Is plywood stronger than wood?

It depends on the type of wood used to make the plywood and how it is used. Plywood is made by gluing together thin layers of wood veneer, typically with alternating grain direction, to create a strong, stable panel. This construction method can make plywood stronger in some ways than solid wood of the same thickness. For example, because the grain direction of each layer is alternated, plywood is less likely to split or warp than solid wood.

However, the strength of plywood can also be affected by factors such as the species of wood used, the quality of the glue used, and the number of layers in the panel. In general, hardwoods like birch and oak are stronger and more durable than softwoods like pine and spruce, so plywood made from hardwoods will tend to be stronger than plywood made from softwoods.

It's also important to note that the strength of plywood can vary depending on the direction in which it is loaded. Plywood is typically strongest when loaded parallel to the face grain, but it can be weaker when loaded perpendicular to the grain or along the edge. So the specific application and the way the plywood is used will affect its strength compared to solid wood.