4 Reject

Some open defects, sound surface    

B Grade

Unmatched slices are permitted, but no sharp contrasts in color, grain or figure. An excellent panel for cabinet    making.                    

A Grade

A clear face veneer; all splices tight and sound. Occasional small burls and tiny pin knots. Most species are book-matched or slip-matched.

Plywood Face Grades

Rotary

Rotary is the process of peeling the entire long. Turning the log, while shaving the veneer as it turns produces Rotary Cut veneer. This process is the only cutting method that is capable of producing whole piece face veneers. Rotary cut will yield veneer with a broad grain pattern with no plain sliced or quartered appearance. Rotary cut veneers are used in the majority of panels produced in North America. This process yields the most veneer per log and is usually less expensive than sliced veneer.

Plain Slice

Plain slicing a log occurs when a log is only turned a few inches at a time when slicing it, versus a constant turn and peeling method used for Rotary Cut veneer. Plain Sliced veneer produces a cathedral grain pattern, similar to the pattern produced when plain sawn lumber is produced. Plain Sliced veneer is cut along the growth rings, producing the highest yield of any “slicing” method.

Veneer Cuts

Baltic Birch

Baltic Birch is not a specific species of birch, but is a general designation of plywood from Russia and nearby Baltic states (such as Finland). As with any natural wood product, quality can be variable. However, Baltic Birch plywood is generally regarded as being of higher quality than standard birch plywood. In a nutshell, Baltic Birch plywood is made entirely from birch plies, with no softwood or filler plies in the center. Furthermore, the plies themselves tend to be much thinner, allowing for more plies for a given thickness, and greater stiffness and stability

MDF

Medium Density Fiberboard Core has the most uniform thickness and consistency of any panel core. The face and back veneer are glued directly to the MDF Core without the need for a crossband veneer. The consistency in thickness and flatness makes MDF Core panels the preferred choice for 32mm construction.

Veneer Core

Veneer Core plywood consists of a center veneer and crossband veneers alternately layered on both sides of the center to the desired thickness producing an odd number of veneers for the core. The weight-bearing strength of Veneer Core plywood is excellent along with its bending strength and screw-hold ability. Veneer core panels are lighter in weight than any other core type.

Plywood Cores

PLYWOODS

2 Smooth

Has the same veneer on the backside with no open defects. Sometimes mismatched.

1 Good

Free from open defects. No color or grain match

Plywood Back Grades

C Grade

Generally a paint grade plywood. Filled knots on face