14mm Plywood: backed by kiln-dried foundations.
- james42230
- Jul 22
- 3 min read
Updated: Aug 1
The Unseen Detail Designed for homes of distinction.
If your engineered timber flooring fails, the problem usually starts underneath.
The #1 reason floors warp, move, or delaminate?
Poor-quality, thin single layer and non-kiln-dried plywood.
At Marchand Luxury Oak, we only use high-grade, kiln-dried plywood in our engineered oak flooring. Here’s why that matters — and why builders, architects and designers across New Zealand are demanding kiln-dried materials for every interior fit-out.
TL;DR: Why 14mm Kiln-Dried Plywood is Better
✅ Prevents warping, cupping, and swelling
✅ Improves structural strength and bonding
✅ Kills pests, mould, and fungi
✅ Delivers better glue adhesion
✅ Essential for building code compliance (our moisture levels are kiln drying are 6-12%)
✅ Extends lifespan of your flooring investment

The Problem: Most People Ignore What’s Under the Floor
The surface of engineered oak is what catches the eye — but the plywood core is the engine room. If the layers underneath are thin or aren’t properly dried, you’ll deal with:
Warping or cupping planks
Separation between layers
Fungal growth and rot
Flooring failures in humid or variable climates
The Fix: Kiln-Dried Plywood
Kiln drying is the process of using high, controlled heat to reduce moisture content in timber. We dry our plywood to around 6–12% moisture (the NZBC NZS 3602:2003 "Timber shall be kiln-dried to a moisture content of not more than 18% for interior, protected use), which is optimal for:
Stability
Bonding strength
Long-term durability
Unlike “green” or untreated plywood, kiln-dried plywood is stable, predictable, and compliant.
Five Reasons Marchand Uses Kiln-Dried Plywood in Every Board
1. It Won’t Move or Warp
New Zealand’s climate varies wildly — but kiln-dried plywood stays stable. It won’t:
Swell when it’s humid
Shrink in winter
Cup, bow or delaminate under load
This keeps your flooring flat, flush, and beautiful for decades.
2. Glue Bonds Like Steel
Moist plywood resists glue. Dry plywood lets our adhesives work their magic. That means:
No delamination
Stronger multi-layer construction
Better performance under floor heating systems
3. Goodbye Bugs and Mould
Our kiln process kills off:
Insects and larvae
Mould spores
Fungus
Your clients get a cleaner, safer, longer-lasting floor — and fewer issues with indoor air quality.
4. It’s Code-Compliant
In New Zealand, untreated green timber below flooring can:
Breach NZS 3602 Internal Moisture rules
Void warranties
Risk costly remediation
Marchand’s kiln-dried plywood meets code, every time.
5. It’s the Sustainable Choice
Longer lifespan = less waste.
Fewer replacements = better for the planet.
Zero toxic treatments = healthier homes.
Built for New Zealand. Engineered to Perform.
At Marchand, we go further. Every board is built from:
20mm thick multi-layer construction
6mm European oak wear layer
14mm kiln-dried plywood base
Low-VOC glues and finishes
Why? Because luxury is in the details. Our floors don’t just look good — they perform in New Zealand homes, no matter the season or environment.
Use This Insight Immediately If…
✅ You’re a builder/specifier who wants zero call-backs
✅ You’re a designer who needs long-term beauty
✅ You’re an architect who specs for performance
✅ You’re a homeowner investing in flooring that lasts

FAQs
❓ Can I use untreated plywood under engineered oak?
You can, but we don’t recommend it. It voids warranties, risks movement, and often fails over time.
❓ What kind of plywood does Marchand use?
We use kiln-dried Eucalyptus plywood, known for its strength, density, and durability. It’s the same grade used in high-end furniture and joinery.
❓ Does kiln-drying make it more expensive?
No — We find ourselves at a more affordable price point than other competitors: often beating their quote by 50% (apple vs apple comparison of course)
Want to See the Difference?
Talk to us today. We’ll show you the technical breakdown of our board construction and help you choose the perfect finish for your next project.