Plastic Shims vs Wood: What Works Best for Leveling?

When building or fixing something, you want it to be straight and strong. That’s why builders use shims.

Shims are small, flat pieces. They help level doors, floors, walls, and more. But what kind of shim is best?

Let’s look at the two most common types: plastic shims and wood shims.

What Are Shims?

Shims fill in small gaps. They help make things even and balanced.

For example, if a door leans, a shim can fix that. If a floor tilts, a shim can level it.

Shims are used in homes, schools, buildings, and job sites. They help things last longer and work better.

What Are Plastic Shims?

Plastic shims are made of strong plastic. They do not break or rot.

They come in many sizes and shapes. Some are thick. Some are thin.

Plastic shims can be stacked. They fit easily into small or large gaps. They are water-safe and do not rust.

Many builders like plastic shims because they last a long time.

What Are Wood Shims?

Wood shims are thin, flat pieces of wood. They have been used for many years.

They are often used for doors, windows, and walls.

Wood shims are easy to cut. But they can break, bend, or rot.

When wood gets wet, it can swell. This causes problems later.

Plastic Shims vs Wood Shims: What’s the Difference?

Let’s compare both types to see which one works best.

1. Strength and Durability

Plastic shims are stronger than wood. They don’t crack or wear down. They can hold more weight too.

Wood shims break more easily. If they get wet, they rot or warp.

Winner: Plastic shims

2. Water Resistance

Plastic shims are waterproof. They do not absorb water. They don’t grow mold.

Wood shims get soft in water. They may bend or fall apart.

Winner: Plastic shims

3. Easy to Use

Both are easy to use. But plastic shims don’t need cutting. They often come ready to use.

Some plastic shims are even color-coded by size. This makes picking the right one fast.

Winner: Plastic shims

4. Cost

Wood shims are often cheaper. But plastic shims last longer. You don’t need to replace them as often.

So while wood may cost less at first, plastic saves money over time.

Winner: Plastic shims (long-term value)

Where Should You Use Plastic Shims?

Plastic shims work well in many places:

Under doors and windows
On bathroom or kitchen floors
Under machines or shelves
On stone or concrete

Since they don’t rot, they are great for wet or outdoor areas.

Why Builders Choose Certified MTP

Certified MTP helps builders, engineers, and lab workers. They sell high-quality testing tools and leveling products.

At certifiedmtp.com, you can find strong and safe plastic shims.

They offer shims that meet top safety standards. Every product is made to be tough and easy to use.

Their tools are trusted in schools, labs, homes, and job sites.

Quick Recap: Which Shim Should You Use?

When comparing plastic shims and wood shims, there are several key differences. Plastic shims are waterproof, last longer, and do not break easily. They are rust-proof and mold-free, making them ideal for outdoor or wet areas.

In contrast, wood shims can absorb water, which causes them to bend, rot, or break over time. Although wood shims are cheaper initially, they wear out quickly, making them more expensive in the long run. Plastic shims, on the other hand, are more durable and offer better value over time. They are also easy to use and come in various sizes, which makes them more convenient than wood shims.