Plywood Cost India: What You Really Pay and Why It Varies

When you’re building or renovating in India, plywood, a layered wood panel used in furniture, flooring, and cabinetry. Also known as engineered wood, it’s one of the most common materials in Indian construction and woodworking. But asking "what’s the plywood cost in India?" is like asking how much a car costs—without saying if it’s a scooter or a SUV. The price swings wildly depending on the type, grade, thickness, and where you buy it.

There are three main types you’ll run into: MR grade, moisture-resistant plywood used in indoor furniture and cabinetry, BWR grade, boiling water resistant, built for kitchens and bathrooms, and marine plywood, the heavy-duty kind that resists rot and is used in boat building and high-humidity areas. MR is cheapest, often starting around ₹40–₹50 per square foot. BWR runs ₹60–₹90. Marine can hit ₹120–₹180, especially if it’s ISI-marked. Brands like Greenply, Kitply, and CenturyPly charge more because of trust, not just quality. Local manufacturers in Gujarat, Tamil Nadu, and Kerala often offer better rates, especially if you buy in bulk.

Why does this matter? Because a ₹10 difference per sheet adds up fast when you’re covering 100 square feet. A lot of contractors cut corners by using low-grade plywood and calling it BWR. That’s why checking the ISI mark and asking for a brand certificate isn’t optional—it’s how you avoid paying for junk. Also, don’t ignore labor and finishing costs. Sanding, lamination, and edge banding can add 20–30% to your total. If you’re building modular kitchens or wardrobes, you’re not just buying plywood—you’re buying durability, termite resistance, and how well it holds screws over time.

What you’ll find below are real insights from people who’ve been through this—whether they’re small workshop owners in Ludhiana, furniture makers in Coimbatore, or DIYers in Pune. You’ll see how government schemes like PLI and state-level incentives affect material prices, how chemical treatments change cost, and why some states have cheaper plywood than others. No fluff. Just what you need to know before you hand over your money.