Plywood FC And FSF: What Is The Visual Difference? Differences In Properties. What Is It And Which One Is Better To Choose?

2024 Author: Beatrice Philips | [email protected]. Last modified: 2024-01-15 04:10

Plywood is one of the simplest and most affordable materials, which is quite actively used in the construction industry . There are several types of it, today we will consider two of them: FC and FSF. Although they are similar to each other, there are some differences in parameters, use and application. Let's take a closer look at the difference between FC and FSF plywood.

What it is?

The word "plywood" comes from the French fournir (to impose). It is made by gluing together boards of wood of various thicknesses (veneer) . For the sake of higher characteristics of strength and reliability, the panels are glued when glued so that the direction of the fibers is at right angles to each other. To make the front sides of the material look the same, usually the number of layers is odd: three or more.

At this time, the most common brands of wood-laminated panels are FC and FSF . Both one and the other variety have their adherents and opponents, who constantly argue about the properties and environmental safety of these plates. Let's try to understand this issue.

Let's start with deciphering the legend

FC … The first letter in the name is common for all types of this material and means "plywood". But the second one speaks about the composition that was used when gluing the panels. In this case, it is urea-formaldehyde glue.

FSF … For this type of board, the letters SF indicate that a substance such as phenol-formaldehyde resin was used to bond the boards.

Important! Various adhesives affect the properties of plywood and, accordingly, its purpose and use.

Visual differences

Outwardly, both of these species are practically indistinguishable from each other. For the production of one and the other, the same types of veneer are used, the same methods of grinding and lamination of the front sides are used. But there is still a visual difference. They consist in the difference in structure in the adhesive composition.

In FC, such a component as phenol is not included in the glue - therefore, it is lighter … Since the layers of glue and panels are practically the same color, it visually looks like the same type of material. Adhesive composition for FSF of a dark red hue. And by looking at its side cut, you can make out the rows of wood and glue. Even an ordinary man in the street, when faced with plywood for the first time, knowing these features, will be able to distinguish one type of this material from another.

Comparison of properties

Fundamentally, plywood boards differ from each other.

Moisture resistance

FC is durable and sufficiently versatile, but it is intended for use in conditions of complete absence of moisture . It is made from shredded homogeneous hardwood, but combinations of birch, alder and some other species are also possible. If liquid gets into the inner layers of this type of plywood, deformation and flaking will begin. But, since its cost is low, it is quite often used in the construction of internal partitions in rooms, as a substrate for floor coverings (parquet, laminate, etc.), furniture and packaging containers are made from it.

FSF, on the other hand, is moisture resistant . After being exposed to moisture, for example, atmospheric precipitation, it can also get wet, but after drying, its appearance and shape remain unchanged.

Still, it is worth noting: if such plywood is kept in water for a long time, it will swell.

Strength

In this respect, FSF surpasses its "sister" by almost one and a half times (60 MPa and 45 MPa), therefore it is able to withstand very high loads … Plus, it resists mechanical damage and wear better.

Environmental component

Here FC comes out on top , since there is no phenol in the structure of its glue. And FSF has quite a lot of it - 8 mg per 100 g. Such values are not critical for human health, but it will still be useful to take care of it and not use this type of plywood in residential premises, especially when arranging children's rooms. After the glue dries, it becomes less hazardous, but when choosing wood-based panels, you should pay attention to the degree of emission of hazardous components.

If E1 is indicated in the documents for the material, then it is quite safe and can be used indoors. But if E2 is categorically unacceptable … Poisonous substances in the adhesive can create problems during disposal. They negatively affect the skin, mucous membranes and respiratory organs. Therefore, the remains do not need to be burned, but rather sent to a landfill.

Appearance

For both types, it is almost identical, since the same types of wood are used in the production. The decor differs only in the presence or absence of defects (knots, extraneous inclusions) on the front surface.

According to this principle, plywood is divided into grades. Due to the use of resins in FSF, the flaws are visually visible more clearly.

Which one is better to choose?

Before making a choice in favor of one or the second brand of plywood, you need to know their areas of application. There are areas where they overlap and both can be used, but there are also areas where only one of them will work . For example, FSF is ideal when high strength and moisture resistance are required. And FC is best used in cases where environmental safety, pleasant appearance and price are important.

FSF is out of competition when you need to make the following:

• formwork for the foundation;
• outer wall of frame-type buildings;
• household buildings;
• cottage furniture;
• advertising surfaces;
• lining for roofing materials on the roof.

FC can be perfectly applied as a material in the following cases:

• for wall cladding, except for the kitchen and bathroom;
• as a floor covering;
• for the manufacture of upholstered and frame furniture, which will be inside the premises (home, office, and so on);
• production of packing boxes, any decorative elements.

It is advisable to familiarize yourself with GOST 3916.2-96 to find out the main characteristics and markings applied to each plywood sheet. The latter will indicate the type, grade, adhesive composition of the material, as well as its thickness, size, type of wood veneer, class of emission of hazardous substances, and it is also sanded on one side or on both. And one more thing: when choosing, cost matters. PSF is significantly more expensive due to its properties. Now, knowing all the characteristics, properties and purpose of these materials, it will not be difficult to make the right choice.