Gurjan Plywood vs Okoume Plywood – Which to Choose for Marine Use?
🌊 Gurjan Plywood vs Okoume Plywood – Complete Buyer’s Guide for Marine & Interior Use
Hi, Lucy here from HCPLY!
If you’re in the market for premium interior or marine plywood — especially for India, the Middle East, or Europe — you’ve likely heard of Gurjan Plywood and Okoume Plywood. Both are highly valued by importers, but they serve different priorities: strength vs aesthetics, prestige vs affordability. In this guide, we’ll compare them in depth so you can make the right decision for your next project.
1️⃣ Price & Market Position – Where They Stand in 2025
Gurjan Plywood
- FOB Vietnam: $300–$400/m³ depending on grade, thickness, and glue type.
- Positioned in the premium segment for luxury interiors, yachts, and high-end marine works.
- Higher cost due to the dense hardwood veneer and limited supply.
- Often chosen by buyers who prioritize prestige and durability over price.
Okoume Plywood
- FOB Vietnam: $250–$320/m³ for standard marine/interior grade.
- Positioned in the mid-to-high range, offering beautiful visual appeal with good strength.
- Widely available in large volumes, making it a go-to for mass furniture production.
- Preferred when the project requires a balance between cost efficiency and refined appearance.
💡 Takeaway: Gurjan is the go-to when your client demands the strongest, most durable, and prestigious plywood. Okoume is ideal for cost-conscious projects without compromising aesthetics.
2️⃣ Physical & Technical Properties – Strength vs Weight
| Feature | Gurjan Plywood | Okoume Plywood |
|---|---|---|
| Density | High (heavy hardwood) | Medium (lightweight hardwood) |
| Color Tone | Deep reddish-brown | Pale pink to light brown |
| Grain Pattern | Straight, uniform, premium look | Attractive, soft grain, decorative |
| Durability | Excellent – impact & compression resistant | Very good – suitable for most interiors |
| Workability | Requires sharp tools due to density | Easy to cut, bend, and shape |
| Marine Bonding | Excellent with WBP/Phenolic glue | Excellent with WBP/Phenolic glue |
3️⃣ Marine Applications – Where Each Excels
Gurjan Plywood
- Chosen for luxury boats, naval interiors, and premium decks.
- Superior impact resistance and structural stability under constant load.
- Best for applications where long-term durability under moisture is critical.
Okoume Plywood
- Favoured for yacht interiors, pleasure craft furniture, and curved marine panels.
- Lightweight property reduces overall vessel weight, improving speed and fuel efficiency.
- Ideal for projects where design, weight savings, and aesthetics are more important than extreme density.
4️⃣ Export Demand & Market Preferences
- India: Both Gurjan and Okoume are in high demand. Gurjan often sells to luxury interior contractors; Okoume moves in higher volumes for furniture manufacturers.
- Middle East: Gurjan used for prestige marine and villa projects; Okoume for decorative walling and cabinetry.
- Europe: Okoume dominates decorative and lightweight marine interiors; Gurjan is chosen for heavy-duty structural marine work.
5️⃣ Value & Long-Term Performance
- Gurjan Plywood can last decades in marine environments when paired with high-grade WBP or phenolic glue.
- Okoume Plywood offers exceptional value where weight reduction and visual quality matter.
- Both can achieve marine-grade performance when manufactured to BS1088 or equivalent standards.
6️⃣ FAQs – Gurjan vs Okoume Plywood
Q1: Which is more water-resistant?
Both perform well with marine-grade WBP or phenolic glue, but Gurjan’s density offers better long-term resistance.
Q2: Which is lighter for boat building?
Okoume is significantly lighter, making it better for weight-sensitive marine designs.
Q3: Which offers better ROI in India?
Okoume provides cost savings for large projects, while Gurjan earns higher margins in luxury segments.
Q4: Can both be FSC certified?
Yes, though Gurjan FSC supply is more limited due to source restrictions.
Q5: Which is easier to work with?
Okoume cuts and shapes more easily; Gurjan requires more tool strength and skill.
“At HCPLY, we supply both Gurjan Plywood and Okoume Plywood, tailored to each client’s market demands — from India’s high-volume furniture factories to Europe’s luxury yacht builders. We help you match the right plywood to the right project every time.”
