Impact of internal structure on water-resistance of plywood studied using neutron radiography and X-ray tomography

•We use neutron radiography to measure the water transport in plywood and solid wood.•We use X-ray CT to investigate the internal structure of the samples.•Moisture transport behaviour of plywood is analysed based on its internal structure.•Apart from wood, veneer checks and gaps also influence water resistance of plywood.•Adhesive and grain direction of the veneers impact moisture resistance of plywood.