Gurjan plywood has developed a reputation for strength, durability, and stability in the world of luxury interiors and heavy-duty furniture. Derived from the hard wood of the Gurjan tree, this plywood is naturally dense, which contributes to its strength and minimizes the chance of warping, bending, or cracking over time.
However, with so many imitation products available, you want to know how to classify real genuine high-density Gurjan plywood before you make your purchase. Here is how to perform density and quality checks like a pro.
1. Grip the Weight and Feel
The easiest way to gauge the density of Gurjan plywood is simply lifting it. Authentic Gurjan plywood has a weight density that will differ significantly from other styles because of the highly porous inner composition and layers of glue bonded with anywhere from two to five layers of sheets of hardwood veneer. The density is not just simply heavy. It refers to strength.
When you run your hand across the surface, the texture should be sturdy, consistent in feel, and compact. If the plywood is much lighter, and the surface feels flimsy or hollow on touch, it has probably been constructed using mixed wood species, or inferior processing of the wood in order to comply with some standard. If it is authentic Gurjan plywood it will have a sturdy, but somehow always well balanced weight.
2. Knock or Tap Test
A good knock test can uncover a significantPlywood that is low in quality will sound hollow or not level from your tap, indicating poor creeping or air voids.
This is a simple test that is surprisingly effective and will distinguish, literally on the spot, between original Gurjan and low-density replacements.
3. Examine Cross-Section Layers
Look at the edge of the plywood or cross-section. A high-density Gurjan sheet of plywood will be uniform and have compact layers. There will be no gaps or voids visible. The same would be true of the veneers you observe pressed together tightly and evenly distributed.
If you saw rough edges and air pockets that can be peeled apart easily, you can be assured of the low-density product because it simply won’t have the same heavy construction. Gurjan from any trusted brand like Royale Touche always exhibits precision in pressing to eliminate even minute and insignificant gaps.
4. Review Manufacturer Specification Sheet
Most reputable plywood manufacturers will offer technical product specifications that usually include density information rating. The density of Gurjan plywood is often rated between <700 and 800 kg/m3 (depending on location – E; 700 kg/cm3, or any rating higher than that) in comparison to standard commercial ply.
Before making your purchase, make sure to request a density certificate or manufacturer product datasheet from the supplier. You are confirming that you are actually getting what you are paying for, high-quality, authentic hardwood, high density plywood that is going to last.
5. Purchase from Certified and Trusted Sources
The best inspection techniques won’t matter if the supplier and dealer are non-reputable. Always purchase from certified dealers or brands you trust. The certified dealer guarantees original Gurjan timber and an ISI-certified manufactured product.
Brands like Royale Touche Plywood label and transparently document the product they source and the product specifications so that their customers realize they are only purchasing premium products and grade, high-density plywood.
Final Thoughts
Density defines durability and density for Gurjan is literally what distinguishes imitation from premium grade. You can tell high-density, original Gurjan plywood by its weight, sound, compactness of the layers, and density certificate or manufacturer product specification sheet.
A precious, high, high-density Gurjan needs to be the plywood product of preference when specifying materials for your projects and one that you can depend on for many years to come.
Choose Royale Touche Gurjan Plywood for tested density, unmatched strength, and timeless quality because you can have faith your project was constructed from a material manufactured to withstand time.