If you’re looking to start a construction project, there’s a good chance you’ll be working with plywood. Due to its variety, plywood is common in several types of construction. It’s also common in furniture and cabinet making.

But understanding various types of plywood, its grading, and its uses may appear a little overwhelming at first.

The short answer to how to choose between plywood types is the following:

For construction projects you should opt more for softwood plywood. Hardwood is more-commonly used in decorative projects such as furniture and cabinet making. Consider using higher grade plywood (A and B) for decorative projects and lower grade (C and D) for constructions that will not be visible to others.

That’s why I’ve put together the only info guide you should ever need about this versatile wood. Because understanding plywood is critical to the success of your construction project, I’ve broken down key aspects that you’ll need to know as you move forward.

Why Choosing the Right Plywood Matters

When you’re in a rush, it’s sometimes easy to try and cut corners, but shortcuts in construction can be deadly. Not only can they make construction harder, but they can endanger your life or the lives of others. Not to mention, they can put a serious dent in your wallet in the long run.

Selecting plywood for a job is not just about working convenience; it’s also about safety. Certain types of plywood are better suited for certain jobs, and selecting the wrong one may endanger the project’s structural integrity and lead to unnecessary repair costs quicker than you’d imagine.

For those looking to use plywood in furniture making, selecting the correct type is essential in achieving the project’s desired look.

Why is Some Plywood Different than Others?

Plywood comes in different thicknesses and grades. Understanding different types of plywood requires a basic understanding of how it’s made.

So you may be asking: what exactly is plywood?

There are three main types of plywood: softwood, hardwood, and phenolic. Each type has its own common use.

Those interested in construction will likely spend more time thinking about softwood. This kind of plywood is used in many building projects and has many different uses.

Softwood

Softwood plywood is generally made from pine, redwood, fir, and cedar. Though high grades of softwood are used in furniture making, it’s more commonly used in construction because of its varying size and grades.

Hardwood

Hardwood plywood, however, predominantly finds its use in decorative projects. Hardwood plywood is relatively inexpensive, making it the first choice for many woodworkers.

Because it is used for decorative purposes, hardwood plywood requires a more-detailed understanding of grading and appearance. Different types of hardwood (beech, mahogany, maple, oak, walnut, etc.) have different colors and appearances, so becoming familiar with each one allows woodworkers to enjoy a greater variety of aesthetic options.

It’s important to note that most hardwood plywood is not moisture resistant. This means that woodworkers looking to use it would benefit from understanding the effects of moisture on the wood’s size and appearance. This can affect both the construction and the appearance of different projects.

Phenolic

Phenolic plywood differs from both softwood and hardwood plywood in that it is covered on both sides with a phenol film. This can come in several different colors, making it a great option for decorative projects. Phenolic plywood is common in furniture and cabinet making as well as in making long-lasting surfaces. It is also waterproof.

There are still other important aspects to consider. Depending on the type of plywood you choose and the project you’re working on, you should consider different grades and thicknesses of wood.

Understanding Plywood Thickness

Plywood is an engineered type of wood, with different layers bonded to each other. It features face and back veneers and is commonly manufactured in different thicknesses.

The thickness of plywood is measured in halves, fourths, and eighths of inches. The most-commonly sold plywood is ¼, ½, and ¾ of an inch thick, but it is sold in thicknesses up to 1 ¼”.

Seems pretty straightforward, right?

Well, not quite.

Plywood thickness is measured in nominal and actual terms. Though a piece of wood may in name be ¼”, its actual thickness will be a bit lower.

But why?

Before being sold but after being cut into its desired thickness, plywood is sanded down by manufacturers. This provides a smoother product for consumers.

Manufacturers, of course, shave off a bit of thickness, making the wood you buy a little thinner than what is being advertised.

However, the actual thickness of a piece of plywood can be approximated. To calculate the actual thickness of a sheet of plywood, simply reduce the nominal thickness by 1/32”. For example, a nominal thickness of ½” piece of wood is equivalent to 16/32”. This makes the approximate actual thickness 15/32”.

Understanding Different Grades of Hardwood

There are four important grades of plywood to understand. The grade of plywood directly relates to its quality and its price. If you’re looking to make a high-quality item, a higher grade of plywood may be right for you.

Front and back veneers each have their own grade. Grades are indicated by letters from A to D, with A being the highest.

Because each veneer has its own grade, each sheet of plywood will have two letters. The first refers to the front veneer of the wood, while the second refers to the back.

The front and back veneers may not match. Plywood labeled with “X” are intended for exterior use.

Breakdown of plywood grades

A) This is the highest grade of plywood and indicates the panel is free of knots. The surface has been sanded and repaired so that it is free of defects. This provides a smooth and even aesthetic quality.

B) Similar to A, this grade of plywood has been repaired and sanded, but there may be minor defects. Defects may be as large as one inch.

C) This grade of plywood has not been sanded or repaired, giving it a rougher, more uneven appearance. This makes it undesirable for decorative projects.

D) This is the lowest common grade. Like grade C, the wood has not been repaired, and there may be major defects of up to 2.5 inches across. The wood may also appear discolored.

As you can see, understanding the different grades of plywood allows a woodworker to make a more-suitable plywood selection for his project.

Examples

For instance, those who are in construction may find grade C and D plywood a better option. Subfloors, for example, need only require sound structural support, as the wood will eventually be covered with another type of flooring. Because grades C and D are cheaper than A and B, it wouldn’t make economic sense to use a more aesthetically-pleasing piece of wood.

The reverse, however, is true for a cabinet maker. In order to make a high-quality design, one would need a quality piece of wood in terms of both structural and aesthetic quality. This would make grades A and B more suitable.

Choosing the Right Wood for Your Project

With a working understanding of plywood types, grading, and sizes, it’s time we put it all together so that we can determine the plywood that’s right for you.

Keep in mind the following important points, which I briefly discussed at the start of this article:

Softwood plywood is most common in construction. Hardwood is more-commonly used in decorative projects such as furniture and cabinet making.

Calculate the actual thickness of your hardwood by subtracting 1/32” from what is advertised.

Consider using higher grade plywood (A and B) for decorative projects and lower grade (C and D) for constructions that will not be visible to others.

With those general points in mind, here are a few important notes to consider when selecting plywood for construction:

Plywood for Flooring

When choosing plywood for flooring, the most important thing to keep in mind is safety. You want to choose a plywood that is strong and thick enough to support the weight of those who will be in the building. This makes thinner plywood unsuitable for the job. Subflooring typically has a thickness of ¾”. This subflooring is covered by a thinner underlayment. Both must be durable.

Plywood for Roofing

When talking about roofing, a general rule is the thicker, the safer. While you don’t want to go too thick—perhaps not over 5/8”—using a thicker sheet of wood allows for a longer-lasting roof that can better weather the elements. Though this varies by area, weather can have a significant impact on the longevity of a roof, and thinner pieces of plywood are unable to bear the weight of things such as leaves and snow.

Using thicker wood is also safer, as it better supports the weight of those working. This is especially important when shingles and other areas of the roof need to be replaced, as thinner sheets of wood are more likely to collapse.

Remember what I said about cutting corners? Not only can trying to save money by choosing too thin of plywood become a safety hazard—it can also bleed your wallet. Having to make more frequent repairs can result in the loss of unnecessary funds—especially if you’re in an area that has unfavorable weather conditions. Though you will have to pay more money upfront, choosing the longer-lasting and more durable option will likely save you money in the long run.

Plywood for Walls

The thickness of the plywood needed for wall construction varies on both the type and the location of the wall.

When building, keep in mind whether you are constructing an interior or an exterior wall. The difference can be life (and wallet) saving.

Remember to look for the letter “X” on panels, as this indicates that they are intended for exterior use. Exterior-use plywood is especially designed to weather tougher elements than that made for interior use. Because it is more moisture-resistant, it is more suitable for walls that are exposed to increased moisture and humidity. Wood that is not labeled with an “X” does not have the same ability to resist moisture and will likely lose its structural utility in repeated or high exposure. This causes unsafe living conditions and renders a building unlivable.

With that in mind, also consider the thickness of the wood. As with roofing, local codes may dictate what thickness is allowable, but a ½” sheet of plywood is generally standard in wall construction. Though you may be able to go for less for cheaper, it is usually better to err on the side of caution and go for a thicker and safer option.

The following are some pointers when choosing plywood for decorative projects:

Plywood for Cabinets

When designing cabinets, it’s important to remember that consumers want a product that is both good-looking and long-lasting—and if they buy something that doesn’t meat these standards, they will probably feel a little used.

This puts cabinet makers in a tricky position that often requires the purchasing of high-grade, durable plywood. I recommend the thickness of the wood to be ¾”. The grade of the plywood should be so that painting or further decorating is an option. This can mean using different finishes for the look or colorful options like phenolic plywood.

More complicated plywood structural designs—such as curves and bends—require even more work and a plywood that is easily molded to fit the design.

For more durable parts of cabinets—such as the unseen insides of drawers or other hidden aspects—thicker plywood may be considered to give the piece the proper support it needs. This also allows for the use of thinner plywood in areas where structure is less important. Depending on the wood you choose, this may have both aesthetic and economic benefits.

Plywood for Furniture

Similarly, other decorative projects follow a similar pattern that emphasizes the overall longevity and aesthetic quality of a finished work. Furniture, for example, generally uses hardwood plywood for a more-durable and better-looking final product.

The finished look of these pieces largely depends on the grade and type of hardwood plywood chosen, so be sure to take a look at the different patterns and colors of different types of hardwood when making your selection.

Conclusion

At the end of the day, it’s up to you to make a call on what type of plywood you choose. However, by using the pointers above, you can achieve a safer, longer-lasting, and more aesthetically-pleasing product that will keep you or your customers happy. 

I really hope you enjoyed reading this article on how to choose between plywood types. Let me know what you think about the article in the comments below. 

Vince