Birch Plywood

NATURAL BEAUTY

BIRCH PLYWOOD

Strong, versatile and attractive.

Birch trees are the ultimate renewable resource with virtually every part of the tree employed by many industries. We make brooms and sauna whisks out of twigs, furniture and flooring out of timber. Plywood mills use waste and residue to make other materials and as boiler fuel for energy production. Back in the day, people used the bark in roofing and canoe building, and even the sap in winemaking!

Birch is an abundant species found in the forests of the northern hemisphere and is widespread across Canada, Russia and most of Northern Europe, in particular countries bordering The Baltic. Birch trees are relatively fast-growing and support a myriad of different wildlife, and, when managed as a sustainable forest resource, do not impinge on the natural biodiversity.

Birch Plywood, when sustainably-sourced, is definitely ‘The Natural Choice’.

Birch Plywood brochure

Plywood production.

Watch a video about how plywood is made.

Birch Plywood grades

For clear finishing

Higher grades

The industry grades Birch Plywood according to the quality of the face veneers and not the quality of the core.

We only sell two higher grades that are suitable for making furniture and clear-finishing. In comparison, the lower grades are mainly used for structural works and packaging.

Grade B/BB

Generally, the best grade available for clear-finishing. Good clean appearance, only minor, natural features, i.e. small pin knots permitted on the ‘B’ Face. ‘B’ grade usually is only available with ‘BB’ Grade reverse. Available in Long grain construction.

Grade BB/BB

The primary commercial or utility-grade - both faces are Grade BB – which allows patches and other knots and imperfections. Suitable for all general work including CNC machining or where face grade not overly critical. However, good quality BB grade boards may be acceptable for clear-finishing in furniture. Available in Long or Cross-grain construction.

When appearance is not important

Lower grades

We don't sell lower grades of Birch Plywood, but you may find the information useful. Despite the more inferior appearance, the core of lower grade plywood is still solid and sound.

Grade BB/CP and BB/WG

Grade BB face with WG or CP reverse. Standard commercial classes that essentially have only one good side — reverse side can have numerous large knots, open splits, defects and discolouration.

Grade CP

Russian Grade — in between BB and WG. Used where good face appearance is not necessary, i.e. packing crates, furniture carcasses.

Grade C

Similar appearance and use as Grade WG — may be un-sanded with open defects and discolouration.

Grade WG

Large knots, patches, open defects, staining and discolouration permitted. Used for packing crates and carcass work or when hidden, such as upholstered furniture.

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