Smith&Fong is a California based design and manufacturing company and has been committed to the environment and sustainability for over 30 years.

How is Plyboo Environmentally Sound?

• Sustainable Resource: Bamboo is a rapidly renewable resource. It can grow up to 1 foot per day and reaches maturity in 5 years, unlike hardwood trees, which can take decades to mature. This makes bamboo the most sustainable option for manufacturing wood-type materials.
• Low Environmental Impact: Bamboo requires very little water, and can be grown without pesticides or chemical fertilizers, reducing the environmental footprint of its cultivation. Additionally, it regenerates itself after being harvested, reducing the need for replanting.
• Carbon Sequestration: Because of its rapid growth rate, bamboo absorbs a significant amount of carbon dioxide during growth, helping to reduce greenhouse gases in the atmosphere. It also releases more oxygen compared to trees of a similar size.
• Durability and Longevity: Plyboo® bamboo plywood is strong, durable and is more compression resistant than concrete. This strength means products made from bamboo tend to last longer, reducing the need for replacements and, therefore, less resource consumption over time.
• Biodegradable: At the end of its lifecycle, Plyboo® bamboo plywood is biodegradable and can decompose naturally, unlike synthetic materials that take centuries to break down – if they ever break down – or require intensive processing to be reused in other forms.
• Less Deforestation: By using bamboo instead of traditional hardwoods, the demand for other forestry products decreases, which can help reduce deforestation and the destruction of natural ecosystems.

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Receipt and Preparation:

All product should be inspected upon arrival to confirm the condition of the material, that there is no freight damage and that the product conforms to the order. Bamboo will naturally vary in color and this is to be expected. For this reason, all panels to be used should be color paired for best effect. If panels are to be stored prior to working, leave the panels in their protective packaging and stack horizontally. Prior to fabrication, sheets should be checked for moisture. If the panels need to be acclimated, un-bag and stack horizontally with spacers to allow proper air circulation to occur. Consider the relative humidity (RH) and temperature of the final installation site to establish the appropriate moisture level of the panel prior to working, sealing and finishing.

Construction of Plyboo: Three variations

Three-Ply Construction:
The most common is our three-ply construction that has been in use since 1996. This construction employs a perpendicular core running the width of the panel. The core is constructed of multiple strips of bamboo. These strips are laminated into a single-piece core board. The surface plies are assembled in a similar fashion and laminated to top and bottom with grain running the length of the panel to complete the three-ply construction.

Linear Constructions:
Linearly laminated panels come in two types: edge-grain “single-ply” lamination and a four-ply linear lamination where in both constructions all the strips are running the length of the panel with no inner cross-ply core.

Edge Linear Construction:
With the edge-grain construction, and working with a strip that is ¼” thick (edge) and ¾” wide (face), multiple strips are laminated face to face, (the ¾ face) so that when fully laminated the surface expresses the ¼” edge-grain of the bamboo strip giving it a distinctive linear look.

Flat Linear Construction:
The linear 4-ply lamination method employs the same dimension of strip as above but is laminated edge-to-edge exposing the ¾ face of the strip in a 4×8 panel. These 4×8 panels are then laminated ply upon ply in a linear, not perpendicular fashion, to create this look and design.

General Rules of Usage:
The three-ply construction, like all cross-ply constructions, are designed for greater stability. The three-ply construction is also the most popular for its versatility of application. Uses for this panel include, cabinetry, shelving, store fixtures, furniture and wall panel systems. The linear laminated products will work much like a solid stock lumber product. These sheets are best ripped down to narrower widths and used for furniture stock, exposed frame cabinet door construction or construction systems that allow the material to be well fastened and supported. *As these sheets do not have a cross-ply core this product is not recommend for European-style single-piece cabinet doors. If you have further questions about a specific use or application for Plyboo plywood, please feel free to contact our technical support department.

Moisture and Humidity:
Plyboo panels are manufactured to an average moisture content of 6 to 9%. However, due to environmental conditions, the product you receive may vary. It is recommended that before working a panel that a moisture reading be taken. If acclimation is necessary this should be performed prior to working the material and should take into consideration the environment and the application at the final installation point. Plyboo bamboo panels, like wood products, will expand and contract with changes in relative humidity (RH). The greater the seasonal change, the greater the potential for movement. For best performance, a temperature range of 45–75 degrees Fahrenheit, and a relative humidity of 35–65%, should be maintained throughout the year. In areas with a wide seasonal variation in RH and temperature, every effort should be taken to adhere to the recommend ranges. Exceeding these ranges can result in unwanted movement and including checking, cracking and warping in some cases. For further information on relative humidity, moisture and wood, please refer to the AWI Architectural Woodwork Standards – First Edition, October 1, 2009, appendix B, page 453. Note AWI recommends an RH range of 25-55% for wood products where Smith & Fong recommends a range of 35% to 65% for bamboo.

Fabricating with Plyboo Plywood:

Tools:
Plyboo panels can be worked like a wood product using the same techniques and equipment including hand and shop tools as well as CNC machinery. If you are working the material in a way that you are uncertain with, first test the method to confirm that the method and the material are compatible. If you have questions, please contact our technical support department.

Fasteners and Adhesives:
Plyboo panels work well with most methods of fastening. This includes, joinery, screws, brad nailing and clamp and glue methods. Please note however that due to bamboos’ greater hardness and less give that screws should be pre-drilled and that hammer and nail should be avoided. All wood glue types are acceptable for use with Plyboo.

Sanding:
Plyboo panels can be sanded like a wood product using the same materials and equipment including standard sandpaper, hand sanders and shop or industrial sanding equipment.

Finishing:
Plyboo can be finished using conventional methods and materials that include hand-rubbed, spray, brush, dip applied or industrial roll or flow coating equipment with a UV cure system. All standard finishes ordinarily work well, but you should always check for compatibility, including by testing the finish on a sample piece.

Because Smith & Fong cannot test the compatibility of every finish system available on the market, the ultimate responsibility for finish compatibility rests with the user. When applying a wax finish it is recommended to first apply a hard-drying seal coat.

Additional Notes
Plyboo plywood is designed for interior use only. Plyboo plywood is not a structurally rated sheet good. Smith & Fong cannot take responsibility for inappropriat applications or environmental conditions. If you have further questions about a product or specific application, please feel free to contact us for further information.

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