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OSB is available but limited in India. It's primarily imported from Malaysia and Europe. You can source OSB through specialized timber importers in Delhi NCR, Mumbai, and Bangalore. Check IndiaMART for suppliers. Expect lead times of 15-30 days and prices of ₹40-60 per sq.ft for 12mm thickness. For small quantities, you may need to group orders with others to meet minimum order requirements (often full container loads).

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Blockboard has a solid wood strip core making it lighter and stiffer than plywood, ideal for doors and large panels. Plywood has cross-laminated veneer layers making it stronger and more consistent, better for moisture-prone areas. Choose blockboard for internal doors and large wardrobe panels where weight matters. Choose plywood (BWR/BWP) for kitchens, structural applications, and areas with moisture exposure. Blockboard is typically 15-20% cheaper than equivalent plywood.

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Yes, but they serve different purposes. HDF is denser (800-1040 kg/m³), thinner (3-8mm), and more durable than MDF. Use HDF for laminate flooring underlayment, perforated decorative panels, and furniture backing where strength in thin panels is needed. MDF (600-800 kg/m³) is better for thicker panels (12mm+), painted furniture, and moldings. HDF costs 15-20% more but offers superior durability. Both are widely available in India through laminate and panel dealers.

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For commercial and high-traffic applications, absolutely yes. Compact HPL (12-25mm self-supporting panels) costs 3-5x more but offers 20+ year lifespan, complete waterproofing, impact resistance, and zero maintenance. It's ideal for toilet cubicles, restaurant tables, lab benchtops, and hospital cladding. For residential furniture, standard HPL (0.8-1mm) on BWR plywood is more cost-effective. The durability advantage of compact HPL only justifies the cost in high-abuse environments. Major Indian brands: Greenlam Clad, Merino Compact Plus, CenturyLam Compact.

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LVL (Laminated Veneer Lumber) can be used for furniture structural frames, bed slats, heavy-duty shelving, and furniture legs where high strength is needed. However, limited availability in India makes it impractical for most furniture projects. It's primarily used for structural beams, rafters, and joists in timber frame construction. If you can source it (expect ₹80-120/running foot for 90x45mm beams), LVL offers 1.5-2x the strength of solid wood with no knots or weak spots. Most furniture makers stick with plywood or blockboard due to better availability and lower cost.

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For Indian climate with high humidity, the ranking is: 1) Compact HPL (waterproof, ideal for wet areas), 2) BWP/Marine grade plywood (boiling water proof), 3) OSB (better moisture resistance than MDF), 4) Blockboard (if BWR grade or better), 5) HDF (better than MDF but still moisture-sensitive). Avoid standard MDF and particle board in humid areas - they swell and disintegrate with moisture. For kitchens and bathrooms, always choose BWP plywood or compact HPL. For living areas in humid coastal cities (Mumbai, Kolkata), use at least BWR grade materials.

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Blockboard: Greenply, Century Ply, Kitply, National Plywood. HDF: Greenlam, Merino, Action Tesa. Compact HPL: Greenlam Clad series, Merino Compact Plus, CenturyLam Compact, FunderMax (imported premium). OSB: Mostly unbranded imports from Malaysia (check IndiaMART). LVL: Carter Holt Harvey (New Zealand), Laminated Timbers (USA) - both imported through specialized dealers. For blockboard and HDF, stick with established Indian brands that comply with IS standards and offer E1/E0 emission certifications.