18mm Plywood 8x4 Price: Complete Rate Guide 2026

Quick Answer

The 18mm plywood 8x4 price in India typically ranges from ₹1,700 to ₹6,000 per sheet depending on grade, brand, and city. Prices generally range from ₹2,800 to ₹6,000 per sheet for waterproof variants. 18 mm BWR plywood costs around ₹1,800–2,600/sheet while 18 mm BWP marine plywood ranges ₹2,400–4,300/sheet based on brand and warranty.

At a Glance: 18mm Plywood 8x4 Price Highlights

• MR Grade (Commercial): ₹1,700–₹2,800 per sheet (₹55–₹90 per sq ft)
• BWR Grade (Boiling Water Resistant): ₹2,200–₹3,600 per sheet (₹70–₹115 per sq ft)
• BWP/Marine Grade: ₹2,800–₹6,000 per sheet (₹90–₹180+ per sq ft)
• Metro cities typically add 8–15% premium over Tier-2/Tier-3 towns
• Premium branded plywood (Greenply, Century) commands 25–40% higher prices than regional brands
• Always verify ISI certification: IS:303 for MR/BWR, IS:710 for BWP/Marine grade

18mm Plywood 8x4 Price Explained: Understanding Indian Market Rates

The 18mm thickness is the workhorse of Indian furniture manufacturing—used extensively for wardrobe shutters, cabinet carcasses, kitchen bases, and heavy-duty furniture frames. The standard 8x4 feet sheet (approximately 2440mm × 1220mm) covers 32 square feet, making per-square-foot pricing the most practical way to compare across dealers.

Plywood prices from most manufacturers in India range from ₹40 to ₹120 per square foot, depending on the type (commercial, BWR, marine), thickness, and brand. For 18mm specifically, you're looking at the higher end of this spectrum because of increased material usage and processing requirements.

Why 18mm Commands Higher Prices

The price jump from 12mm to 18mm isn't merely proportional to thickness. Manufacturing 18mm plywood requires more veneer layers (typically 9–11 plies versus 7–9 for 12mm), longer pressing times, and more adhesive. Thicker plywood is generally more expensive than thinner ones because it uses more wood, increasing the material cost and the transportation cost.

In practical Indian market terms, you'll find 18mm plywood selling at roughly 30–45% more than 12mm variants of the same grade and brand. This thickness is essential where structural rigidity matters—think wardrobe sides, bed frames, and modular kitchen carcasses that need to handle weight without flexing.

Trade Thickness Confusion: 18mm vs 19mm

A common point of confusion in Indian markets is the interchangeable use of 18mm and 19mm labels. Many dealers quote "19mm" plywood, which is actually closer to 18mm after calibration and sanding. For flooring, a thickness of 3/4 inch (19 mm) is commonly recommended for stability and durability. When purchasing, always measure the actual thickness—nominal 19mm plywood often measures between 17.5mm and 18.5mm post-production. Premium calibrated plywood maintains tighter tolerances, which matters significantly for CNC machining and modular kitchen fabrication.

Types and Grades of 18mm Plywood: What Each Offers

Plywood is one of the top-selling building materials in India. According to the Indian grading system, plywood is classified under 3 categories: moisture resistant/water resistant or MR Grade; boiling water-resistant or BWR Grade plywood; and boiling water-proof grade or BWP Grade plywood.

MR Grade (Commercial Plywood) – IS:303

Also known as commercial plywood, MR plywood means Moisture Resistant plywood. It is given the IS 303 grade. MR ply is recommended to be used on surfaces that don't have any water exposure like Wardrobes, lofts, etc.

Best suited for: Bedroom wardrobes, living room furniture, storage units, TV cabinets, study tables, and any interior application away from moisture sources.

18mm MR Grade 8x4 Price Range: ₹1,700–₹2,800 per sheet

BWR Grade (Boiling Water Resistant) – IS:303

BWR denotes boiling water resistant grade plywood. While BWP stands for boiling water proof grade plywood. BWR plywood employs phenol-formaldehyde resin, which is more powerful than the one employed in MR plywood. This allows it to withstand water for a longer time.

Best suited for: Kitchen cabinets (above counter), semi-outdoor furniture, humid climate regions, bathroom vanities (non-direct water exposure).

18mm BWR Grade 8x4 Price Range: ₹2,200–₹3,600 per sheet

BWP/Marine Grade (Boiling Water Proof) – IS:710

Often referred to as Marine Grade Plywood, BWP is designed for long-term water immersion, making it the strongest and most waterproof grade in the market. It's made using hardwood sheets pressed together with a tough waterproof adhesive (phenol formaldehyde). Because of this, it doesn't swell, peel, or fall apart even if it's exposed to water over time.

Best suited for: Under-sink cabinets, bathroom interiors, kitchen base units, outdoor furniture, coastal region applications, areas with direct water contact.

18mm BWP Grade 8x4 Price Range: ₹2,800–₹6,000 per sheet

Comparison Table: 18mm Plywood 8x4 Prices by Grade and Brand Tier

Grade	ISI Standard	Budget Brand (₹/sheet)	Premium Brand (₹/sheet)	Per Sq Ft Range	Best Application
MR Grade	IS:303	₹1,700–₹2,100	₹2,400–₹2,800	₹55–₹90	Dry interior furniture
BWR Grade	IS:303	₹2,200–₹2,800	₹3,000–₹3,600	₹70–₹115	Kitchen cabinets, humid areas
BWP/Marine	IS:710	₹2,800–₹3,600	₹4,200–₹6,000	₹90–₹180+	Bathrooms, under-sink, coastal
Calibrated BWP	IS:710	₹3,200–₹4,000	₹4,800–₹6,500	₹100–₹200	CNC, modular kitchens
Fire Retardant	IS:5509	₹3,500–₹4,500	₹5,500–₹7,500	₹110–₹230	Commercial, public spaces

Note: Prices are indicative for Tier-1 metro cities as of early 2026. Add 5–10% for remote locations due to transport. Deduct 5–8% for bulk purchases (50+ sheets).

How to Choose the Right 18mm Plywood for Your Project

Selecting 18mm plywood involves more than just comparing prices. The decision framework should consider application environment, load requirements, carpenter skill level, and long-term value.

Decision Framework: Match Grade to Application

BWR is suitable for areas with occasional moisture exposure. Ideal for kitchen cabinets, shelves, and partitions. More affordable than BWP, offering good resistance to water.

BWP is designed for areas with constant exposure to water. Perfect for under-sink cabinets, countertops, and areas near water sources.

Buyer Checklist: Before Purchasing 18mm Plywood

• Verify ISI Mark: Ensure ISI certification: ISI 303 for BWR; ISI 710 for BWP. Check stamp on each sheet, not just invoice.
• Measure Actual Thickness: Carry a vernier caliper—nominal 18mm should measure 17.5mm to 18.5mm.
• Inspect Core Quality: Look for uniform veneer thickness, no voids or gaps between layers.
• Check for Calibration: Essential for CNC work—run your hand across surface for uniformity.
• Request Warranty Documentation: Premium brands offer 15–30 year warranties; insist on written documentation.
• Consider Regional Climate: Coastal or high-humidity environments demand BWP plywood to prevent early damage.
• Factor Transport Costs: Depending on distance from factory and transportation cost, prices of plywood may vary from state to state.

When NOT to Choose 18mm Plywood

Not every application warrants 18mm thickness. Here's when thinner or alternative materials make more sense:

• Back panels and partitions: 6mm plywood suffices for wardrobe backs and light partitions.
• Drawer bottoms: 9mm plywood handles typical drawer loads without adding weight.
• Decorative applications: Where structural load isn't a concern, 12mm often delivers identical aesthetics at lower cost.
• Flat-pack furniture: Consider HDHMR or MDF for cost savings when edges will be fully banded.
• Tight budgets with skilled carpentry: 12mm with proper reinforcement can substitute 18mm in some applications.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying 18mm Plywood

The Indian plywood market has its share of pitfalls that can cost buyers dearly. Here's what experienced industry participants know to avoid:

1. Buying Based on Price Alone

While budget is an essential consideration, choosing plywood solely based on cost can lead to subpar results. Cheaper plywood might not offer the same level of durability, water resistance, or structural integrity as higher-quality options. A ₹500 saving per sheet means nothing when furniture delaminates within 2–3 years.

2. Ignoring ISI Certification

The market today is flooded with plywood options labeled as "waterproof", "BWR", or "BWP" — but not all of them are genuine. Many sellers falsely brand commercial-grade or MR plywood as BWR or BWP to command higher prices.

3. Not Verifying Actual Grade on Sheets

Ensure the ISI number is printed on each sheet, not just mentioned on the invoice. Fake plywood often lacks genuine ISI stamping or displays a wrong code (e.g., MR plywood labeled as BWR but showing ISI:303 MR).

4. Overlooking Core Material Quality

Fake plywood often has mixed cores or air gaps, weakening water resistance. Cut a small piece from the sheet edge and examine veneer uniformity—premium plywood shows consistent layering without voids.

5. Using MR Grade in Moisture-Prone Areas

Indian kitchen conditions are such that you end using lot of water for cleaning cooking etc. Even though sink is away, water will regularly get in touch with shutters etc. Waterproof plywood is recommended for long lasting results.

6. Neglecting Calibration for CNC Work

Opt for calibrated plywood if you're using CNC or precision cutting. Non-calibrated plywood causes uneven laminate adhesion and poor edge-banding results in modular kitchen fabrication.

Quick Inspection Checks at the Dealer

• Weight test: 18mm BWP should feel noticeably heavier than MR of same size—typically 28–35 kg per sheet for quality BWP.
• Tap test: Knock on sheet surface—solid uniform sound indicates good bonding; hollow sounds suggest air pockets.
• Edge inspection: Examine cross-section for uniform veneer thickness and gap-free layering.
• Smell test: BWR/BWP plywood uses Phenol-Formaldehyde (PF) resin. PF resin is dark in color and has a distinct chemical smell.
• Flex test: Slight bend should spring back without cracking sounds.

Price Guide: What Drives 18mm Plywood Costs in India

The cost of plywood depends on factors such as the kind of wood used, whether hardwood or softwood; its thickness; grade; and number of plies.

Key Price Influencers

1. Core Wood Species: Gurjan-faced plywood commands premium pricing—typically 20–35% more than eucalyptus or poplar core alternatives. BWR plywood can also be made in Garjan wood, which is an imported wood. You also have BWR grade plywood made from poplar Indian species wood.

2. Brand Premium: The Century Ply plywood price ranges from Rs. 1300 to Rs. 4200 per sheet. The Greenply plywood price ranges from Rs. 1300 to Rs. 6500 per sheet. National brands justify premiums through consistent quality, warranty backing, and dealer accountability.

3. Regional Factors: Prices can vary according to market demand, supply chain factors, and geography, with urban areas or regions having higher demand and higher prices.

4. Additional Treatments: Additional treatments like fire resistance or waterproofing can also influence the cost. Termite treatment and borer resistance add ₹5–15 per sq ft.

City-Wise Price Variations

City Category	MR 18mm (₹/sheet)	BWR 18mm (₹/sheet)	BWP 18mm (₹/sheet)	Price Index
Metro (Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore)	₹2,000–₹2,800	₹2,600–₹3,600	₹3,200–₹5,500	Base
Tier-1 (Pune, Hyderabad, Chennai)	₹1,900–₹2,600	₹2,400–₹3,400	₹3,000–₹5,200	-5%
Tier-2 (Jaipur, Lucknow, Indore)	₹1,800–₹2,400	₹2,200–₹3,200	₹2,800–₹4,800	-10%
Tier-3 & Rural	₹1,700–₹2,200	₹2,000–₹3,000	₹2,600–₹4,500	-15%
Coastal Regions	₹2,100–₹2,900	₹2,700–₹3,800	₹3,400–₹5,800	+5%

Hidden Costs to Factor

• GST: 18% GST applies on plywood—confirm whether quoted prices are inclusive.
• Transport: ₹50–₹200 per sheet depending on distance and quantity.
• Cutting charges: Some dealers charge ₹10–₹30 per cut for custom sizing.
• Minimum order: Many dealers require minimum 10–20 sheet orders for delivery.

Budget vs Premium: Which 18mm Plywood Makes Sense?

The price gap between budget and premium 18mm plywood can be substantial—often ₹1,500–₹2,500 per sheet. Understanding when this premium is justified helps allocate budgets wisely.

When Premium Plywood Justifies Cost

• Modular kitchen carcasses: Daily moisture exposure, heavy loads, and 10+ year lifespan expectations demand premium BWP.
• Bathroom furniture: Constant humidity makes inferior plywood a false economy.
• Rental property investments: Lower maintenance and replacement costs over time.
• Coastal and high-humidity regions: Standard plywood degrades faster in Chennai, Mumbai, Kerala climates.
• CNC-fabricated furniture: Calibrated premium plywood ensures precision fits and quality edge-banding.

When Budget Plywood Works Fine

• Dry storage units: Lofts, store rooms, and attic furniture in dry regions.
• Temporary installations: Rental homes with short-term occupancy plans.
• Non-visible structural elements: Internal frames that will be covered.
• Guest bedrooms with minimal use: Lower wear justifies value-engineering.

5-Year Cost Analysis

Consider a modular kitchen using 20 sheets of 18mm plywood:

Scenario	Initial Cost	Repairs (5 yrs)	Replacement Risk	Total 5-Year Cost
Budget MR (₹1,800/sheet)	₹36,000	₹8,000–₹15,000	High (30%)	₹44,000–₹65,000
Mid-tier BWR (₹2,800/sheet)	₹56,000	₹3,000–₹6,000	Medium (10%)	₹59,000–₹68,000
Premium BWP (₹4,500/sheet)	₹90,000	₹0–₹2,000	Low (2%)	₹90,000–₹95,000

The initial premium for quality plywood often pays for itself through reduced maintenance and longer lifespan—particularly in moisture-prone areas.

Carpenter's Perspective: Working with 18mm Plywood

Experienced carpenters in India have distinct preferences when it comes to 18mm plywood. Their insights offer practical wisdom beyond specification sheets.

Workability Considerations

Cutting and Machining: Quality 18mm plywood cuts cleanly with minimal tear-out. Inferior sheets splinter at edges, requiring additional finishing time. Premium calibrated sheets reduce blade wear and produce consistent results on CNC machines.

Screw Holding: 18mm provides superior structural support with 250-400kg distributed load capacity. This is the professional installer standard. Edge-screw retention is significantly better in hardwood-core plywood versus softwood alternatives.

Edge-Banding Success: Non-calibrated plywood creates uneven surfaces that lead to edge-band adhesion failures. For modular kitchen work, carpenters strongly prefer factory-calibrated sheets even at 10–15% premium pricing.

Common Carpenter Complaints

• Thickness inconsistency: Nominal 18mm varying between 17mm and 19mm across the same batch creates alignment headaches.
• Core voids: Hidden gaps cause screws to strip and hinges to loosen over time.
• Surface quality: Rough faces require extensive sanding before lamination.
• Warping: Improperly stored or poorly manufactured sheets bow after cutting, causing fit issues.

Regional Considerations for 18mm Plywood Selection

Coastal Regions (Mumbai, Chennai, Kerala, Goa)

High humidity (75–95% year-round) and salt-air exposure demand BWP grade as minimum specification. Bangalore's humid climate, with moderate moisture levels year-round and 75-85% humidity during monsoon (June-September), makes plywood grade selection crucial. Coastal regions experience even higher humidity, making BWP essential rather than optional.

Northern Plains (Delhi, UP, Punjab, Rajasthan)

Extreme temperature variations (5°C winter to 45°C+ summer) stress plywood bonding. MR grade works for most applications, but kitchen areas still benefit from BWR minimum. Dry winter months allow MR plywood to perform adequately in bedroom furniture.

Southern Plateau (Bangalore, Hyderabad)

For bedrooms in Bangalore, Century Sainik MR 303 or Greenply Ecotec MR 303 is recommended (18mm for doors, 12mm for shelves). Bedrooms maintain 50-65% humidity year-round in Bangalore. Cost for 8ft × 4ft: Rs. 1,190 - Rs. 1,378 per sheet.

Eastern India (Kolkata, Odisha, NE States)

Monsoon-heavy regions with 4–5 months of high rainfall require BWR grade minimum for all kitchen applications. Termite risk is elevated—ensure borer treatment is verified regardless of grade chosen.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full form of BWR and BWP plywood?

BWR denotes boiling water resistant grade plywood. While BWP stands for boiling water proof grade plywood. BWR is certified under IS:303 standard, while BWP (also called Marine grade) falls under IS:710 certification. The glue used to manufacture each of these is synthetic plastic resin i.e. phenol formaldehyde which is said to be better than urea formaldehyde resin used to make MR grade commercial plywood. The key practical difference is that BWP can withstand continuous water exposure, while BWR handles intermittent moisture contact.

Which is better for kitchen: BWR or BWP plywood?

When comparing BWP vs BWR for kitchen applications, BWP plywood tends to be the better option. Kitchens are exposed to high humidity, moisture from cooking, and occasional spills. For general kitchen cabinets away from direct water sources, BWR provides adequate protection at lower cost. However, for under-sink areas, countertop supports, and base units near the floor, BWP is the prudent choice. Use BWR if your project (e.g., kitchen shutters) isn't exposed to direct water. Choose Marine BWP for wet areas like bathroom under-sinks, outdoor cabinetry, or utility areas where water exposure is consistent.

What is the 18mm plywood 8x4 price for branded plywood in India?

Branded 18mm plywood from national manufacturers like Century and Greenply ranges considerably based on grade. For MR grade from Century Sainik or Greenply Ecotec, the cost for 8ft × 4ft is Rs. 1,190 - Rs. 1,378 per sheet. For BWP grade like Century Sainik 710 or Greenply Ecotec 710, the cost for 8ft × 4ft is Rs. 1,402 - Rs. 1,602 per sheet. Premium variants like Century Club Prime or Greenply Gold command higher pricing. These figures represent Bangalore dealer rates—expect 5–15% variation across different Indian cities.

How to check quality of 18mm plywood before buying?

Start by verifying the ISI mark printed directly on the sheet—not just mentioned in invoices. BWR (Boiling Water Resistant) plywood is manufactured using phenol-formaldehyde resin, giving it the ability to resist boiling water for up to 8 hours. Request a small piece for the boiling water test if purchasing in bulk. Physically inspect the sheet edges for uniform veneer layering without gaps or voids. BWP plywood feels heavier and stiffer due to its denser construction. Quality 18mm BWP should weigh 28–35 kg per 8x4 sheet. Always purchase from authorized dealers who provide warranty documentation.

Is 18mm plywood good for wardrobe construction?

Yes, 18mm is the industry-standard thickness for wardrobe carcass construction in India. 18mm is best for wardrobe doors, structural supports, and load-bearing furniture. It supports 250-400kg distributed load, making it the professional installer standard. For bedrooms with controlled humidity, MR grade suffices. However, wardrobes in coastal areas, bathrooms attached to bedrooms, or houses without air conditioning benefit from BWR grade selection. The thickness provides adequate screw-holding strength for heavy-duty hinges and handles without flex under load.

What causes price difference between local and branded plywood?

Higher grades (A, AA and B) costs more than lower grades (C and D). The reason is that higher-grade plywoods have fewer defects, more strength, durability and a uniform finish which might be lacking in lower-grade ones. Branded manufacturers invest in consistent quality control, use better adhesives, employ precise calibration equipment, and provide warranty backing. Higher prices are charged by premium brands like Greenply, Century, etc. Various local plywood manufacturers also sell plywood which are branded in various different names. Local brands may offer acceptable quality for low-stress applications but lack consistency batch-to-batch.

Can 18mm MR plywood be used in bathrooms?

MR (Moisture Resistant) grade plywood is not recommended for bathroom applications under any circumstances. Kitchen & Bathroom always use Waterproof plywood, rest can be commercial plywood. Bathrooms experience 85–95% humidity during and after showers, along with direct water splashes. For bathrooms, Century Club Prime BWP or Greenply Gold 710 BWP is recommended because bathroom humidity reaches 95%+ during/after showers. Cost for 8ft × 4ft is Rs. 1,975 - Rs. 2,252 per sheet. Using MR grade in bathrooms typically results in swelling, delamination, and fungal growth within 1–3 years.

How many square feet does an 8x4 plywood sheet cover?

An 8×4 sheet covers 32 sq. ft, so price per sheet = price/sq. ft × 32. When calculating project requirements, factor approximately 10–15% wastage for cuts and fitting. For example: ₹120 × 32 = ₹3,840 per sheet. This calculation helps compare per-square-foot dealer quotes with per-sheet pricing. For modular kitchen estimating, experienced fabricators typically calculate 40–50 sq ft of 18mm plywood per linear foot of kitchen—accounting for carcass, shelves, and drawer boxes.

Disclaimer: This content is provided for general informational purposes based on industry practices and publicly available information. Product specifications, standards, prices, and availability may vary by manufacturer, region, and time. Readers should independently verify details with manufacturers, dealers, or qualified professionals before making purchase or construction decisions.