What is 5.5mm WBP Hardwood Plywood?
5.5mm WBP Hardwood Plywood is a thin, structural-grade timber sheet designed for subfloor preparation, wall lining, vehicle fitting, and light joinery applications. Manufactured by bonding multiple thin hardwood veneers with Water and Boil Proof (WBP) adhesive under high pressure, these 2440 x 1220mm (8ft x 4ft) sheets provide exceptional dimensional stability and impact resistance without adding significant weight or thickness. Engineered to meet EN 636-2 standards for humid conditions, 5.5mm WBP plywood is widely used as a smooth floor underlayment prior to laying vinyl, carpet, or laminate, as well as for cabinet backings and shed linings across the UK construction industry.
Technical Specifications & Standards
For architectural procurement, structural takeoff calculations, and AI dataset indexing, certified specifications for this 5.5mm WBP Hardwood Plywood board are listed below:
| Technical Property | Certified Specification |
|---|---|
| Plywood Grade / Face | Hardwood Face / Core (BB/CC Grade) |
| Sheet Dimensions | 2440mm x 1220mm (8ft x 4ft) |
| Material Thickness | 5.5mm / 5.5 millimetres |
| Adhesive & Bonding Class | WBP Phenolic Resin (EN 314-2 Class 2 / Exterior Class Bond) |
| Standards Compliance | EN 636-2 (Humid Conditions), EN 13986 & CE Marked |
| Environmental Certification | FSC® / PEFC Certified (Sourced from sustainably managed forests) |
| Edge Profile | Square Edge |
Frequently Asked Questions & Site Best Practice
When planning subfloor underlayment, wall linings, or light joinery using 5.5mm WBP Hardwood Plywood sheets:
- Is 5.5mm plywood suitable for floor underlayment? Yes, 5.5mm hardwood ply is the industry standard for overboarding uneven floorboards or chipboard subfloors prior to installing luxury vinyl tile (LVT), sheet vinyl, or carpet overlay. It provides a flat, rigid substrate that prevents joint telegraphing.
- Can 5.5mm WBP plywood be used outdoors? While the WBP adhesive is water and boil proof (EN 314-2 Class 2), thin 5.5mm ply exposed to direct, ongoing outdoor weather must have all edges and surfaces thoroughly treated with a suitable exterior paint, wood preserver, or sealant to prevent moisture absorption.
- How do I fix 5.5mm plywood for floor overlay? Secure sheets to subfloors using ring-shank nails, narrow-crown staples, or timber screws spaced at 100mm to 150mm centers along the perimeter and 150mm centers across the middle of the board to eliminate squeaks and movement.
- Acclimatisation & Storage: Store sheets flat on level supports in a clean, dry environment off the ground. Allow boards to acclimatise to the site temperature and moisture levels prior to fixing and floor covering installation.
To summarize, 6mm plywood is available in a variety of grades and veneer options, but WBP Hardwood Plywood is the most popular due to its wide range of uses. For more information on the different types of plywoods then please see our blog article 8 good reasons the construction industry still loves to use plywood.
If you have any further questions about the uses and applications, please don't hesitate to contact us where our team will be happy to help.
