What plywood for outdoor Christmas decorations?

[ryan-waite]

Hi. During the course of the next 10-11 months I would like to attempt to make some Christmas signs/ decorations at home. What would be an appropriate plywood for use outdoors for about a month out of the year? My idea would be to stencil a design  ‘merry Christmas’ for example, onto some ply and cut out the shape, then drill holes for led Christmas lights to go through. 

[EricL]

Hello @ryan-waite 

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about outdoor plywood.

If you are looking for plywood that can last and will at least be able to put up with the weather when exposed to it. I suggest using marine plywood. They come in different thicknesses so it's best to check what's at the store and the thickness you might need. My best advice is to use multipurpose filler on the side of the panels to prevent water and moisture from settling in.

If you have any other question we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

[Jewelleryrescue]

Hi @ryan-waite 

A good  plywood to make  signs etc out of would be ply between 3mm and 7mm thick 7 m is strong enough to free stand like a garden reindeer and the 3mm for smaller  signs that LEDS will be able  to poke through as LEDS are small these days. 3mm to 7mm will also keep the weight down on your project signs.

There are several types to choose from from low cost with more rough finishes etc more expensive marine ply. 

All of them will suit your purpose once you seal the front back and edges with paint you just need to pick one that suits your budget they should last a bunch of  Christmases

Use new sharper tools to get a cleaner cut or have  handy sand paper on a  block of  wood to smooth the splintery edges.

Merry xmas