Plywood Grades
Birch plywood
B(Europe)/C(USA)
This grade of wood is in outstanding condition. It may have some knots and burls, but they don’t take away from the wood’s beauty.
BB(Europe)/D+(USA)
This face grade allows more (and larger) burls and knots than A-grade wood, but it’s still in good condition. Some color variation is allowed.
CP(Europe)/D-(USA)
This wood is smooth and sound, but it allows even more variations, knots, and burls than B-grade wood.
C(Europe)/F(USA)
This face grade is free of open defects, but it may have some repaired defects. Despite this, it’s still considered to be in sound condition.
European plywood grades
European plywood grades, particularly for birch plywood, are standardized under the EN 635 series, which outlines permissible surface characteristics and defects. Grades are typically denoted in pairs (e.g., B/BB), indicating the quality of the face and back veneers. Here’s a breakdown of common European plywood grades:
B/BB
Face (B): High-quality veneer with minimal defects.
Back (BB): Allows for more repairs, including patches and small knots.
Applications: Suitable for applications requiring a good appearance on one side, such as cabinetry and furniture.
BB/BB
Face & Back (BB): Both sides permit patches, small knots, and minor discolorations.
Applications: Commonly used where both sides are visible but a flawless finish isn’t necessary.
BB/CP
Face (BB): As described above.
Back (CP): Allows for more defects than BB, including larger patches and knots.
Applications: Used when only one side is visible, such as in shelving or paneling.
CP/CP
Face & Back (CP): Both sides allow for defects like knots, patches, and discoloration.
Applications: Suitable for structural applications where appearance is not critical.
C/C
Face & Back (C): Lowest grade, permitting open knots, splits, and other defects.
Applications: Used in construction where strength is needed over appearance.
Understanding these grades helps in selecting the appropriate plywood for your project, balancing aesthetic requirements with structural needs. For instance, B/BB grade is ideal for visible surfaces requiring a clean finish, while C/C grade is more suited for hidden structural components.
American plywood grades
American plywood grades are standardized to indicate the quality and intended use of the plywood panels. These grades are primarily established by organizations such as the APA – The Engineered Wood Association and the Hardwood Plywood and Veneer Association (HPVA).
Softwood Plywood Grades (APA Standards)
Softwood plywood, commonly used in construction, is graded using a combination of letters and numbers:
Face Veneer Grades (Letters)
Grade A: Smooth, sanded surface with minimal defects; ideal for applications requiring a high-quality finish, such as cabinetry and furniture.
Grade B: Solid surface with some repairs; suitable for projects where a smooth finish is desired but minor imperfections are acceptable.
Grade C: May have tight knots and minor defects; often used in construction where appearance is less critical.
Grade D: Allows larger knots and defects; typically used in structural applications where the plywood will be covered.
Back Veneer Grades (Numbers)
Grade 1: Highest quality back veneer with minimal defects.
Grade 2: Permits more repairs and minor defects.
Grade 3: Allows more visible defects; suitable for non-appearance applications.
Grade 4: Lowest quality; used where strength is more important than appearance.
For example, a panel labeled “A-C” has an A-grade face and a C-grade back, indicating a high-quality front surface with a less refined back.
Hardwood Plywood Grades (ANSI/HPVA Standards)
Hardwood plywood, often used for furniture and cabinetry, follows the ANSI/HPVA HP-1 standard:
Grade A: Smooth, paintable surface with minimal defects; suitable for high-end furniture and cabinetry.
Grade B: Solid surface with some repairs; acceptable for quality furniture where minor imperfections can be tolerated.
Grade C: May have more visible defects; used in applications where appearance is less critical.
Grade D: Allows significant defects; typically used in structural applications where the plywood will be covered.
These grades are often combined to describe the face and back veneers, such as “A1” (A-grade face with a No. 1 back) or “B2” (B-grade face with a No. 2 back).
Understanding these grading systems helps in selecting the appropriate plywood for your specific project, ensuring both functionality and aesthetic appeal.
If you have a specific application in mind, feel free to provide more details, and I can offer tailored advice on the most suitable plywood grade.
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Packaging & Delivery
How to quickly and safely deliver the Plywood products you ordered to the designated location? You can choose from the following methods.
Packaging & Delivery
How to quickly and safely deliver the Plywood products you ordered to the designated location? You can choose from the following methods.
Plywood Core
In order to adapt to different working scenarios, we provide the following plywood cores for you to choose.
Plywood Core
In order to adapt to different working scenarios, we provide the following plywood cores for you to choose.
Glue Types
In order to adapt to different environments and scenarios, we provide a variety of plywood glue for you to choose.
Glue Types
In order to adapt to different environments and scenarios, we provide a variety of plywood glue for you to choose.
Plywood Certificate
To give you more peace of mind, we have obtained a variety of certifications to meet your needs.
Plywood Certificate
To give you more peace of mind, we have obtained a variety of certifications to meet your needs.
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