Plywood

Plywood: What You Need to Know

Plywood, also known as engineered wood or layered wood panels, is a durable and versatile material crafted by bonding thin wood veneers together for strength and stability. Available in exterior and interior types, it suits a wide range of applications. Exterior plywood features water-resistant adhesives and treatments, making it ideal for siding, roofing, and other outdoor projects. Interior plywood, on the other hand, offers smooth surfaces and high aesthetic value, perfect for furniture, cabinetry, and wall paneling in controlled environments.

Grades:

• A Grade: A-grade plywood has a smooth, sanded surface with minimal knots, making it ideal for high-visibility applications like cabinetry and paneling. It offers the highest surface quality.
• B Grade: Slightly less refined than A-grade, B-grade plywood contains minor imperfections but maintains a polished appearance suitable for applications where aesthetics matter.
• C Grade (C2, C3, C4): C-grade plywood is designed for structural uses like bracing and subfloors. The numbers (2, 3, 4) indicate increasing imperfections, with higher numbers having more flaws while preserving structural strength.
• D Grade: D-grade plywood has the roughest surface, with visible knots and defects. It is commonly used for structural purposes where appearance is not a priority.
• Letter Designations: Single letters (e.g., A or C) indicate the same grade on both sides. Two-letter combinations (e.g., AC) show a higher-quality face grade and lower-quality back grade. An "X" in the designation, such as CDX, signifies suitability for exterior use with weather-resistant glue.

Examples:

• AC Grades: These grades feature an A-grade face and a C-grade back, providing a smooth, refined surface on one side for visible applications like cabinetry or interior paneling. AC is an excellent choice for interior projects requiring both aesthetic appeal and structural reliability.
• CDX Plywood: CDX plywood is an exterior-grade material combining a C-grade face and D-grade back. It is cost-effective and moisture-resistant, making it a dependable choice for roofing and sheathing.

Features:

• Pressure-Treated: Pressure-treated plywood is infused with chemicals to enhance its resistance to moisture, decay, and insects, making it ideal for outdoor and ground-contact applications. This treatment ensures durability in harsh environments, such as fencing, decking, or shed construction, where prolonged exposure to the elements is unavoidable.
• Sanded: Sanded plywood offers a smooth, polished surface perfect for projects requiring a clean finish, such as cabinetry, shelving, or decorative wall panels. This type is versatile and paint-ready, making it a preferred choice for high-visibility interior projects.
• Prefinished: Prefinished plywood comes with a factory-applied finish, eliminating the need for on-site painting or staining. Ideal for time-sensitive projects, it provides a professional appearance and consistent quality for uses such as furniture, paneling, or cabinetry.
• Sheathing: Sheathing-grade plywood provides structural stability for walls, roofs, and subfloors in both residential and commercial buildings. Known for its strength and durability, it offers excellent performance in load-bearing applications and weather-resistant construction.
• T&G (Tongue and Groove): T&G plywood features interlocking edges that create a snug fit, ensuring stability and reducing gaps in flooring or decking applications. Its design minimizes movement and squeaks, making it a reliable choice for subfloors in multi-story buildings.

Materials:

• Hardwood: Hardwood plywood is prized for its strength and durability – and is made from hardwood species like oak, maple, or birch. With a rich grain pattern, it provides a premium look while maintaining excellent load-bearing capabilities for structural applications.
• Softwood: Softwood plywood, typically made from pine or fir, is lightweight and cost-effective, making it suitable for general construction, roofing, and subflooring. Its versatility allows it to adapt to a range of indoor and outdoor projects, from paneling to decking.

Why Choose Supply Ontime?

At Supply Ontime, we offer reliable materials designed to meet your project’s needs. With same-day delivery across the Greater Los Angeles area, we make it easy to keep your projects on schedule. Order plywood now and get it delivered today!