The first fully comprehensive publication on the history of plywood, from the
nineteenth century to the present day
Beautiful, strong, and ubiquitous, plywood's worth far exceeds its general
reputation. A manufactured wood product, plywood can be used both as boards and
in molded form. Its applications are therefore wide-reaching: airplanes,
architecture, furniture, boats, trains, and more. Its great flexibility also
gives plywood-manufactured products their stylish aesthetic, as seen in chair
designs by Charles and Ray Eames.
Plywood has been associated with cheapness. Yet it can be beautiful and offers
possibilities for experimental design. It is made by gluing together layers of
crossgrained veneers, creating a board stronger than solid