What is the difference between Luan and plywood?

Luan or lauan is actually a type of plywood. It’s made from tropical timber, often from the Shorea family. The name comes from a tree in the Philippines, but you can find it all over south-east Asia. They make it from thin veneers of luan that are glued together to produce a soft plywood that has a very smooth surface.

What is lauan plywood used for?

Lauan plywood (also known as Luan Plywood) is a commercial term used throughout the United States that typically refers to a 1/8″ – 1/4″ tropical hardwood plywood panel used for underlayment in flooring, lamination, paper overlay, furniture, and millwork applications.

Is lauan wood durable?

Although coarser in texture and softer than true mahogany, lauan is actually of the same strength. However, lauan is less stable under moisture changes and less disease resistant, but, once properly seasoned, is dependable, long lived and very stable. The use of lauan has increased steadily in the United States.

Can Luan be used outdoors?

Luan is usually a cheap ply, there are indoor and outdoor grades. “You can get exterior luan (meranti) with phenolic glue. It will have the letter p before the grade (usually bbcc). You can also get pressure treated marine ply.”

Do you have to Prime Luan?

It’s a far better product in terms of stain blocking and is compatible with nearly any topcoat. If you want a smooth finish you will need at least two coats of primer, and probably more, each sanded smooth, or you could fill the grain first. This is especially true for the Luan plywood.

Can you paint luan plywood?

You certainly can. Most builders do not recommend it, though. You can stain luan if you wish, but you will need to do significant work to make it look nice. Even when you paint it, you’ll need to use primer (at least a couple of coats) and make sure you sand between applications for a smooth finish.

What is exterior grade plywood called?

CDX is the most common exterior plywood grade. It comes in 3/4-, 5/8- and 1/2-inch thicknesses. Appearance stamps on plywood range from cabinet-grade (A) to construction grade (C and D). Exterior plywood carries an X stamp, which identifies it as suitable for use outdoors.

Does paint stick to Luan?

You can stain luan if you wish, but you will need to do significant work to make it look nice. Even when you paint it, you’ll need to use primer (at least a couple of coats) and make sure you sand between applications for a smooth finish.

Can you wallpaper over Luan plywood?

Yes, you can install wallpaper over plywood.

How do you prepare Luan for painting?

When preparing a luan door for a paint job, the goal is to smooth out the door as much as possible using sandpaper and high-quality primer. The sandpaper smooths out the grain and any imperfections in the wood, while the primer helps the paint adhere to the surface.

Can Luan plywood be painted?

How do you finish Luan?

Luan typically does not take stain as evenly as cherry. The glossy sheen reflects light, blending slight imperfections. Apply the finish with a soft bristle brush, in long, straight, slow strokes. Avoid going back over areas, which can cause bubbles in the finish.