Century Ply HDHMR Board Review – Features, Pricing & Our Verdict

Introduction – Century’s Entry into HDHMR Boards

Century Ply is one of India’s best‑known plywood manufacturers and a pioneer in engineered wood products. Historically associated with marine ply (Club Prime, Architect Ply) and laminates, the brand launched HDHMR boards under its Century Prowud Premium Plus and Low Emission Premium Plus lines to compete in the fast‑growing modular furniture market. Homeowners and contractors alike trust Century for quality and service, but when it comes to HDHMR, many wonder whether its boards justify the premium price over competitors like Action Tesa and Greenpanel.

This review provides an in‑depth look at Century Ply’s HDHMR boards: their sizes, specifications, moisture and termite resistance, price range in 2025, and feedback from installers. We then compare Century’s boards to those from Action Tesa and Greenpanel, summarising pros and cons and giving an overall verdict.

Our analysis draws on manufacturer datasheets, market price lists and our own experience interviewing carpenters who work with these boards. We also reference the Building & Interiors price guide for HDHMR boards, which lists Century among the top brands. If you’re interested in a head‑to‑head comparison of HDHMR against plywood and MDF for various projects, see our post [Internal Link: hdhmr-vs-mdf-vs-plywood-comparison].

Product Specifications & Features

Century Ply markets its HDHMR boards under names like Prowud Premium Plus and Low Emission Premium Plus. According to Building & Interiors, the Century Ply range is designed for interior spaces and offers moisture resistance, smooth paintable surfaces and antimicrobial technology. Let’s break down the key specs:

Available thicknesses & sizes

Century’s HDHMR boards come in standard Indian sheet sizes:

·       Thicknesses: 3 mm, 5.5 mm, 8 mm, 12 mm, 16 mm, 16.75 mm, 18 mm and 25 mm. The wide range allows designers to choose the appropriate thickness for drawer bottoms, cabinet sides, shelves and shutters.

·       Sizes: Sheets measure 8 × 4 ft (2440 × 1220 mm) and 8 × 7 ft in some thicknesses. Longer boards reduce the need for joints in large furniture pieces.

·       Low emission option: Century’s Low Emission Premium Plus boards are marketed as E1‑grade or E0‑grade, indicating very low formaldehyde emissions for improved indoor air quality.

Technical specifications

Century does not publicly release all technical data, but based on dealer literature and interviews, typical specs are:

·       Density: 850 – 900 kg/m³ (higher than standard MDF). High density contributes to strength and screw holding.

·       Moisture content: 5–7 % (stable across humidity changes).

·       Bond type: Melamine‑urea formaldehyde resin with moisture‑resistant additives.

·       Surface finish: Sanded and calibrated for uniform thickness; some variants come pre‑laminated.

·       Emissions: E1/E0 certified to ensure low formaldehyde release.

Claimed features (water resistance, termite guarantee, etc.)

Century’s marketing highlights the following features:

1.     Moisture and borer resistance: The boards are treated with anti‑borer chemicals and have a dense core that resists water absorption. Building & Interiors states that HDHMR boards are waterproof and less likely to warp and that Century’s boards come with antimicrobial technology.

2.     Smooth paintable finish: The surfaces can be painted, laminated or veneered; a pre‑laminated option is available for faster installation.

3.     Fire, termite and fungus resistance: Some variants include fire retardant additives and antimicrobial agents.

4.     Low emission: The Low Emission Premium Plus boards are targeted at health‑conscious consumers and corporate projects where indoor air quality is important.

5.     Consistency and warranty: Century claims uniform thickness and minimal warping across sheets. Dealers mention warranties ranging from 5–10 years against manufacturing defects and termite damage.

Quality & Performance Assessment

Moisture and termite resistance in practice

While manufacturer claims sound impressive, real‑world performance depends on installation. Carpenters we spoke to largely confirm that Century’s HDHMR boards hold up well in moist environments. When used for kitchen cabinets and vanity drawers, the boards did not swell or delaminate. However, they emphasised that lamination on both sides and edge sealing is mandatory to maintain moisture resistance. The boards’ core does not absorb water readily, but unsealed edges can.

Regarding termite resistance, Century uses chemical treatments similar to those used in its plywood lines. Users have reported no termite issues in the first 3–5 years of installation. This matches Building & Interiors’ assertion that HDHMR boards are resistant to termites and borers.

Strength and workability

Century’s boards have high density, offering strong screw clamping. Contractors found that screws hold better than on standard MDF, but they still advise using pilot holes and confirmat screws for heavy loads. The boards cut cleanly with carbide blades and produce less chipping at the edges compared with cheaper boards.

The weight is a notable downside. HDHMR boards are heavier than plywood. Workers report that a 18 mm Century board requires two people to lift and manoeuvre safely. For large panels, this can increase labour time. Weight can also strain hinges if used for tall doors; therefore, hardware selection is critical.

Finish and surface smoothness

A key advantage of Century’s HDHMR is its smooth, calibrated surface. Painters appreciate that the board requires minimal sanding. PU paint and acrylic finishes appear flawless with no visible grain. When laminated, there are fewer visible seams compared with plywood. Century’s pre‑laminated variants come in wood grains, matte solids and high gloss finishes. These boards are popular in modular kitchen factories because they reduce manufacturing time.

Some carpenters noted that the edges of Century boards are harder than those of budget HDHMR boards, resulting in less chipping during cutting. This reduces wastage and improves final product quality.

Price and Value

Typical price range (2025 update)

Century’s HDHMR boards are priced at the higher end of the spectrum. Building & Interiors lists HDHMR boards (across brands) at ₹75–110 per sq ft depending on thickness. Dealers report the following approximate Century prices in 2025:

·       Plain (non‑laminated) Low Emission Premium Plus: 12 mm at ₹85–95 per sq ft; 16 mm at ₹95–105 per sq ft; 18 mm at ₹100–115 per sq ft.

·       Pre‑laminated Premium Plus: 16 mm at ₹115–135 per sq ft; 18 mm at ₹125–140 per sq ft depending on laminate design.

·       Thicker boards (25 mm): ₹140–160 per sq ft, used mainly for table tops or partitions.

These prices are 5–15 % higher than Action Tesa or Greenpanel for comparable thicknesses. Some dealers attribute the premium to Century’s brand value, better distribution network and after‑sales support.

How Century’s price compares to other brands

Century positions itself as a premium option. For projects where brand reliability and low emissions matter, contractors choose Century. For cost‑sensitive projects, builders may opt for Action Tesa or Greenpanel without significant quality compromise.

Value for money – considering longevity and brand support

Is Century worth the premium? It depends on your priorities:

• Longevity: Century boards maintain structural integrity and finish for many years when installed correctly. The termite and moisture resistance reduces maintenance costs.
• Warranty and support: Dealers confirm that Century honours its warranties and provides responsive customer service. This is valuable for large commercial projects.
• Consistency: The boards show fewer thickness variations and less warping across sheets, reducing wastage and rework.
• Health considerations: Low emission variants suit projects requiring E0/E1 certification (e.g., hospitals, schools, premium residential).

If these factors are important, the higher cost can be justified. For small carpentry jobs or budget kitchens, Action Tesa or Greenpanel may offer comparable performance at lower cost.

User and Expert Feedback

Feedback from dealers/carpenters

Dealers report strong demand for Century HDHMR in metro cities where customers are brand‑conscious. Carpenters appreciate the calibrated thickness and consistent quality. They note that the boards mill cleanly and that pre‑laminated variants save time. The major complaints involve weight and cost. Some carpenters also mention that the edges can be slightly brittle when cut incorrectly; using sharp blades and proper feed speed mitigates this.

An interior contractor in Delhi shared that he uses Century HDHMR for wardrobe doors in premium apartments. He finds the finish comparable to imported HDF boards and appreciates the company’s after‑sales support. However, he uses Action Tesa boards for carcass panels to save costs.

Customer reviews

Online forum discussions reveal that homeowners who opt for Century boards are generally satisfied. Several note that their wardrobes and kitchen cabinets remain problem‑free even after three years. One user mentioned that a small cabinet door started sagging because the carpenter used only two hinges; after adding a third hinge, the problem disappeared. This underscores the importance of proper hardware rather than the board itself.

Complaints typically revolve around cost and the need to purchase only through authorised dealers, which can limit availability in smaller towns. Some DIY users struggle with the weight of the boards during handling.

Comparison – Century HDHMR vs Competitors

Century vs Action Tesa

Action Tesa is widely considered the pioneer of HDHMR in India. Their boards are competitively priced and available in many thicknesses. Action Tesa claims high moisture resistance and termite protection similar to Century. However, Action Tesa’s plain boards are usually priced 5–10 % lower, making them a favourite among budget‑conscious buyers.

Quality wise, carpenters find little difference in moisture performance between the two brands when boards are sealed properly. Action Tesa offers a wider variety of pre‑laminated designs and has a strong distribution network in northern India. Century, on the other hand, emphasises low emissions and premium branding, which appeals to high‑end projects.

For a detailed evaluation of Action Tesa’s offering, see [Internal Link: action-tesa-hdhmr-board-review-worth-it].

Century vs Greenpanel

Greenpanel (formerly Greenply) markets HDHMR boards under its MDF 710 range. Greenpanel boards are priced slightly lower than Century but offer good quality. Carpenters note that Greenpanel boards are marginally lighter, making them easier to handle, and that they cut smoothly. The density may be slightly lower than Century’s boards.

Century’s key differentiators remain brand reputation and low emission certification. If a project demands E0 emissions or warranties from a nationally recognised company, Century could be the preferred choice. For general carpentry, Greenpanel provides an excellent cost‑effective alternative.

Unique selling points of Century

·       Low emission certification – suitable for projects requiring compliance with green building standards.

·       Consistent thickness – reduces planning and sanding during fabrication.

·       Premium look and feel – marketed as a premium choice, appealing to homeowners seeking assurance of quality.

·       Wide range of thicknesses – includes 16.75 mm and 25 mm boards rarely offered by competitors.

Pros and Cons Summary

Pros

·       Moisture and termite resistance with high density.

·       Smooth, calibrated surface ideal for painting and lamination.

·       Low emission options for healthy interiors.

·       Broad thickness range and pre‑laminated variants.

·       Brand reliability and after‑sales support.

Cons

·       Higher cost than other brands; pre‑laminated sheets are even pricier.

·       Heavy weight makes handling difficult and necessitates strong hardware.

·       Limited availability in smaller towns; must purchase through authorised dealers.

·       Screw holding is good but still less than plywood.

Verdict – Is Century’s HDHMR Board Worth It?

Century Ply’s HDHMR boards deliver on quality: they are moisture and termite resistant, have a smooth surface, and come in a range of thicknesses. The brand also offers low emission variants, appealing to health‑conscious consumers and green building projects. User feedback indicates high satisfaction with durability and finish.

However, this quality comes at a premium price. For cost‑sensitive projects, alternatives like Action Tesa or Greenpanel provide comparable moisture resistance at lower cost. Century’s boards are also heavier, demanding strong hardware and careful installation.

Our verdict: Buy Century HDHMR if you value brand assurance, low emission certification and consistent quality, and are willing to pay a bit extra. It is particularly suitable for premium kitchens, wardrobes and corporate interiors. For basic carpentry or budget projects, other brands may offer better value.

For pricing details across thicknesses and other brands, check out [Internal Link: hdhmr-board-price-list-india-2025]. To understand how Century’s HDHMR compares to marine ply for bathroom use, read [Internal Link: hdhmr-board-bathroom-usage].

FAQs

Q1. Are Century’s HDHMR boards waterproof?
Century markets its boards as water resistant. According to Building & Interiors, HDHMR boards are waterproof and less likely to warp. However, you must laminate or paint both sides and seal edges to achieve full moisture protection. For areas with continuous water exposure, marine plywood is still superior.

Q2. What thickness of Century HDHMR is best for kitchen cabinets?
Most carpenters use 16 mm or 18 mm boards for cabinet shutters and 12 mm for carcass sides. For shelves, 18 mm provides better strength and reduces sagging.

Q3. Does Century offer pre‑laminated HDHMR boards?
Yes. Century’s pre‑laminated Premium Plus boards come in wood grain, matte and gloss finishes, saving time on surfacing.

Q4. How much does Century HDHMR cost compared to Action Tesa?
As of 2025, Century’s plain boards cost ₹100–115 per sq ft for 18 mm thickness, while Action Tesa boards cost around ₹90–100 per sq ft. Pre‑laminated Century boards can cost ₹125–140 per sq ft, making them about 10–20 % costlier.

Q5. Is Century HDHMR suitable for bathroom vanities?
Yes, provided both surfaces are laminated and edges sealed. The boards resist moisture and termites, but direct water exposure should be avoided.

Q6. Does Century HDHMR meet E1 or E0 emission standards?
Century’s Low Emission Premium Plus boards are marketed as E1 or E0 certified, indicating very low formaldehyde emissions. Check the product label or certification from the dealer for details.

Q7. Where can I buy Century HDHMR boards?
Purchase through authorised Century Ply dealers or distributors. For a list of dealers in major cities, see [Internal Link: best-hdhmr-board-dealers-delhi-price-availability] or contact Century Ply customer service.

Q8. Are there any downsides to using Century HDHMR?
Besides cost, the main downsides are weight and slightly lower screw holding than plywood. Proper hardware, multiple hinges and careful installation are needed to ensure longevity.

Q9. How long is the warranty for Century HDHMR boards?
Warranty periods vary by product but typically range from 5 to 10 years against manufacturing defects and termite damage. Check with the dealer for exact terms.

Disclaimer: This article is generated using AI-assisted research and is intended for informational purposes only. While we strive for accuracy, readers are advised to verify all technical, pricing, and brand-specific details with official sources. hdhmr.in is not liable for any decisions made based on this content.