Plywood is not a simple building material. It is an industry essential. There are many variations and we have explained the plies, sizes and other variations in to help you select the best type of plywood for each project.
Choosing the wrong plywood can be costly and ruin your work.The “ply” in plywood refers to the number of layers and the thickness of the plywood board. Some projects need thicker boards, while others can involve smaller pieces. It depends on the amount of strength needed. Each layer, called a wood veneer, is glued to another layer to create the number of plies required. Veneers can be of different thicknesses, so be sure to evaluate the type of board you need carefully.
Softwood 4 X 8 and 4 X 9. Soft plywood is made from pine, redwood, or cedar, among other softwoods. It is used for exterior framing, roof sheathing, and subflooring. Softwood can also be used for sheds, temporary flooring, and shelving. Not recommended for outdoor use. It is strong but doesn’t have the necessary weather resistance.
Hardwood 4 X 8 and 4 X 9: The hardwood version of plywood has between three and seven layers of birch, maple, oak, walnut, or other types of hardwood. Layers are glued together at right angles for a strong finish and can be used for furniture, packing cases, sporting equipment, musical instruments, and other items that require strong frames.
Lumber Core 4 X 8 and 4 X 9: Lumber core plywood has two thin veneers of hardwood that form a solid slab made from glued-together wood strips. This core can easily grasp screws, making it a good choice for projects that require these fasteners. The core can sometimes contain voids that make it weaker.
Marine (Not Varnished) 4 X 8 and 4 X 9: Marine plywood is made of western larch or Douglas Fir and is one of the highest-quality types of plywood available. To qualify as marine plywood, it cannot have any knotholes. Marine plywood is ideal for outdoor furniture and decorative elements, like planters or benches.
Overlaid (Medium Density) 4 X 8 and 4 X 9: Overlaid boards contain the same plies as other plywood but are finished with a thin veneer of ornamental wood on top. In addition to looking more beautiful, the veneer creates a surface that can resist water, scratches, and other damage.
Structural (CEX) 4 X 10: Structural plywood (sheathing plywood) can be used to strengthen framing and building structures that will be covered later. Made with a strong adhesive, it can be used indoors or outdoors, although it is not as weather resistant as other types of plywood.
Call Dolan’s If you need more information about the plywood we carry and what is best for your project. Our experienced staff can help you select the best type of plywood and help assure that your project will result in quality construction. Delivery to your worksite is available in the Bay Area and Wine Country.
Visit our Home Improvement Centers with Full-Service Lumberyards in Concord or Pinole, or call 800-936-5267.
It got me when you said that one of the highest quality types of plywood is the marine option which is made from western larch or Douglas Fir. I will suggest this type of material to my husband if he buys construction materials and hires a contractor next week. It will be for the structure he wants to have in our backyard where we can hangout in the future, especially during the summer season.
Do you sell Italian Poplar Bending 1/8′ Plywood?
Hi John,
Please send your contact information and details of what you are looking for to sales@dolanlumber.com. Be sure to include your location.
Thank you