Sharon Plywood: Complete Brand Review & Product Guide

Quick Answer

Sharon Plywood is a Chennai-based plywood manufacturer established in 1987, recognized for its BWP (Boiling Water Proof) grade products and proprietary technologies like Kyoto Pro-Tech termite treatment and VIRASAFE antiviral surface treatment. The brand holds IS:710 certification and offers products ranging from premium fire-retardant plywood to budget-friendly MR grade options, with primary market strength in South India.

• Established: 1987 in Gummidipoondi, near Chennai, Tamil Nadu
• Key Products: Sharon Platinum Ply (fire-retardant), Sharon Gold (marine grade), Sovereign range (value segment)
• Certifications: IS:710 (BWP), IS:5509 (Fire Retardant), ISO 9001, FSC Chain of Custody, CARB certified
• Warranty: Lifetime warranty on Platinum range, 30-year termite warranty on Gold, 5-year on Sovereign
• Market Position: Strong in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Karnataka; expanding nationally
• Price Segment: Mid-premium positioning with budget options available

Sharon Plywood Brand Overview and History

Sharon Plywood operates from its manufacturing facility in Gummidipoondi, approximately 50 kilometers north of Chennai. The company has built its reputation primarily in the South Indian market over nearly four decades, positioning itself as a technology-driven manufacturer in an industry often characterized by conventional production methods.

The brand's historical trajectory includes several notable developments. In 1994, Sharon became one of the few Indian plywood manufacturers to adopt preservative treatment technology from Kyoto University, Japan—a partnership that continues to define their termite-resistant product claims. The company was among early Indian plywood makers to receive ISO 9002 certification and later achieved ISO 14001 for environmental management systems.

Manufacturing Infrastructure

The Gummidipoondi facility represents a significant investment in production technology. The plant utilizes quadruple press technology—pressing each plywood sheet four times during manufacturing—which the company claims improves uniformity and bonding strength. A core composer system creates single-sheet cross cores, theoretically reducing internal voids and improving structural integrity.

The facility includes a 1056 KV solar power installation, reflecting contemporary environmental compliance expectations. For Indian buyers, this green certification matters increasingly for projects seeking IGBC (Indian Green Building Council) ratings.

Market Position in India

In practical Indian market terms, Sharon occupies a mid-premium position. The brand competes with Century, Greenply, and Kitply in the organized sector while facing pressure from regional manufacturers in price-sensitive segments. Dealer networks are densest in Tamil Nadu, Kerala, and Karnataka, with expanding presence in Andhra Pradesh and Telangana. North Indian availability varies significantly by city tier—metro markets typically stock Sharon products, while Tier-2 and Tier-3 cities may require special orders.

Sharon Plywood Product Range and Grades

Sharon's product portfolio spans multiple grades and applications, from premium fire-retardant options to budget-oriented MR plywood. Understanding this hierarchy helps buyers select appropriately for their specific use cases and budget constraints.

Sharon Platinum Ply (Premium Segment)

Positioned as the flagship product, Sharon Platinum Ply combines BWP grade construction with fire-retardant properties. The product carries IS:710 certification for boiling water resistance and IS:5509 compliance for fire retardancy. Technical specifications indicate density around 750 kg/m³, which is notably higher than standard commercial plywood (typically 500-650 kg/m³).

Key claimed features include:

• VIRASAFE antiviral surface treatment
• FIRESAVE fire-retardant technology
• E0 emission compliance (CARB certified)
• Lifetime warranty with 4x money-back promise
• Calibrated thickness for uniform panel dimensions

Sharon Gold Marine Plywood

The Gold range represents Sharon's standard BWP offering without fire-retardant properties. At approximately 700 kg/m³ density, it sits slightly below Platinum but above most commercial alternatives. This grade suits kitchen cabinets, bathroom vanities, and areas with high moisture exposure where fire resistance is not mandatory.

Sovereign Range (Value Segment)

Sharon addresses the budget-conscious market through two Sovereign variants:

Sovereign 710: BWP grade waterproof plywood using Kyoto Pro-Tech treatment, targeting price-sensitive buyers who still require genuine water resistance. Suitable for modular kitchens in budget projects.

Sovereign MR: Moisture-resistant plywood for interior applications with minimal water exposure. At approximately 500 kg/m³ density, this product competes in the commercial plywood segment against local and regional brands. The 5-year termite warranty reflects its positioning as an economical interior solution.

Block Boards and Specialty Products

Sharon manufactures block boards in BWP grade, flush doors, film-faced shuttering plywood, and particle boards. The company also offers pre-laminated boards and veneer products, though plywood remains the primary focus.

Sharon Plywood Technical Specifications Comparison

Understanding technical specifications helps buyers evaluate Sharon products against alternatives and verify whether delivered products match claimed standards. The following comparison covers key mechanical properties across Sharon's main plywood grades.

Parameter	Sharon Platinum	Sharon Gold	Sovereign 710	Sovereign MR
Grade	BWP + Fire Retardant	BWP (IS:710)	BWP (IS:710)	MR (IS:303)
Density (kg/m³)	~750	~700	~600-650	~500
MoE Along Grain (N/mm²)	Above 8000	Above 7500	~6000	Above 4000
MoR Along Grain (N/mm²)	Above 60	Above 50	~45	Above 35
Nail Holding (N)	Above 1500	Above 1500	~1200	Above 700
Screw Holding (N)	Above 2750	Above 2750	~2200	Above 1600
Water Absorption	Less than 5%	Less than 5%	Less than 8%	Less than 10%
Termite Warranty	Lifetime	30 Years	15 Years	5 Years

Interpreting Technical Claims

The Modulus of Elasticity (MoE) and Modulus of Rupture (MoR) values indicate stiffness and breaking strength respectively. Sharon's claimed MoE of 8000+ N/mm² for Platinum grade exceeds IS:710 minimum requirements significantly, suggesting genuinely premium construction if verified on actual delivered sheets.

For practical carpentry applications, screw holding strength matters more than most buyers realize. Values above 2500N indicate suitability for heavy-duty applications like modular kitchen carcasses where hardware mounting creates sustained stress on the substrate.

How to Choose the Right Sharon Plywood Product

Selecting the appropriate Sharon product requires matching application requirements with product capabilities while considering budget constraints. The following framework simplifies this decision process for common Indian residential and commercial scenarios.

Application-Based Selection Guide

Kitchen Cabinets (Modular): Sharon Gold or Sovereign 710 for carcass construction. The BWP grade handles sink area moisture and cooking steam. For premium kitchens with extended warranty expectations, Sharon Platinum offers additional peace of mind, though the fire-retardant feature provides limited practical benefit in typical kitchen scenarios.

Bathroom Vanities and Storage: Exclusively use BWP grade—Sharon Gold minimum. The 72-hour boiling test compliance matters here, as bathroom environments create sustained moisture exposure that destroys MR grade plywood within 2-3 years.

Bedroom Wardrobes: Sovereign MR suffices for interior locations away from external walls. However, in coastal cities or regions with 80%+ humidity during monsoon, upgrading to Sovereign 710 prevents long-term delamination issues.

Commercial Interiors: For offices, retail spaces, and hospitality projects, Sharon Platinum's fire-retardant certification may satisfy building code requirements. Verify local fire safety regulations before specifying.

Buyer Checklist Before Purchase

• Verify ISI mark stamping on actual sheets (not just on marketing material)
• Check manufacture date—plywood over 6 months old may have absorbed ambient moisture
• Inspect edges for core gaps, overlaps, or visible voids
• Request test certificates for bulk orders (dealers should provide these)
• Confirm warranty registration process with dealer
• Compare quoted thickness with actual measured thickness (18mm commercial often measures 17-17.5mm)
• For fire-retardant claims, request IS:5509 certificate copy

When NOT to Choose Sharon Plywood

Sharon may not be the optimal choice in certain scenarios:

Extreme budget constraints: If project economics demand the lowest possible material cost, regional manufacturers often offer comparable MR grade plywood at 15-25% lower prices. The Sharon premium makes sense only when warranty support or certification compliance matters.

Remote locations: In areas where Sharon dealers are absent, warranty claims become impractical. A well-supported regional brand may serve better than a premium brand with distant service infrastructure.

Marine and fully submerged applications: Despite BWP certification, no plywood suits permanent underwater or marine hull applications. Specify marine-grade alternatives for boat-building or similar scenarios.

Sharon Plywood Price Guide for India

Plywood pricing in India varies significantly based on thickness, grade, city, and dealer relationships. The following ranges represent typical retail prices—bulk buyers and contractors typically negotiate 10-20% below these figures.

Product	Thickness	Price Range (₹/sq ft)	Price Range (₹/8x4 sheet)	Best For
Sharon Platinum	19mm	₹95-120	₹3,040-3,840	Premium residential, fire-rated projects
Sharon Platinum	12mm	₹65-85	₹2,080-2,720	Partitions, backing panels
Sharon Gold	19mm	₹75-95	₹2,400-3,040	Kitchens, bathrooms
Sharon Gold	12mm	₹50-65	₹1,600-2,080	Wardrobe backs, lighter applications
Sovereign 710	19mm	₹55-70	₹1,760-2,240	Budget kitchens, value projects
Sovereign MR	19mm	₹40-55	₹1,280-1,760	Dry interior furniture

Price Variation Factors

Geography: Chennai and South Indian cities typically offer Sharon products at 5-10% below North Indian prices due to proximity to manufacturing. Transport costs add ₹50-150 per sheet in distant markets.

Thickness reality: Trade sizes often differ from nominal dimensions. An "18mm" sheet commonly measures 17-17.5mm actual thickness. Sharon's calibrated products claim tighter tolerances, but physical verification remains advisable.

GST impact: Plywood attracts 18% GST. Ensure quoted prices clarify tax inclusion. Some dealers quote pre-GST prices, creating apparent bargains that disappear at billing.

Seasonal variation: Pre-monsoon and festive season demand (August-November) can inflate prices 5-8% above lean period levels.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Buying Sharon Plywood

Even quality plywood fails when improperly specified, stored, or installed. The following mistakes commonly undermine Sharon plywood performance, regardless of grade selection.

Specification Errors

Using MR grade in moisture-prone areas: The most frequent mistake involves installing Sovereign MR in kitchen sink cabinets or bathroom storage. Within 18-24 months, delamination begins at edges, progressing inward. The cost difference between MR and BWP (typically ₹15-25/sq ft) represents false economy when replacement labor and material costs are considered.

Ignoring core quality: Face veneers can mask inferior cores. Some buyers focus solely on surface finish while accepting sheets with visible core gaps or inconsistent density. Sharon's composed core technology theoretically addresses this, but individual sheet inspection remains necessary.

Storage and Handling Failures

Storing flat without support: Plywood sheets stored flat without adequate support develop permanent sag. Store vertically or on closely spaced bearers. This applies regardless of brand quality.

Site moisture exposure: Leaving plywood sheets at construction sites without protection—especially during monsoon—introduces moisture that causes warping before installation. Even BWP grade plywood absorbs atmospheric moisture that later releases, causing dimensional changes.

Quick Inspection Checks

• Edge inspection: Run fingers along all four edges feeling for core gaps or delamination
• Sight along length: Hold sheet at eye level to detect warping or bowing
• Tap test: Knock on face at multiple points—consistent sound indicates uniform density; hollow sounds suggest voids
• Weight comparison: Lift sheets of same dimension—significantly lighter sheets may have inferior cores
• Stamp verification: Check ISI stamp details including license number, grade marking, and manufacturer identification

Installation Mistakes

Inadequate edge sealing: Exposed plywood edges absorb moisture faster than faces. Seal all edges with appropriate sealers or edge banding, particularly for BWP grade used in wet areas. This protection extends even premium plywood lifespan significantly.

Improper hardware selection: Using hardware designed for solid wood in plywood creates failure points. Confirm fasteners are rated for engineered wood applications, and pre-drill pilot holes to prevent splitting.

Sharon Plywood vs Other Major Brands

Indian buyers often compare Sharon against national competitors. This analysis provides an objective framework for such comparisons, acknowledging that direct quality comparisons depend heavily on specific product variants and individual manufacturing batches.

Parameter	Sharon	Century	Greenply	Kitply
Headquarters	Chennai	Kolkata	Delhi NCR	Bangalore
Primary Markets	South India	East & North India	Pan-India	South & West India
Premium BWP Range	Sharon Platinum	Century Club Prime	Green Club	Kitply Gold
Fire Retardant Option	Yes (IS:5509)	Yes	Yes	Limited
Termite Technology	Kyoto Pro-Tech	ViroKill/Sainik Tech	Zero Emission+	Terminator Tech
E0 Emission Options	Yes (CARB)	Yes	Yes	Limited
Dealer Network	Strong South	Strong East/North	Widest national	Strong South/West
Price Positioning	Mid-Premium	Premium	Premium	Mid-Premium

Practical Comparison Considerations

Brand selection often depends less on objective quality differences and more on practical factors like local dealer reliability, warranty claim experience, and carpenter familiarity. A theoretically superior brand with poor local support serves buyers worse than a competent regional alternative with responsive service.

Sharon's strength lies in South Indian markets where dealer networks provide genuine support. Century and Greenply offer stronger infrastructure in North and East India respectively. For projects in these regions, the marginal quality differences between premium products matter less than after-sales support accessibility.

Regional Considerations for Sharon Plywood

India's diverse climate zones create different performance demands on plywood. Sharon's suitability varies by region based on humidity levels, termite prevalence, and local market conditions.

Coastal and High-Humidity Regions

Chennai, Mumbai, Kerala coast, and similar humid regions demand strict adherence to BWP grade for any application beyond temporary furniture. Sharon Gold or Platinum suits these environments, though the VIRASAFE surface treatment provides limited practical benefit compared to proper grade selection.

Monsoon considerations remain critical—even BWP plywood should not be installed during active monsoon without controlled site conditions. The higher density of Sharon Platinum (750 kg/m³) provides marginally better dimensional stability under humidity fluctuations compared to standard alternatives.

Dry Interior Regions

Rajasthan, interior Maharashtra, and similar low-humidity zones present different challenges. Here, MR grade plywood performs adequately for most interior applications. However, termite risk remains significant. Sharon's Kyoto Pro-Tech treatment claims 30-year protection, making it relevant regardless of moisture considerations.

Availability Challenges

Outside South India, Sharon availability becomes inconsistent. Metro cities typically stock Gold and Platinum grades, but Sovereign variants may require advance ordering. Budget-conscious projects in North India often find better value with locally strong brands rather than paying premium pricing plus transport costs for Sharon products.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the full form of BWP in Sharon plywood?

BWP stands for Boiling Water Proof, indicating plywood manufactured according to IS:710 standards. Sharon's Gold and Platinum ranges carry BWP certification, meaning the adhesive bond survives 72-hour boiling water immersion tests without delamination. This grade suits kitchens, bathrooms, and areas with direct water contact. BWP differs fundamentally from MR (Moisture Resistant) grade, which only tolerates humidity, not water immersion. When purchasing, verify the ISI mark specifically mentions IS:710 to confirm genuine BWP compliance.

Is Sharon plywood good for modular kitchens?

Sharon Gold and Sovereign 710 both suit modular kitchen carcass construction due to their BWP grade certification. The higher screw holding strength (2750N+ for Gold grade) supports hardware-intensive modular designs with hinges, drawer runners, and lift mechanisms. For premium kitchens, Sharon Platinum offers fire-retardant properties as an additional safety feature, though this adds cost without significant practical kitchen benefit. Ensure edge banding on all exposed edges regardless of grade selection, as even BWP plywood absorbs moisture through unsealed edges over time.

Which is better: Sharon Platinum or Sharon Gold?

The choice depends on specific requirements rather than absolute quality hierarchy. Sharon Platinum adds fire-retardant certification (IS:5509), higher density (750 vs 700 kg/m³), and lifetime warranty compared to Gold's 30-year coverage. For residential kitchens and bathrooms where fire certification is unnecessary, Gold provides equivalent water resistance at lower cost. Choose Platinum when fire safety compliance matters—commercial projects, high-rise buildings with fire code requirements, or projects seeking premium positioning. For standard residential applications, Gold delivers optimal value without compromising essential performance.

What is the price of Sharon plywood 19mm?

Sharon 19mm plywood prices in India typically range from ₹40-120 per square foot depending on grade and location. Sovereign MR (19mm) retails around ₹40-55/sq ft, Sovereign 710 at ₹55-70/sq ft, Sharon Gold at ₹75-95/sq ft, and Sharon Platinum at ₹95-120/sq ft. These represent retail prices in South Indian markets—North Indian prices run 5-15% higher due to transport costs. Bulk purchases (50+ sheets) typically attract 10-20% discounts. Always confirm whether quoted prices include 18% GST, as some dealers quote exclusive rates.

How to check Sharon plywood quality at dealer shop?

Start by verifying the ISI stamp on sheet edges—it should display the IS standard number (710 for BWP, 303 for MR), manufacturer license number, and grade marking. Physically inspect by running hands along edges to detect delamination or core gaps. Sight along the sheet length at eye level to spot warping. Tap multiple points on the face—consistent sound indicates uniform density while hollow areas suggest voids. Compare weight between same-size sheets; significantly lighter ones may have inferior cores. Request the manufacturing date stamp and avoid sheets older than 6 months.

Is Sharon plywood termite proof?

Sharon claims termite resistance through Kyoto Pro-Tech technology, a preservative treatment developed with Kyoto University, Japan. Platinum grade carries lifetime termite warranty, Gold offers 30-year coverage, Sovereign 710 provides 15 years, and Sovereign MR includes 5-year protection. However, "termite proof" requires context—the treatment protects the plywood itself from termite damage but doesn't prevent termites from infesting surrounding untreated wood. In high termite-risk areas, combine treated plywood with proper site treatment and periodic inspection for comprehensive protection.

Where is Sharon plywood manufactured in India?

Sharon Plywood manufactures at its facility in Gummidipoondi, approximately 50 kilometers north of Chennai in Tamil Nadu. The company established this plant in 1987 and has progressively upgraded manufacturing technology including quadruple press systems, core composers, and a 1056 KV solar power installation. This single-location manufacturing means all Sharon products share consistent production standards, though it also explains stronger availability in South India compared to distant markets where transport adds cost and delivery time.

Can Sharon MR plywood be used in bathrooms?

No, Sovereign MR should never be used in bathrooms. MR (Moisture Resistant) grade plywood only tolerates humidity, not water contact or sustained moisture exposure. Bathroom environments with splashing water, steam, and high humidity will cause MR plywood to swell, delaminate, and fail within 18-24 months. For bathroom applications, always specify BWP grade—Sharon Gold, Sovereign 710, or Sharon Platinum. The additional cost of BWP grade (typically ₹15-25/sq ft more than MR) prevents costly replacement of failed cabinetry and water damage to surrounding areas.

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.