Essential knowledge for every trader. Understand the materials you sell.
Plywood is an engineered wood made from thin sheets of veneer stacked together. It is the most common material used in furniture due to its strength and resistance to cracking.
The industry standard sheet size is 8 ft x 4 ft (32 sq.ft). Other common sizes include 7x4, 8x3, and 6x4.
MDF (Medium Density Fiberboard) is made by breaking down hardwood or softwood residuals into wood fibers and combining them with wax and resin binder.
Unlike plywood, MDF has no grain, making it easier to cut and paint. It is cheaper than plywood but less durable against water. HDF (High Density Fiberboard) is simply a denser, harder version used for flooring.
Choosing the right plywood grade is critical for longevity. Here is a technical breakdown:
Moisture Resistant plywood is bonded with Urea Formaldehyde resin. It is suitable for internal use (wardrobes, ceilings) where humidity is low. It is NOT waterproof.
Boiling Water Resistant plywood uses Phenol Formaldehyde resin. It can withstand water exposure better than MR grade and is ideal for semi-outdoor furniture and kitchen cabinets.
Boiling Water Proof is the gold standard. It withstands 72 hours of boiling water without delamination. It is strictly recommended for bathrooms, ship-building, and areas prone to direct water contact.
Laminates (Sunmica) are decorative sheets overlayed on plywood. They range from 0.8mm to 1.25mm in thickness.
Patti (Beading/Margin) is unique because it is sold by **Running Feet (Rft)**, unlike Plywood (Sq.Ft) or Laminate (Sheets/Nos).
Scenario: A customer buys 5 bundles of Teak Wood Patti.
Total Rft: 80 + 84 + 30 = 194 Rft
Price: If rate is ₹15/rft, Total = 194 × 15 = ₹2,910
*Note: Many traders incorrectly try to convert this to Sq.Ft. Do not do that. Running feet is a linear measurement.
For decades, timber traders have relied on the "Red Book" (Chopda) system. While reliable for basic accounting, it fails during inventory valuation. Here is why modern traders are switching:
| Feature | Manual Method | Digital (Zero-Knowledge) |
|---|---|---|
| Stock Valuation | Guesswork based on "Average Purchase Price". | Precise Weighted Average Cost updated instantly. |
| Cut Pieces | Often ignored or lost, leading to 5-10% revenue leak. | Tracked as specific sizes (e.g., 4x4) and re-sold easily. |
| Search Speed | Requires physical warehouse check (20-30 mins). | Instant search by Thickness, Brand, or Grade (2 seconds). |
Cubic Feet (CFT) is the standard volume unit for wood logs and cut sizes. Getting this wrong means losing money on every sale.
India's GST regime requires specific HSN codes for timber products. Incorrect classification can lead to penalties.
Plywood, Veneered Panels, & Laminated
Wood.
Most common code. Taxed usually at 18%.
Sawn Wood / Timber.
Wood sawn or chipped
lengthwise, sliced or peeled. Tax varies.
*Disclaimer: Tax laws change. Always consult your CA. quickChallan allows you to set custom Tax Rates per item.