If the sunny late spring weather has coaxed you out in the garden, only to have you wondering where to store your tools, patio set or even that unwieldy compost pile, the answer may be closer than you think!
One of the easiest and most cost-effective solutions for outdoor storage is plywood – providing you choose the right type of plywood for your projects. But how do you know which plywood and other accessories are right for your shed, storage bins or even a new compost bin? A visit to the knowledgeable local team at Smith Plywoods in Maple Ridge is your best first step.
As the Lower Mainland's only dedicated plywood lumberyard, which has been serving the region for more than 50 years, family-run Smith Plywoods is the community's go-to choice – not only for plywood, but for all the tools, fasteners, adhesives and more to make your vision a reality.
This time of year, one of the most common questions they receive is: What kind of plywood is best for building an outdoor shed?
OSB – or Oriented Strand Board – or exterior-grade plywood are both options for the walls of outdoor project that will be covered by siding and roofing material.
The floor, however, is a different story. Ordinary exterior-grade plywood is made with weather-resistant glue, however the wood itself is not particularly rot-resistant, meaning pressure-treated plywood is best for a shed floor. Even a floor raised off the ground will last longer if made with pressure-treated plywood.
Once your shed is built, you'll need a way to organize your outdoor tools and garden accessories, and plywood is perfect for bins, shelving and pegboards.
Controlling your compost
If it's your backyard compost you're trying to corral, you can build a single bin or larger three-bin system with plywood, with a few key considerations to ensure it’s safe and effective.
Plywood is often used to construct compost bins or three-bins systems because it’s sturdy and easy to work with.
Pros include that it provides structure to contain compost piles, helps retain heat and moisture for efficient decomposition, and can be customized to fit available spaces.
The challenge is that untreated plywood may rot over time due to moisture and microbial activity, but you also want to avoid pressure-treated, painted or varnished plywood for this use.
The solution? Use untreated, exterior-grade plywood with a water-resistant glue, then seal with a non-toxic wood preservative, such as linseed oil or beeswax, to prolong lifespan.
If you prefer a more open compost bin to increase airflow, you can use plywood to build a base to keep the open-bottomed bin off the ground, and a lid to retain heat and moisture.
Bring your projects and questions to Smith Plywoods, where their experienced team will help you choose the right plywood for your projects. Visit from 7:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday to Friday, and from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays at 20091-113B Ave. in Maple Ridge. You can also visit smithplywoods.com or call 604-574-4393 for more details, and follow them on Facebook and Instagram for tips, product announcements and more!