Buyer Beware! Falcata Plywood Is Not Lauan or Meranti Plywood and Is Even Poorer in Quality
Why RevolutionPly® Plywood Is the Superior Choice
The quality of traditional Lauan and Meranti plywood has steadily declined—especially with the increasing import of Falcata plywood, now falsely marketed in the U.S. as Lauan or Meranti. Produced from Falcataria falcata, Falcata plywood is soft, structurally weak, termite-prone, and far inferior to high-quality, sustainable alternatives like RevolutionPly® plywood.
What Makes Falcata Plywood a Poor Substitute?
1. Weak Strength and Low Density
Falcata plywood is extremely lightweight—5 mm and 5.2 mm panels weigh only about 10 lbs. This low density directly affects structural integrity. RevolutionPly® panels of the same size weigh approximately 18 lbs., delivering the strength required for demanding applications.
Key plywood strength tests:
- MOR (Modulus of Rupture) – Resistance to pressure
- MOE (Modulus of Elasticity) – Resistance to bending
- Janka Hardness – Resistance to denting and wear
RevolutionPly® outperforms Falcata plywood in all three areas, making it ideal for:
- Flooring underlayment
- Drawer bottoms
- Cabinet backs
- Structural paneling
No major flooring manufacturer approves Falcata, Meranti, or Lauan plywood for underlayment. RevolutionPly® plywood, however, is approved by top vinyl flooring brands for use under:
- Sheet vinyl
- LVT (Luxury Vinyl Tile)
- LVP (Luxury Vinyl Plank)
- VCT (Vinyl Composite Tile)
- Engineered wood
- Cork flooring
- Carpet and more
2. Poor Surface and Fastener Performance
Falcata plywood is extremely soft—you can dent it with your thumbnail. It lacks resistance to indentation, fastener blow-through, and wear.
RevolutionPly® offers:
- Durable, smooth surface resistant to dents and gouges
- Poplar hardwood core with excellent screw and nail holding strength
- Trusted by leading RV and cabinet manufacturers for its structural integrity
3. Inconsistent Appearance and Veneer Quality
Falcata veneers are harvested from fast-growing trees (5–7 years old), resulting in:
- Inconsistent grain and color
- Pin knots and open grain
- More time and material required for finishing
RevolutionPly® provides:
- A uniform, light-colored face veneer
- A-grade surface free of knots or patches
- Smooth sanding ideal for painting, staining, and clear coating
Perfect for:
- Flooring underlayment
- Wall and ceiling paneling
- Custom millwork
- Interior woodworking projects
Environmental Concerns with Falcata Plywood
Unchecked spread of Falcataria falcata disrupts ecosystems—especially across Pacific Islands—by:
- Altering soil nitrogen levels
- Encouraging weed invasions
- Suppressing native plant species
In contrast, RevolutionPly® is made from 100% plantation-grown, sustainable wood, with no tropical hardwoods, supporting responsible forestry and long-term environmental health.
Beware of “Combi Core” Falcata Panels
Some Falcata plywood marketed as Lauan or Meranti includes a “combi core” — blending soft Falcata veneers with tropical hardwoods. While slightly heavier (~12 lbs.), these panels:
- Still lack structural integrity
- Introduce tropical hardwoods from questionable sources
- Are not approved by flooring manufacturers for underlayment or structural use
RevolutionPly®: The Clear Choice Over Falcata, Lauan, and Meranti Plywood
RevolutionPly® is:
- Stronger and denser for long-lasting performance
- Smoother and more consistent for finishing
- Environmentally responsible, made from fast-growing, renewable wood sources
- Approved by major flooring manufacturers
- Ideal for a wide range of interior applications: underlayment, cabinetry, millwork, paneling, and woodworking
Make the Quality Choice. Make the Sustainable Choice. Choose RevolutionPly®.
Learn more and download product specifications at www.RevolutionPly.com.
