as toys and wooden dollhouses.
How Much Does Lauan Plywood Cost?
As of 2021 in the United States, the average sheet of Lauan plywood costs $15 to $25. Per square foot, that comes out to about $0.45 to $0.70 for a ¼ inch thick four-by-eight board.
Pros Of Lauan Plywood
One of the best features of Lauan plywood is its consistent color and density. Lauan plywood has a very stable wood fiber that gives it a gorgeous appearance. Plus, it’s very durable, inexpensive, and cost-effective.
Cons Of Lauan Plywood
There are a few disadvantages to Lauan plywood. The first is that it’s not very resistant to moisture. When exposed to moisture over time, it’s likely to warp, shrink, and expand.
Not Ideal For Underlayment
If you’re looking for a material to serve as underlayment on its own, Lauan plywood isn’t the best choice. Although it can be used in conjunction with other materials as underlayment, it’s not ideal by itself.
Appearance Can Vary
While Lauan plywood tends to have an aesthetically pleasing appearance, it can vary greatly depending on its source. Lauan plywood originating from different places can come in different colors and have a variable look overall.
Not Eco-Friendly
A final couple of things to keep in mind are that Lauan plywood isn’t environmentally friendly and that it splinters easily when it’s cut.
How To Cut Lauan Plywood Properly
You can cut Lauan plywood with a knife or with a circular trim saw. Cutting with a knife is more complex and requires expertise, so a circular trim saw is usually better. Here’s a brief guide to cutting Lauan plywood with a circular trim saw.
Step 1: Prepare The Saw And Plywood
Prepare the saw by installing a medium or fine-toothed wood cutting blade and making sure it’s secured tightly. Then, measure your cuts onto the Lauan plywood and mark them with a pencil. Use a straight edge or T square to connect the marks.
Step 2: Clamp The Plywood
Use C clamps to clamp the Lauan plywood on the line you made with the pencil. Be sure to use a small plywood spacer on the bottom side in order to prevent marking.
Step 3: Score The Plywood
Next, use a knife to score the line on the surface of the Lauan plywood.
Step 4: Cut The Plywood
Adjust your circular trim saw’s guide and clamps and set the saw blade depth to be slightly greater than the Lauan plywood. Then, slowly and steadily cut the Lauan.
Step 5: Sand The Cut
Use medium-grade sandpaper to sand the cut.
Can You Stain Lauan Plywood?
You can absolutely stain Lauan plywood! Just follow these simple steps.
Step 1: Conceal Imperfections
First, take a look at the Lauan plywood to see if the surface has any scratches or other defects. Apply wood putty to fill in any gaps, allowing it time to set. You’ll also want to sand the surface of the plywood for a more polished finished look.
Step 2: Apply Primer
After filling gaps and sanding the surface of the Lauan plywood, it’s time to apply primer. Make sure the coating of the primer is smooth and even across the entire surface of the plywood. Give it plenty of time to dry before moving on.
Step 3: Stain The Plywood
Apply the stain in a thin, even layer across the surface of the plywood. Start by coating the edges carefully and then filling in the middle.
Wipe off any residual stain parallel to the grain to prevent streaking. Allow plenty of time for the first layer to dry completely before adding a second layer if needed.
Can You Paint Lauan Plywood?
Painting Lauan plywood is quite similar to staining it. Below, find a step-by-step tutorial.
Step 1: Apply Pore Filler
For a smooth and even finish on Lauan plywood, it’s important to start with a pore filler. You can choose an oil-based or water-based filler. For a surface with many imperfections, you might want to apply two coats.
Step 2: Apply Primer
Once the pore filler has dried completely, it’s time to prime the surface of the Lauan plywood. Apply primer in a thin, even layer. After it’s dried, lightly sand the surface and apply a second layer if needed.
Step 3: Paint The Plywood
Now it’s time for the fun part: painting the Lauan plywood! Rather than coating the plywood with one thick layer of paint, stick to thin, even coats. As you finish each coat, give it time to dry, and then lightly sand it before adding another coat.
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Related Questions
Is Lauan plywood waterproof?
Lauan plywood is not waterproof, but it has a water-resistant coating. Experts don’t recommend it for outdoor use because it tends to warp and degrade with long-term exposure to moisture.
Is Lauan plywood stainable?
Yes, you can stain Lauan plywood. As always, when painting plywood, be sure to sand and prime the surface for best results.
What is Lauan plywood made of?
Lauan (also spelled Luan) plywood is a tropical hardwood plywood. It’s made of compressed layers of wood from trees in the Shorea family. Lauan plywood typically comes from Southeast Asia.
With a lifelong passion for writing plus strong enthusiasm for home improvement and DIY projects, joining the team at Upgraded Home was an easy choice. Jessica Allen likes to share helpful information with current and aspiring homeowners. Aside from writing, Jessica loves doing yoga, playing the piano, and dabbling in graphic design.
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