For those of you who have built plywood tanks, what type of plywood have you used? Softwood (ex. pine), hard wood (ex. oak) or marine grade. And how did this work out for you long term?
Type of wood used for plywood tanks
- Thread starter Itsadeepbluesea
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Never built one, but marine grade seems most common sense in case sealant coating ever deteriorates enough to even begin to leak. Extra insurance if you will... the cost not too prohibitive considering the intended occupants or the damage flooding may cause.
Excellent question. Thanks... I want to know too.
I think a better question though is how thick for given height and span and how much bracing and what type... I'm sure someone will point you in right direction for all these answers.
I'm thinking I would need the marine grade as it is going to be a salt water tank. But I wanted to find out from others if it was absolutely necessary as the expense is much greater.
Marine grade is treated chemically and is not fish safe. Oak is generally the one used though i have used birch.
It doesn't matter if marine grade has been treated as you will be coat the wood. The ply is there for structure. Birch is good but is probally the worst when it comes in to contact with water so make sure you seal good with birch.
I would use Oak or even Good grade Douglas Fir. Marine grade is best because it has absolutely no voids in between layers of ply.
If you look at a regular sheet of ply along the edge it will have gaps. This can lead to little cracks with pressure up against it. Not saying it will but with marine you eliminate that chance. Marine grade is super expensive.
If it were me I would use Oak or Fir
I would use Oak or even Good grade Douglas Fir. Marine grade is best because it has absolutely no voids in between layers of ply.
If you look at a regular sheet of ply along the edge it will have gaps. This can lead to little cracks with pressure up against it. Not saying it will but with marine you eliminate that chance. Marine grade is super expensive.
If it were me I would use Oak or Fir
