Learn what luan plywood is, its features, best uses, and how it compares to standard plywood for construction and woodworking projects.
Luan wood (sometimes also called Lauan plywood), is a type of plywood that comes from the Lauan trees of species in the Shorea genus. These trees grow along the South Pacific rim and have become quite popular worldwide, including in the US.
So if you’ve ever wondered what luan is good for, and when to use it (or avoid it), I’ll share what I’ve figured out the hard way—without the fluff. Okay, so Luan’s not strong. We’ve covered that. But it’s useful in a bunch of ways, especially when you just need something flat, light, and not fussy. Floors — Under Vinyl and Laminate.
From flooring to countertop replacements, luan can be useful for many building projects. The Wood Database writes that there are many varieties of luan because of the different tree species used to make it. Each of these varieties has its work and strength values.
Luan is a hardwood plywood with many uses and a few different looks. Sometimes spelled lauan, sometimes called meranti, and other times referred to as Philippine mahogany, this plywood comes from any number of the 196 species of Shorea trees found in the Philippines and New Guinea.
What is the difference between plywood and Luan? Luan is a type of wood that is used as plywood. It’s similar to wood, but it’s lighter and stronger than the same size piece of wood. However, Luan Plywood is made from sheets of thin layers or plies of veneer-covered plywood.