BC plywood is an exterior product intended for applications where the panel will be exposed to weather and moisture. The Plywood is fully exterior, EN636-2 part 3. Exterior plywood must be graded a C or above, meaning knots and knot holes of up to 1½ inches are allowed. Inventory is sold and received continuously throughout the day; therefore, the quantity shown may not be available when you get to the store. You may find that these panels have been pressure treated; but if so, they will be specifically stated as such. Grade “D” is the lowest grade, with knots and knotholes up to 2 1/2″, along with some splits. Thus, these plywood should be kept away from wet areas and never kept outdoors. • C-C: This plywood is used for rough building work and shuttering. Would you like to write for us? One side is considered to be "B" grade, and the other side, "C" grade. It can be used in any area where you do not mind the looks of the rough plywood. You will most usually see, "AC, BC, CD, etc. theplywood.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to amazon.com, amazon.co.uk, amazon.ca, How to Remove and Replace Your Load Bearing Wall, The Uses of and Challenges in Cutting Formica, The Ultimate Guide to Sealing Laminate Floors, Install a Combination Boiler/Water Heater, Exterior Walls Construction: The Start-to-Finish Guide, The Ultimate Guide to DIY Birdhouse Design, Aquarium Cabinetry: A DIY Guide to Custom Aquarium Stands, The Ultimate Guide to Building a Bat House, The Ultimate Guide to Building a Portable Generator Enclosure, Drying Wood in the Oven: The Ultimate How-To Guide, How to Cut a Groove or Channel on Wood Without a Router, Grade “A” refers to the surface being sanded smooth and paintable. It can also be used for high performance coatings. Exterior – Plywood suitable for repeated wetting and redrying or long-term exposure to weather and other conditions of similar severity. Letters C and D indicate a much a lower quality veneer than those found in ACX and BCX plywood. • B-C: This plywood is used for landscape and general building uses like fences and shuttering. It typically contains C-grade inner layers and is bonded with exterior glue. Both are suitable for exterior use. The higher grade panels are sanded on both sides and are sometimes referred to as Sanded Plywood or Sanded Panels. Grade “C” allows for tight knots up to 1 1/2” and open knotholes up to 1”, along with some splits and discoloration. This won’t imply the actual quality of wood itself, e.g. It comes in 3/4-, 5/8- and 1/2-inch thicknesses. Structural plywood is available in grades such as C-D and D-D only. The grades of plywood in case of exterior are A-C, B-C and CDX. : This plywood is used for landscape and general building uses like fences and shuttering. Better grades also tend to … The explanation on types of plywood will help you understand the use of these woods in home construction better. Use plywood to complete a range of DIY projects, from subfloors to furniture. A and B grade plywoods are typically suitable for finish material, while C and D grade plywoods are considered to be best for construction projects. The veneers are layered one atop of another and glued together. If the plywood is put together using wat… 1/2″ plywood is used for building furniture parts, boxes and props. We also use third-party cookies that help us analyze and understand how you use this website. When you have a look at the plywood, you will find the letter grades are printed in pairs. To comply with this standard, all internal plies of veneer must be B-grade or better. Finally, ensure that you choose the right thickness for your project to ensure that it will be able to stand up to the elements while performing the way you need it to. Hardwood uses a number system, while softwood uses a letter system. Grades. : This plywood is used for structural as well as sheathing of sub floors and shuttering. Nevertheless, in general, plywood sheets will have a face side and a reverse or back side, with the face side being of higher grade than the back. Covers APA plywood grades: C-C (CCX) ; A-C (ACX) ; B-C (BCX); Sturd-I-Floor and C-C plugged. Once again, nearly all grades are available, with A-C, B-C, and CDX the most common. CDX plywood is fairly easy to spot on the shelf. May have tight knots, without any missing wood, up to 1 inch in diameter. This type of plywood has more blemishes than BCX plywood, and both the face and the back have the same characteristics. : This is finish-grade plywood on both sides si used for making domestic furniture, cabinet doors, etc. It is the most common bonding type of plywood available. During that process, all knotholes are cut out, plugged and then finished to match the surface and thickness of the rest of the veneer layer. This grading scale is different for softwood plywood, than it is for hardwood plywood. Nevertheless, most softwood plywood doesn’t have a good enough appearance to be used for furniture projects, because it is not finished for that; rather, it is provided with a finish that is intended to remain hidden in use. CCX Plywood is great for construction projects of all types, but keep in mind that the veneer will typically display lots of knots and other visual blemishes that detract from its appearance, and the sanding process it has been through is less intensive than that which higher-grade plywood undergoes. Remember that hardwood cannot be pressure treated, and look for pressure-treated softwood if extra durability is important to you. Building Code Compliance PS 1-09. Another option is PTS plywood, which stands for plugged, touched and sanded. Code Fire Classification Class III or C. Flame Spread Rating 75-200, smoke developed index <450. CDX is the most common exterior plywood grade. Businesses which specialize in providing architectural trim for cabinetmakers and contractors will have even more choices, especially if you’re looking for hardwood plywood. the letter "A" is the best level of plywood veneer you can buy (that means plywood without any noticeable knots, holes, or repaired defects), then letters C and D certainly indicate a lower grade of quality when talking about plywood in general—and the price will reflect this. However, the longer you wait to paint it, the more damage it will incur. The best quality plywood is graded N, which is used very rarely. Construction grade plywood is graded as C-D and called CDX plywood. : This has just one side as finished grade. It is a good-quality, hardwood plywood made with waterproof glue, but since it's not treated with chemicals it is not rot-resistant. Different companies may tint it green or yellow, mostly as a part of their branding. It uses the same rosin and surface treatment against moisture as BCX plywood, allowing you some time before painting the wood. The treatment the plywood receives is only enough to protect it during construction. Sign up to receive the latest and greatest articles from our site automatically each week (give or take)...right to your inbox. The species of wood can also vary and often different species are combined. As far as the plywood, BC grade Douglas Fir would be best, but I’m sure that a good brand of spruce CDX would be just fine, that’s what I just used for a floor repair in my own house just last week. However, many people find themselves wondering how different it is from CDX plywood and other popular varieties. The ultimate resource for plywood. There are different plywood sizes and types available in the market used for different purposes. The standards required by APA- The Engineered Wood Association, for a product to be called “marine grade” are not that much higher than your typical exterior grade plywood. CDX plywood has one side veneer grade “C” and one side veneer grade “D”. These are usually football shaped pieces which have been pieced into the surface veneer. We've created informative articles that you can come back to again and again when you have questions or want to learn more! To understand which one you need for your project, we need to understand their similarities, as well as their differences. Oh, and be sure to use a good urethane construction adhesive on all the joists as you are applying the new plywood. The adhesive found in exterior plywood, in contrast, is waterproof. The protection applied to GC plywood also protects it from termites, making this plywood ideal for backyard storage sheds, decks and any other backyard construction, which may have direct contact with the ground. Just like BCX, CCX plywood comes in a wide variety of thicknesses, normally contains C-grade inner plies, and is bonded with exterior glue. • A-B: This plywood has one face that is finished grade and the back face has no voids and is very smooth. In many mills, BCX plywood is plywood that has been manufactured and then determined not to be good enough to be rated ACX. ACX plywood is a variation on BCX. Bond Class 3 glue line according to EN 314-1 and EN 314-2. These are rough plywood pieces that are used for cement forms. Providing better information on softwood and hardwood. Different types of plywood are graded according to an engineered wood panel. That is, it's not waterproof. It shows the natural look of the wood and will show natural colour variations. The number of defects in a panel - and the amount of work a wood mill has done to repair the defects - will determine the grade and the price of plywood. ACX and CDX are both exterior plywoods and aren’t specifying the type of wood. However, does this mean that such a panel might fail if exposed to exterior or marine conditions? Typically, GC plywood will be tinted, due to the rosin that is used to pressure treat it. It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. It has both sides finished as it comes in A-A quality. The best way to explain grades of plywood is by understanding the types. Underlay: This plywood is used as an underlay for carpets as well as tiles on an uneven sub floor. N grade is said to have the least number of blemishes, followed by A, B, C, and D. The plywood grades explained in detail in the following paragraphs will help you with your woodworking task better. Any cookies that may not be particularly necessary for the website to function and is used specifically to collect user personal data via analytics, ads, other embedded contents are termed as non-necessary cookies. 1/4 4 x 8 marine fir plywood. It is used for construction of outdoor furniture, and other areas where you want the plywood to look good as well as remain weather-resistant. Our site includes quite a bit of content, so if you're having an issue finding what you're looking for, go on ahead and use that search feature there! These cookies will be stored in your browser only with your consent. Plywood grades explained in the following article will help you understand the types of plywood and purchase the right ones that suit your needs. The minimum grade of veneer permitted in Exterior plywood is “C.” “D” veneer is used only in panels intended for interior use or for applications protected from permanent exposure to the weather. 3/8 Cat Ps1-09 Square Structural Douglas Fir Sheathing, Application as 4 x 8. One option for this is to use marine grade plywood. They are used in the construction of a house exterior region or outdoor furniture. • A-C: These are for soffits and facias as well as used for base coatings. Marine grade ACX plywood is softwood plywood with an A grade face and C grade back, just like any other ACX plywood. While buying plywood from a dealer, have you ever been stumped by the word 'grade'? It is also used for base coatings. The solution is to use a plywood product without voids. There are many types of plywood, including a wide range of engineered wood products which are referred to as “plywood” even though they aren’t made like traditional plywood. This product is also good 1 side. These cookies do not store any personal information. BCX plywood is readily available, but CCX not quite so much so. However, it is not pressure treated wood or any other that is intended to last outdoors. Limit 90 per order. While CDX is commonly used outside, ABX, ACX or BCX are also outdoor options, again having the letters indicating the quality. While buying plywood from a dealer, have you ever been stumped by the word ‘grade’? Plywood Manufacture So, 3/8” plywood is actually 11/32” ½” plywood is actually 15/32”, 5/8” plywood is actually 19/32” and ¾” plywood is actually 23/32”. It is a description of the veneer on each side of the plywood. These utility panels are best for work buildings, farm construction projects, truck and boxcar linings, and similar projects. Some manufacturing repairs are acceptable, but they must leave the surface smooth and without defects. ... can immediately see the difference. The thickness of this plywood is normally measured in 32nds of an inch; with the standard sizes being 1/32” smaller than the nominal thickness. For more information about softwood plywood, visit the American Plywood Association. This means, if one side is printed with A and the other side with C, it indicates that the plywood has a well-finished front side and a slightly unfinished back side. The grades of plywood in case of exterior are A-C, B-C and CDX. You also have the option to opt-out of these cookies. The plywood itself has been treated to some extent, to withstand getting wet, such as during construction. Types of Exterior Plywood. You can make painted projects out of them, especially in cases where only one side needs to be showing. Please Note: Prices, promotions, styles and availability may vary by store and online. Necessary cookies are absolutely essential for the website to function properly. The APA would recognize CDX Grade Plywood as C-D Exposure 1 plywood. Exterior Plywood . Plywood grades explained in the following article will help you understand the types of plywood and purchase the right ones that suit your needs. Exterior Plywood. They are glued together with adhesives that hold the layer firmly. In the case of plywoods ending in an “X,” such as ACX, BCX and CCX plywood, the “X” stands for exterior grade adhesive. The many types of plywood can differ in materials, number of layers, rating and grade. This is necessary in marine applications, because voids allow moisture to collect, allowing delamination of the plywood to begin. One of the main grading systems when talking about the plywood is the smoothness of its front and back sides. This website uses cookies to improve your experience. Softwood plywood may also be Marine grade or be rated as Water Boil Proof (WBP). One of the newer forms of plywood, RTD plywood, or RTD sheathing, is becoming very popular for exterior applications. This guide will explain the different uses of plywood, as well as popular plywood sheet sizes and its rating and grade system, so that you can choose the best plywood for your project. Super Affordable Mother’s Day Gifts For Your Special Mom, Essential Bathroom Cleaning Hacks To Make Your Life Easier, The Most Impractical Design Styles According To Designers, The affordable decor items that can completely change your space. BCX comes in a variety of thicknesses. Plywood is a necessity in many DIY and construction projects, but not every type of plywood works for every project. Agency certified for underlayment; Plus or minus applicable tolerances (minimum thickness shown) They are used in the construction of a house exterior region or outdoor furniture. Of course, not all plywood is created equal, so you need to know what you’re looking for and have an idea of what the different types of plywood are. • A-A: This has both sides finished grade and is used for making the structure look more beautiful. Be sure to consider appearance when making a decision about which of these plywoods to use, selecting BCX when looks are more important. While other wood left in contact with the ground will be attacked by termites, GC plywood will not. The second way interior and exterior plywood differ is the glue used in their construction. These grades explained here, will help you understand their hidden meaning. comparing the quality of luan and pecan tree, but rather the finish of surfaces. Per the American Plywood Association(APA) grading standards, Marine-grade plywood consists entirely of Douglas-fir or Eastern Larch. The difference in CCX and CDX is only on the back side, which is not normally visible in construction. Even within the different plywood grades, you’ll likely find a wide range in the number of repairs or defects. GC plywood is always pressure treated, protecting it from rot and decay, making it truly impervious to the normal decay that happens in wood that is in contact with the ground. CDX is porbably the more common type of plywood for exterior purposes, conveniently available in different thicknesses depending on your project. : This plywood is used for rough building work and shuttering. With softwood plywood, a three letter code is used to define the grade. Exterior plywood is glued together with adhesives that are meant to survive in wet or moist areas. “D” Grade. Exterior plywood is glued together with adhesives that are meant to survive in wet or moist areas. Plywood is a material manufactured from thin layers or "plies" of wood veneer that are glued together with adjacent layers having their wood grain rotated up to 90 degrees to one another. Above is a photograph of our B grade Birch plywood. Because of this, it is best suited for outdoor construction. Knots and knotholes up to 2-1/2 in. 6789 Quail Hill Pkwy, Suite 211 Irvine CA 92603. BCX comes in a variety of thicknesses. If you are needing plywood that has greater resistance to moisture than normal exterior grade plywood, you might want to consider GC plywood. The thickness of plywood normally used is 1/8″, 1/4″, 1/2″, and 3/4″. ... 11/32 in. Beside CDX, you can also find better grades, such as ABX, ACX and even BCX. • A-A: This is finish-grade plywood on both sides si used for making domestic furniture, cabinet doors, etc. ABX is the more expensive option. Numerous hardwood species are also available in exterior varieties. See our list of available sizes below. This means that an adhesive has been used in the construction of the plywood, which is able to withstand moisture. It is the strongest, toughest and the best quality plywood you can ever find. It is lighter as well as cheaper than 3/4″ plywood. When referring to thickness, exterior grade plywood is nominally smaller than the referred to dimension e.g. This grade is used for some of our thinner plywood’s. They cannot be exposed to moisture and are bonded with agents that give away when exposed to the elements of nature. Marine-grade plywood, often simply called marine plywood, is not what it's often claimed to be. • C-C Plugged: This plywood is used for backing tiles and wall coverings. It is used for construction within the house. BC plywood is exceptionally strong and stiff. Buying Guide. The interior plywood sheet needs to be used for construction of furniture within the house, while the exterior is meant for outdoor use. Item #12181 Model #185109 Some small splits and discoloration are allowed. No repairs will have been done to improve the quality of the surface veneer. CDX is a rough grade with exterior (X) grade glue. While both can be used in the same manner, the better face veneer of ACX plywood makes it ideal for visible exterior panels on a home. As you have understood from the above paragraph, A, B, C, and D are the grades that are commonly used. Of these softwood plywoods, the most common variants you’ll find in your local home improvement center are BCX, CCX and CDX. • C-D: This plywood is used for structural as well as sheathing of sub floors and shuttering. : This is a utility-grade plywood with only one side that can be painted. The marine plywood is only available in A-A grade. The unsanded C-C grade can withstand heavy exposure to weather. While an exterior grade plywood, it is not marine grade or pressure treated. CDX Plywood is used primarily by contractors to build exterior walls and roofs. Appearance stamps on plywood range from cabinet-grade (A) to construction grade (C and D). They make an excellent base for the application of exterior coatings. It is also used for base coatings. : This plywood has one face that is finished grade and the back face has no voids and is very smooth. Which one is best is mostly a matter of personal opinion. • A-D: This is a finish-grade plywood used for making furniture. Out of these cookies, the cookies that are categorized as necessary are stored on your browser as they are essential for the working of basic functionalities of the website.