The right type of plywood can make quite a big difference when working on woodworking or building projects. While plywood is one versatile material, it’s not created equal. It comes in different grades; understanding the ply grades can help you find the best option for your project. This blog will look at the different plywood grades and explain how they may affect your work.
What Are Plywood Grades?
The plywood grade determines the quality of the wood used on the outer layer of the board, which is termed veneers. These inform you of how smooth or rough the plywood is, and the plywood would either be for visible or hidden uses. Each grade gets a letter with “A” being the highest and “D” being the lowest.
The most commonly available grades of plywood are:
A-Grade Plywood: It is high-class plywood available on a smooth and sanded surface. No defect, such as a knot, crack, or split, is allowed to appear in it. A-grade plywood is for furniture, cabinets, or other projects where appearance is considered an issue.
B-Grade Plywood: B-grade plywood is of great quality but might contain small knots or repairs. It does well when the task involves having a smooth finish; that is, it is acceptable to have it with a few minor imperfections.
C-Grade Plywood: In C-grade plywood, there are more knots, splits, or cracks in it. These do not make the plywood any weaker at all. This is most of the plywood grade used for structural purposes where the plywood will not be visible.
D-Grade Plywood: D-grade plywood is the grade carrying the highest number of defects-large-size knots and splits. It is usually used for places that will not be visible, like subfloors or behind walls.
Plywood Grade Combinations
Plywood generally has two grades, such as “A-B” or “B-C.” The first letter designates the face or the top of the plywood, while the second letter designates the back. For example, A-B plywood has an A-grade front and a B-grade back, making it perfect for projects in which only one side will show.
How Plywood Grades Affect Your Project
Since it depends on the kind of project you are working on, the choice between plywood grades is necessary. For projects that involve smooth, flawless surfaces, for example, cabinets or furniture, A-grade plywood would be the right choice. Projects that are structural and don’t matter in terms of appearance can be made with C or D-grade plywood at a very affordable price.
If you’re going to stain or paint it, higher grades like A or B will give you a better finish, while the lower grades may require extra sanding or filling.
Conclusion
Knowing the grades of plywood will help me understand the right material to be used for a project. For high-quality plywood meant for a visible surface or less expensive plywood for hidden constructions, knowing the grade will help guide your decision. At PremierPly, they have a variety of plywood grades to fit the needs of any project.
Visit their website to explore options in plywood and help make your next project a success!
