30X40 Design Workshop

Plywood as Finish (part 2) - Installation, Tips, + Finishing

Eric Reinholdt's design studio acts a lab for experimentation, in this video he discusses lessons learned from installing plywood as a finished wall surface. Eric Reinholdt reviews oil-based and water-based finishes, Danish oil, spar varnish, paste wax, natural soap (Hans Wenger furniture), and finally WOCA oil + lye.
Length 14:32
Price Free of charge
Subject Architecture
Languages English
Video Transcripts English

About the video

The four main discussion points covered are:
1) Material thickness: 1/2″ – 3/4″ typical range. NOTE: if you’re using sprayed foam insulation in your walls, the plywood covering must act as an ignition barrier for the foam – thickness will be critical. Thickness also affects: translation of framing inconsistencies to the finished surface, stability and price.
2) Panel cores and veneer faces. Steer clear of the Chinese Plywoods. Choose panels from the same lot and age if possible. Veneer plywood has a front and back side; the less banded side is the finished face. Take care when cutting to avoid material blow-out.
3) Attachment. Concealed versus exposed fastener. I recommend a concealed clip as well as a tip for aligning the finished face of the panels (it’s a special fastener).
4) Finishing. Determine the project goals first, then select the finish. Mine were:
– Low sheen
– Preserve natural wood appearance
– Easy to apply
– Non-yellowing

Meet the instructors

Eric Reinholdt is a founder of Thirty by Forty Design Workshop which was established in June 2013 in a home he designed overlooking Acadia National Park on Mount Desert Island. In 2016, he designed and constructed the Long Studio to complement the Longhouse and serve as a full-scale model of his design principles and the latest in building science; this is the home for 30X40.
“My work celebrates humble materials, subtle contrasts and finely-crafted details. I have a strong interest in modern regionalist design, local materials and familiar building forms juxtaposed against modern, open floor plans. I employ a minimalist, Shaker-like palette of details inspired by the site and natural surroundings.”

Video syllabus

Materials
Panel cores and veneer faces
Attachment
Finishing