Choosing the right grade of plywood is essential for ensuring the success and durability of your project. With various grades available, each suited for different applications, understanding their distinctions can help you make an informed decision. Let’s explore the different grades of plywood and their best uses.
Grades of Plywood: Softwood
Plywood is an engineered wood that is a staple in many home building projects because of its strength and low cost. Understanding the different grades of plywood is critical to choosing the best material for the task.
In the case of softwood plywood, each veneer contains two grades, one for the “face” veneer and the other for the “back” veneer. There are four grades of veneer: A, B, C, and D.
A-Grade Plywood
A-grade plywood is the highest quality. While it will cost more, the time savings can be worth it for projects that will be visible to the eye. This type of plywood is smooth and easy to paint.
B-Grade Plywood
B-grade plywood usually has minor flaws that may require small repairs. It is slightly less smooth.
C-Grade Plywood
C-grade plywood has more visible flaws and knots up to 1.5 inches in diameter.
D-Grade Plywood
D-grade plywood can have large flaws and knots up to 2.5 inches in diameter. This is typically the cheapest grade of plywood veneer.
The first letter refers to the grade of the face of the plywood, and the second letter refers to the back. Therefore, “AB” plywood would have an A-grade face veneer and a B-grade back sheet.
Grades of Plywood: Hardwood
The grading system for hardwood plywood is a little different. Like softwood, the face veneer is represented by letters, and A is the highest quality and D is the lowest quality. However, there is a different standard for backs: 1 is the best and 4 is the worst.
A1 Hardwood Plywood
A1 hardwood plywood represents the top quality plywood, and D4 the lowest quality (but most cost-effective) plywood.
Difference Between Construction and Project Plywood
Construction Plywood
Construction plywood is a common material for building garages and roofing houses, and it’s also used for household projects like building cabinets. Here are some labels that differentiate the two:
CDX
CDX-grade plywood is an inexpensive plywood material, which is made of the two lowest grades, C and D. The X signifies that this material can withstand some exposure to moisture. CDX is oftentimes used for creating work tables and storage units.
Sanded Pine
Sanded pine is a versatile plywood material. It has a clean and smooth surface, and it holds nails and screws well. This type of plywood is commonly used to build cabinets and boxes.
Baltic Birch
Another versatile plywood material is Baltic birch. This is a more expensive option, as it has clean edges and has a nice finish.
Plywood for Indoor Uses
Sanded Plywood
If you’re looking for a quality plywood material that can be used indoors, pine veneer is a good option. This material could be labeled Sanded Pine BC or Sandeply. It’s an inexpensive material that used for projects like building cabinets or shop furniture.
Oriented Strand Board
Also known as wafer board, Oriented strand board has a flakey look, as it’s made from wood chips. This type of plywood sheet has a patchwork design with a variance of shapes, sizes, and colors of wood chips glued together.
Plywood for Outdoor Uses
Although some grades of plywood can withstand snow, rain, and other outdoor elements, there’s no guarantee that plywood can hold up for a certain amount of time. This will depend on moisture, heat, and other outdoor factors.
Pressure-Treated Plywood
If you’re looking for a plywood that’s made to reject mold and mildew, pressure-treated plywood has been saturated with chemicals to keep it safe. This material could last for years without paint or any type of protective coating.
CDX Sheathing
This type of plywood material is made from the two lowest grades of plywood, C and D. It’s an inexpensive material, and it shouldn’t be left uncovered. It’s typically covered with bricks or shingles for roofs, storage bins, or garages.
At Forest Plywood, we have a large selection of plywood options so you can find the right plywood grade for your next project.
Which Grade Of Plywood Is Right For My Project?
That depends on your project. If both sides of the plywood will be visible, A1, A2, B1, or B2 are acceptable choices. If the back will not show, A4 or B4 will be a suitable alternative.
If you are planning on a clear finish, A1 or A2 is likely the best choice. If the plywood will be painted, grades B and lower are suitable for faces, and 3 or lower are suitable for backs.
Planning to use plywood for an outdoor project such as a deck, roofing material, or shed? You will want to make sure the material is resistant to moisture. If the plywood has an X at the end, this means it can withstand some exposure to moisture.
Marine grade plywood is available for structures such as cisterns and boat hulls that will have prolonged exposure to water.
Choosing the Right Plywood Grade for Your Project
Although this grading system can be a useful guide when balancing cost and quality, it is always a good idea to examine plywood products in person to be sure the grain pattern, flatness, and edges meet your project requirements. If you’re not sure what grade is right for your needs, contact Forest Plywood. Our expert team will help you choose the best product for your next project.
