Plywood Types and Styles

Find the right plywood types and styles for your project

Plywood is a popular wood product made of layers of wood, or plies. It’s versatile, easy to work, relatively low cost, and easy to maintain. When you compare plywood price versus the price of solid wood, you may lean more toward the plywood option for your project.

Plywood is a series of thin layers of wood sandwiched together. Usually the wood grains alternate between layers to give the plywood panels additional strength. Glues cause the wood panels to adhere to each other and pressure seals all the layers together. The top layer is usually the determining factor to the various plywood types and styles. A solid wood veneer or decorative layer typically tops fancier plywoods. As you look at plywood types and styles for your project, you should consider:

1. The end function of the project. If it’s a storage box for the garage, it doesn’t necessarily need a hardwood veneer finish.

2. The availability of the plywood. If you are using specialty plywood for a project, make sure your local lumberyard has an ample supply on hand before you start your project.

3. The cost. If it’s a small, simple project, you might even consider using used plywood.

 

Use softwood plywood

Softwood plywood is the most common type of plywood, and pine, fir and spruce are the most common woods used to make it. Most construction plywood is the softwood type. Some of the layers may be wood chips processed to form a veneer layer.
Try: Lowe's provides information about softwood plywood. It also includes information about plywood grading developed by the plywood industry. Additional information for plywood buyers is available at Woodworking Tips.

Choose hardwood plywood products

Hardwood plywood products are a combination of both soft woods and hard woods. All of the layers except the top layer are soft wood, and the top layer is a veneer of hard wood. There are a number of ways manufacturers can cut the veneer, which changes the look of the wood grain.
Try: The hardwood plywood sales page of Highland Hardwoods also includes information on plywood veneers made from hardwoods. The hardwood plywood distributors, Columbia Forest Products, have color photos that picture various grades of plywood.

Pick decorative plywood panels

If you are decorating your house with wood, consider decorative plywood panels. Used as accent walls or as wainscoting, decorative plywood panels can quickly change the appearance of a room. Some decorative plywood panels have a paper covering as their top veneer, while others have the hardwood veneer layer.
Try: The decorative plywood suppliers at Georgia-Pacific carry a selection of panels. Use its locator tool to find a plywood supply store near you and to check plywood prices. Marlite offers decorative plywood for sale. You can see a number of veneer styles on its website.

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