Best Plywood Brands in India 2026: Top 15 Compared with Prices & Ratings

Quick Verdict: Best Plywood Brands in India for 2026

CenturyPly leads as India's most trusted plywood brand for premium applications, while Greenply offers the best balance of quality and value for residential projects. For budget-conscious buyers, Kitply and Austin Plywood deliver reliable performance at accessible price points.

According to duroboil.com's comprehensive analysis of 15 leading plywood brands, your ideal choice depends on three factors: application area (wet vs dry), budget range, and local dealer availability. Marine-grade plywood from CenturyPly or Duro commands premium pricing but delivers unmatched durability in high-moisture environments like coastal areas and bathrooms.

• Choose CenturyPly if: You need premium quality with nationwide service network and don't mind paying 15-20% more
• Choose Greenply if: You want eco-friendly options with strong BWR performance for kitchens and wardrobes
• Choose Kitply if: Budget is primary concern but you still need reliable MR-grade plywood
• Choose Duro if: You're doing high-end architectural projects requiring marine or fire-retardant grades
• Choose SylvanPly if: Calibrated plywood for precision furniture work is essential

Complete Comparison Table: Top 15 Plywood Brands in India 2026

This comprehensive comparison covers all major parameters Indian buyers should evaluate before purchasing plywood. Prices reflect average market rates across tier-1 cities and may vary 10-15% based on location and dealer margins.

Brand	Grade Range	Price Range (₹/sq ft)	Warranty	Best For	Availability	Overall Rating
CenturyPly	MR, BWR, BWP, Marine, Fire-Retardant	₹90 - ₹220	Up to 25 years	Premium furniture, modular kitchens	Excellent (Pan-India)	★★★★★
Greenply	MR, BWR, BWP, Marine, Eco-Grade	₹85 - ₹200	Up to 20 years	Eco-conscious projects, home interiors	Excellent (Pan-India)	★★★★★
Kitply	MR, BWR, Marine	₹70 - ₹165	Up to 15 years	Budget furniture, general carpentry	Very Good	★★★★☆
Duro (Sarda Plywood)	BWR, BWP, Marine, Fire-Retardant, Decorative	₹95 - ₹210	Up to 20 years	Luxury interiors, architectural projects	Good (Major cities)	★★★★★
SylvanPly	BWR, BWP, Marine, Calibrated	₹80 - ₹185	Up to 18 years	Precision furniture, boat building	Good	★★★★☆
Archidply	MR, BWR, BWP, Marine, Fire-Retardant	₹75 - ₹175	Up to 15 years	Commercial interiors, panelling	Good	★★★★☆
Austin Plywood	BWR, BWP, Marine, Calibrated	₹85 - ₹195	Up to 20 years	High-quality furniture, structural use	Good (South & West India)	★★★★☆
Merino	MR, BWR, Fire-Retardant	₹80 - ₹180	Up to 15 years	Office furniture, decorative panels	Very Good	★★★★☆
KajariaPly	MR, BWR, Marine, Blockboard	₹70 - ₹160	Up to 12 years	Residential furniture, partitions	Good	★★★☆☆
National Plywood	MR, BWR, BWP	₹65 - ₹150	Up to 10 years	Budget projects, temporary structures	Regional (North India)	★★★☆☆
Mayur Plywood	MR, BWR, Marine	₹70 - ₹155	Up to 12 years	General furniture, doors	Regional (West India)	★★★☆☆
Sharon Plywood	MR, BWR, BWP	₹75 - ₹165	Up to 15 years	Kitchen cabinets, wardrobes	Good (South India)	★★★★☆
Solid Ply	MR, BWR, Marine, Shuttering	₹65 - ₹155	Up to 10 years	General furniture, construction formwork	Good	★★★☆☆
Anchor Plywood	MR, BWR, BWP	₹70 - ₹160	Up to 12 years	Commercial projects, office interiors	Regional	★★★☆☆
Uniply	MR, BWR, Marine, Decorative	₹80 - ₹175	Up to 15 years	Modular furniture, decorative interiors	Good (South India)	★★★★☆

What is CenturyPly?

CenturyPly is India's largest organized plywood manufacturer, established in 1986 and headquartered in Kolkata. The brand holds approximately 25% market share in the organized plywood segment and operates multiple manufacturing facilities across India, including plants in Assam, Tamil Nadu, and Haryana.

CenturyPly manufactures plywood using advanced German technology with strict quality control measures. Their product range includes MR grade for dry applications, BWR and BWP grades for moisture-prone areas, marine plywood for extreme conditions, and specialized fire-retardant variants for commercial buildings.

The brand is known for its "Sainik" and "Club Prime" product lines, which cater to different market segments. CenturyPly's extensive dealer network spans over 5,000 outlets across India, making it one of the most accessible premium plywood brands in the country.

What is Greenply?

Greenply Industries Limited is India's second-largest interior infrastructure company, founded in 1984. The brand has positioned itself as an environmentally conscious manufacturer, offering E0 emission-rated plywood and FSC-certified sustainable options that appeal to green building projects.

Greenply's manufacturing excellence comes from their state-of-the-art facilities in Uttarakhand, Gujarat, and Assam. The company uses a mix of imported and domestic timber, with Gurjan and hardwood being primary core materials. Their "Green Club" and "Ecotec" ranges specifically target customers seeking low-formaldehyde emission products.

What distinguishes Greenply is their focus on innovation—they were among the first Indian manufacturers to introduce zero-emission plywood and offer calibrated sheets for precision furniture work. Their dealer network, though slightly smaller than CenturyPly's, covers all major metros and tier-2 cities effectively.

Detailed Comparison: Performance Parameters

Moisture and Water Resistance

Water resistance is the most critical factor for plywood selection in India's humid climate. CenturyPly's BWP (Boiling Water Proof) grade demonstrates superior bonding strength even after 72-hour boiling tests, making it ideal for coastal regions in Kerala, Goa, and Mumbai. Greenply's marine grade performs comparably but at a slightly lower price point.

For standard kitchen and bathroom applications, BWR (Boiling Water Resistant) grade from both CenturyPly and Greenply meets IS 303 standards effectively. Budget brands like Kitply and National Plywood offer BWR grades that pass basic requirements but may show edge swelling after prolonged moisture exposure.

Winner: CenturyPly for extreme conditions; Greenply for standard wet-area applications

Strength and Durability

Plywood strength depends primarily on core timber quality and adhesive bonding. Premium brands like CenturyPly, Greenply, and Duro use Gurjan or high-quality hardwood cores with phenolic resin adhesives that provide 15-25 year service life under normal conditions.

Duroboil.com's material experts note that Duro (Sarda Plywood) often matches or exceeds CenturyPly in structural strength tests, particularly in their marine and fire-retardant variants. However, CenturyPly maintains more consistent quality across manufacturing batches due to larger-scale quality control infrastructure.

Mid-range brands like SylvanPly and Austin Plywood deliver excellent strength-to-cost ratios, particularly in their calibrated variants where uniform thickness ensures predictable performance. Budget brands show more variability—individual sheets from Kitply or National Plywood may perform well, but batch-to-batch consistency is lower.

Winner: CenturyPly for consistency; Duro for premium performance

Surface Quality and Finishing

Surface smoothness and face veneer quality directly impact laminate adhesion and paint finish. CenturyPly's premium ranges feature A-grade face veneers with minimal patches and consistent grain patterns. Greenply's decorative plywood range offers superior aesthetic options for visible applications.

Calibrated plywood from SylvanPly and Austin provides the smoothest surfaces—thickness tolerance of ±0.2mm compared to ±0.5mm in standard plywood. This precision is essential for modular furniture manufacturing and CNC routing applications.

Budget brands typically use B or C-grade face veneers with visible patches and repairs. While these work fine under laminate coverage, they require additional preparation for paint or polish finishes.

Winner: SylvanPly for precision work; Greenply for decorative applications

Working and Machining

Carpenter feedback across India consistently rates CenturyPly and Greenply as the easiest to work with—clean cuts, minimal splintering, and good screw-holding capacity. The uniform core density in premium brands reduces blade wear and provides predictable routing behavior.

Alternate plywood (mixed Eucalyptus-Poplar cores) from budget brands can be challenging—the softer Poplar layers may crush during edge banding or screw insertion. Duroboil.com recommends specifying pure hardwood cores for furniture that will undergo frequent assembly-disassembly.

Winner: CenturyPly and Greenply (tie)

Cost Comparison

Premium brands command 20-40% price premiums over budget options, but the value proposition differs by application. For a typical 100 sq ft wardrobe project using 18mm BWR plywood:

Brand Category	Approx. Material Cost	Expected Lifespan	Cost Per Year
Premium (CenturyPly, Duro)	₹15,000 - ₹18,000	20+ years	₹750 - ₹900
Mid-range (Greenply, SylvanPly)	₹12,000 - ₹15,000	15-18 years	₹800 - ₹1,000
Budget (Kitply, National)	₹9,000 - ₹11,000	10-12 years	₹900 - ₹1,100

Winner: Premium brands offer better lifetime value; budget brands suit temporary or rental properties

Application-Based Recommendations

Selecting the right plywood brand requires matching product capabilities with specific application demands. This decision matrix simplifies choices for common Indian interior projects.

Application	Better Option	Why	Caution
Modular Kitchen (Cabinets)	CenturyPly BWR or Greenply BWR	Superior moisture resistance, consistent quality for modular cutting	Avoid MR grade even for upper cabinets—cooking steam affects all areas
Bathroom Vanity	CenturyPly Marine or Duro Marine	Handles direct water contact and high humidity	Still requires proper sealing; plywood alone won't prevent damage
Bedroom Wardrobe	Greenply BWR or SylvanPly BWR	Good moisture resistance at reasonable cost; calibrated options available	MR grade acceptable only in air-conditioned rooms with dehumidification
Living Room TV Unit	Archidply MR or Kitply MR	Dry application—premium grades unnecessary; good surface quality	Ensure proper face veneer quality for laminate adhesion
Study Table/Desk	Merino MR or Kitply MR	Cost-effective for furniture with moderate load requirements	Use minimum 18mm thickness for spans over 600mm
Office Partitions	Greenply MR or Archidply MR	Fire-retardant options available; good surface for fabric wrapping	Verify fire rating certificates for commercial installations
Main Door Frame	CenturyPly BWP or Duro BWP	External exposure requires highest water resistance	Consider solid wood or WPC for extreme weather exposure
False Ceiling (Framework)	National Plywood MR or Solid Ply MR	Hidden application—premium quality unnecessary	Ensure adequate thickness (12mm minimum) for spanning between supports
Children's Furniture	Greenply E0 or CenturyPly Club Prime	Low formaldehyde emission protects children's health	Verify E0/E1 certification—not all products meet claims
Rental Property Furniture	Kitply MR or National Plywood MR	Cost-effective for 5-7 year expected usage	Avoid marine grade—unnecessary expense for temporary installations

India-Specific Considerations

Monsoon and Humidity Impact

India's monsoon season creates challenging conditions for plywood furniture, particularly in coastal and high-rainfall regions. Mumbai, Chennai, Kolkata, and Kerala experience 70-90% relative humidity for 4-5 months annually—conditions that can cause MR grade plywood to delaminate within 2-3 years.

For these regions, BWR grade is the minimum recommended specification even for bedroom furniture. Coastal homes within 5km of the sea should consider BWP or marine grade due to salt-laden moisture that accelerates adhesive breakdown. Premium brands like CenturyPly and Duro specifically test products for tropical climate performance.

Regional Price Variations

Plywood prices vary significantly across India due to transportation costs and local dealer margins. Products manufactured in South India (CenturyPly's Tamil Nadu plant, Greenply's facilities) are typically 5-10% cheaper in southern metros compared to Delhi or Kolkata.

Tier-2 and tier-3 cities often see 10-15% higher prices due to smaller order volumes and limited dealer competition. However, brands like Kitply and National Plywood maintain more uniform pricing through standardized distribution networks.

Termite and Borer Considerations

Termite infestation remains a significant concern, particularly in ground-floor apartments and independent houses. All major brands offer termite-treated variants, but treatment quality varies. CenturyPly and Greenply use pressure-impregnation methods that penetrate deep into the core, while budget brands may rely on surface treatments that provide limited protection.

For high-risk areas (especially in South and East India), specify "borer and termite proof" (BT) variants and verify treatment certificates. Post-installation chemical treatment of furniture provides additional protection regardless of plywood brand.

Common Myths Busted

Myth 1: Marine Plywood is Always Better

Reality: Marine plywood is designed for boat building and continuous water immersion—applications that rarely apply to home furniture. For most kitchen and bathroom applications, BWR or BWP grade provides adequate moisture resistance at 30-40% lower cost. Marine grade adds unnecessary expense unless you're building furniture for swimming pool areas or similar extreme environments.

Myth 2: Expensive Brands Are Always Worth the Premium

Reality: Premium pricing reflects brand marketing, dealer margins, and nationwide distribution costs alongside quality. For dry-area applications like study tables or living room furniture, mid-range brands like Archidply or Austin deliver identical performance at 20-25% lower cost. Premium brands justify their pricing primarily in moisture-prone applications where adhesive quality matters most.

Myth 3: ISI Mark Guarantees Quality

Reality: While ISI certification (IS 303 for interior grade, IS 710 for marine grade) indicates minimum quality compliance, it doesn't guarantee premium performance. All organized sector brands hold ISI certification—the difference lies in whether they meet minimum requirements or exceed them significantly. Request test reports beyond basic certification for critical applications.

Myth 4: Thicker Plywood is Always Stronger

Reality: A 19mm sheet from a budget brand with void-filled cores may be weaker than a 16mm sheet from a premium brand with solid Gurjan core. Core quality and bonding strength matter more than raw thickness. For most furniture applications, 18mm premium plywood outperforms 25mm budget plywood.

Myth 5: All Plywood Contains Harmful Formaldehyde

Reality: While traditional plywood adhesives release formaldehyde, E0 and E1 rated products from Greenply, CenturyPly, and Merino emit minimal levels within safe limits. These low-emission products cost 10-15% more but are essential for children's rooms and spaces with limited ventilation.

Using Multiple Brands Together

Smart cost optimization often involves using different plywood grades and brands for different applications within the same project. A typical 2BHK interior project can save 15-25% by strategic brand selection:

• Kitchen base cabinets: CenturyPly or Greenply BWR (premium brand for high-moisture area)
• Kitchen wall cabinets: Greenply or SylvanPly BWR (mid-range acceptable for lower moisture exposure)
• Bedroom wardrobes: SylvanPly or Austin BWR (calibrated for clean CNC cutting)
• Study tables and TV units: Kitply or Archidply MR (dry area—budget grade sufficient)
• False ceiling framework: National Plywood or Solid Ply MR (hidden application)

This approach delivers premium performance where it matters while avoiding unnecessary expense in non-critical applications. Discuss this strategy with your carpenter—experienced professionals understand these tradeoffs and can help optimize material selection.

Quality Verification Checklist: Before You Buy

Regardless of brand reputation, individual sheet inspection remains essential. Use this checklist when purchasing plywood:

Visual Inspection

• Check face veneer for patches, cracks, or discoloration
• Examine edges for core voids or gaps between layers
• Look for uniform thickness across all four edges
• Verify ISI marking and brand stamps are clear and consistent
• Inspect for warping—place sheet on flat surface and check corners

Physical Tests

• Tap test: Solid core produces consistent sound; voids create hollow spots
• Bend test: Premium plywood shows uniform flex without cracking sounds
• Scratch test: Face veneer should resist light scratching with fingernail
• Weight check: Compare similar sheets—significantly lighter ones may have voids

Documentation Verification

• Request manufacturer test certificate for the specific batch
• Verify warranty card details match product specifications
• Confirm dealer authorization with brand (especially for premium products)
• Check manufacturing date—plywood stored over 6 months may have absorbed moisture

Questions to Ask Your Plywood Dealer

The right questions help distinguish knowledgeable dealers from those simply pushing high-margin products:

1. "What core timber is used in this plywood?" — Good answer: Specific species (Gurjan, Eucalyptus, Poplar). Bad answer: "Best quality wood."
2. "Can you show me the test certificate for this batch?" — Reputable dealers maintain documentation. Hesitation suggests potential issues.
3. "What's the warranty claim process?" — Clear process indicates genuine brand authorization. Vague responses suggest grey market products.
4. "How old is this stock?" — Fresh stock (under 3 months) is preferable. Older stock may have moisture absorption issues.
5. "Do you have calibrated sheets available?" — Dealers serving professional carpenters stock calibrated options.
6. "What's the price difference between BWR and BWP in this brand?" — Knowledgeable dealers explain the difference clearly. Uninformed ones may suggest unnecessary upgrades.
7. "Can you arrange delivery in moisture-proof packaging?" — Premium dealers offer protective packaging for long-distance transport.
8. "What's your return policy for defective sheets?" — Established dealers have clear policies; fly-by-night operations resist returns.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which plywood brand is best for kitchen cabinets in India?

CenturyPly BWR and Greenply BWR are the most recommended brands for kitchen cabinets in India. Kitchen environments involve constant humidity from cooking, occasional water splashes, and temperature variations that stress plywood adhesives. Both brands use phenol-formaldehyde resins that maintain bonding strength even after repeated moisture exposure. For base cabinets near the sink, consider upgrading to BWP grade from either brand. Budget alternatives like Kitply BWR work acceptably for upper cabinets with less moisture exposure, but investing in premium brands for base units prevents costly replacements within 5-7 years.

Is CenturyPly better than Greenply for home furniture?

CenturyPly and Greenply perform comparably for most home furniture applications, with CenturyPly holding a slight edge in brand perception and dealer network density. CenturyPly typically costs 5-10% more than equivalent Greenply grades but offers marginally longer warranties on premium products. Greenply differentiates through eco-friendly E0 emission products and FSC-certified sustainable options. For practical purposes, choose based on local dealer quality and after-sales service reputation rather than brand name alone. Both brands meet IS 303 and IS 710 standards for their respective grades.

What is the price range of good quality plywood in India in 2026?

Good quality plywood in India ranges from ₹70 to ₹220 per square foot depending on grade and brand. MR grade from reputable brands like Kitply, Archidply, or National Plywood costs ₹70-₹100 per sq ft. BWR grade from premium brands like CenturyPly, Greenply, or Duro ranges from ₹95-₹150 per sq ft. Marine and BWP grades command ₹130-₹220 per sq ft. These prices reflect 18mm thickness—adjust 15-20% lower for 12mm and 20-30% higher for 25mm. Regional variations of 10-15% exist between metros and smaller cities.

How to identify original branded plywood vs duplicate?

Authentic branded plywood carries consistent marking throughout the sheet—brand name, grade, thickness, ISI mark, and batch number printed or stamped at regular intervals. Check edge printing that extends into the core layers, which duplicates cannot replicate. Original products come with warranty cards matching the batch number on the sheet. Weight consistency matters—genuine Gurjan core plywood feels heavier than substitutes. Purchase from authorized dealers listed on brand websites. When uncertain, request the dealer's authorization certificate from the manufacturer. Premium brands like CenturyPly offer verification through QR codes on their products.

Which plywood is best for wardrobes - MR or BWR grade?

BWR grade plywood is recommended for wardrobes in most Indian homes due to ambient humidity levels that exceed comfort thresholds in non-air-conditioned spaces. While MR grade suffices for permanently air-conditioned rooms with humidity control, the majority of Indian bedrooms experience 60-80% humidity during monsoon months. This moisture causes MR grade plywood to swell at edges and delaminate at joints over 5-7 years. The 20-25% price premium for BWR grade pays for itself through extended furniture lifespan. Only consider MR grade for rental properties with short-term usage expectations.

What thickness of plywood should I use for kitchen cabinets?

Kitchen cabinet construction requires 18mm plywood for carcass (box structure) and 12mm for back panels. This specification balances structural strength with weight considerations. Using 25mm plywood for carcass adds unnecessary cost and weight without proportional strength benefit—18mm premium plywood with good core quality handles typical cabinet loads effectively. For drawer bottoms, 9mm or 12mm plywood works adequately. Shelves spanning over 600mm may require 18mm thickness or intermediate supports to prevent sagging. These recommendations assume premium or mid-range brand plywood; budget brands may require thickness upgrades to compensate for core quality limitations.

Is marine plywood necessary for bathroom vanity?

Marine plywood is not strictly necessary for bathroom vanity applications unless the unit faces direct water immersion or your location is coastal with salt-air exposure. BWP (Boiling Water Proof) grade from premium brands like CenturyPly, Greenply, or Duro handles typical bathroom humidity and occasional splashing effectively. Marine grade becomes relevant for shower-adjacent installations, pool houses, or coastal homes where salt accelerates adhesive degradation. Ensure proper sealing of all edges and surfaces regardless of plywood grade—even marine plywood benefits from laminate or paint protection. The 30-40% price premium for marine over BWP is justified only in extreme exposure scenarios.

How long does branded plywood furniture last in India?

Premium branded plywood furniture (CenturyPly, Greenply, Duro) typically lasts 15-25 years with proper maintenance and appropriate grade selection. BWR grade wardrobes in air-conditioned bedrooms can exceed 20 years. Kitchen cabinets using BWR grade show signs of wear at edges after 12-15 years but remain functional for 18-20 years. Budget brand furniture (Kitply, National Plywood) provides 8-12 years of service life under similar conditions. Factors reducing lifespan include incorrect grade selection (MR in humid areas), poor installation (inadequate sealing), and neglected maintenance (moisture damage left untreated). Climate plays a significant role—identical furniture lasts 20-30% shorter in coastal areas versus dry inland cities.

Which plywood brand has the best warranty in India?

CenturyPly offers India's longest plywood warranties—up to 25 years on their premium "Forever" range and 15-20 years on standard BWR and BWP grades. Greenply provides 15-20 year warranties on premium products. Duro (Sarda Plywood) matches with 20-year coverage on marine and fire-retardant variants. However, warranty terms vary significantly—most cover manufacturing defects only, not damage from improper installation, excessive moisture exposure, or termite infestation. Read warranty documents carefully and preserve purchase bills and warranty cards. Claims require dealer involvement, making authorized dealer purchases essential. Budget brands typically offer 7-12 year warranties with more restrictive terms.

Where can I buy genuine plywood at best prices in India?

Genuine plywood at competitive prices is available through authorized brand dealers, multi-brand plywood distributors in timber markets, and increasingly through online platforms. Authorized dealers ensure authenticity but may have limited price flexibility. Large timber markets (Crawford Market in Mumbai, Kirti Nagar in Delhi, Kothawal Chavadi in Chennai) offer competitive pricing through volume competition but require careful quality verification. Online platforms like Plyneer and direct brand websites provide transparent pricing with home delivery. For bulk purchases exceeding ₹50,000, request quotes from multiple sources including direct manufacturer channels. Avoid unusually low prices—they typically indicate grey market products or inferior substitutes.

Final Recommendations from Duroboil.com

After comprehensive analysis of India's top 15 plywood brands, duroboil.com's material experts offer these application-specific recommendations for 2026:

Best Overall: CenturyPly — Unmatched consistency, nationwide service network, and comprehensive grade range justify the premium for critical applications.

Best Value: Greenply — Delivers 90% of premium brand performance at 85-90% of the price, with superior eco-friendly options.

Best for Precision Work: SylvanPly — Calibrated sheets with tight thickness tolerance enable superior modular furniture and CNC applications.

Best Budget Option: Kitply — Reliable quality at accessible prices, suitable for dry-area furniture and rental property projects.

Best for Luxury Projects: Duro (Sarda Plywood) — Premium finishes and specialized grades for high-end architectural applications.

Remember that brand selection is just one factor in furniture durability. Proper grade selection, quality verification before purchase, correct installation by skilled carpenters, and regular maintenance all contribute equally to long-term satisfaction. When in doubt, invest in better plywood for moisture-prone areas and save on dry-area applications—this strategy optimizes both budget and performance.

Note: This is independent editorial content. Duroboil.com is not affiliated with any plywood brand mentioned in this comparison. Prices and specifications reflect market conditions as of early 2026 and may vary by location and dealer. Always verify current pricing and availability with authorized dealers before purchase.

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.