How To Straighten A Warped Sheet Of Plywood

Plywood pieces can warp if they have been improperly stored or exposed to moisture.

How to straighten a warped sheet of plywood.

Wood warps from exposure to moisture which curves plywood or boards for sub flooring or framing a home. For your convenience here are some ideas on how to fix other common warped wood items. I use a sponge or sprayer to wet the concave side of the plywood hot water works best. The bowing that occurs is actually the plywood shrinking.

Using a sponge that s slightly damp moisten the concave side of each piece. As humidity or moisture from rain water falls onto the wood the lumber absorbs the liquid causing it to expand and bend. At the same time moisture is being absorbed into the concave side. It s much more likely to stay flat.

Doors not just cabinet doors can become warped as well especially homemade doors made of plywood. How to fix other warped wood items. One downside to plywood is its tendency to cup. However last year i kept getting 3 4 maple both unfinished and pre finished that would warp 1 over 4.

You can flatten them again with hot water and a warm environment. Now keep your wrapped wood on a flat surface that also will be able to bear the temperature of your iron. Now the sun or the warm interior air helps to dry out the convex humped side of the plywood. The concave part needs to face downwards.

How to fix warped doors. Wrap your warped wood in two large moist towels and make sure the warped parts are properly covered. Set your iron to the highest temperature and let it heat properly for about 2 6. Then i lay the sheet moist side down on a shop floor or a driveway.

Give the plywood some time and see if it flattens itself. In the future you may want to try oak mdf medium density fiberboard instead of plywood. This process will take several hours but once it is finished the plywood will be rejuvenated and ready to use for your project. I think we all contend with a certain amount of warped plywood sheets due to humidity inconsistencies.