Plywood replacement

[bonz_d]

I have read many of the threads about replacing plywood decking but what about replacing plywood seats?

The boat is my 14' Lund DLX and has a plywood seat/deck in the stern that needs replacing. Right now the wood was originally stained/varnished and am thinking of refinishing the same way. So what would be the correct plywood to use? What will seal and finish the best w/o checking or cracking.

Thought about carpeting it like the original decking but then decided against it. I like wood!

 

[gcboat]

Re: Plywood replacement

Since you mentioned the varnish part I'm gonna' recommend Okoume ply.
It's not cheap but it is the cat's meow when it comes to refinishing, especially varnish. It's clear, cabinet grade material with waterproof glue. There's where the high price comes from.
Here's a couple of places to snoop around:http://www.okoume.org/

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Plywood replacement

A bit more pricey than I was looking to spend. Then adding in freight, wow!

2nd best alternative?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Plywood replacement

2nd best alternative?

Ayuh,.... An Exterior plywood that's Good on 1 side.....

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Plywood replacement

Right, but I know there are different types of wood being used to make it. So what would be best?

 

[Bondo]

Re: Plywood replacement

Ayuh,..

As long as you're gonna seal it with Varnish or something,...
Just use Whatever you can find, at the Price you want to pay.....

The strength,+ maintanance of your Finish will determine how Long it'll last....

 

[jpmurphy]

Re: Plywood replacement

I use cabinet grade interior plywood. It's clean, has a good surface and stains out very nicely. My local lumber store upgraded to this type on all interior plywood so I discovered it by accident. The price didn't raise when they changed over. Weatherizing it may be a different story. Seems that as long as you are staining and varnishing it should last for a few years. If you use a wood preservative to seal before staning, I would suggest using a clear color preservative. Otherwise your stain color might be effected.

Just call around and ask. Explain what you are doing and the clerks will be glad to advise you.

Good luck with the seat...

 

[bonz_d]

Re: Plywood replacement

Hi again.

Just got started on this project and am using 5/8" B/C exterior ply sanded on one side as that's the size that was originally used . Picked through it and found what I thought was the best looking pcs.

Cut the 2 half bench seats and the rear deck. The rear deck was originally 3 pcs but I cut it as one piece and radiused the corners for the motor well.

Started with a light maple stain and it looked really nice on the smaller bench parts but looked horrible on the larger rear deck. On the under sides I used up some old "Old Maple" Polyshades that I had left over from something else which is much darker and also looked much better so I tried it on the sanded side and I like it. All will be sealed with a poly spar.

Good thing this whole project isn't costing a lot of money as I've learned alot doing this much and if/when I do this again I will spend more money on a better grade of plywood. Also have an niffty idea I want to try next time but I'm going to leave that as a secret for now but I think it would look excellant, but as a hint it has a classic wood boat look.

Hope to post pic's as it's finished.