Types Of Plywood: Which One’s Ideal For Your Next Project?
Published Sept. 17, 2025
Lost in a maze of plywood options at the lumber aisle? You’re not alone. The wrong plywood can turn a simple project into a costly headache. Choosing the right type is key to success, whether you’re building a bookshelf, renovating, or crafting outdoor furniture. Understanding the different types of plywood is the first step to avoiding those costly mistakes.
Let’s start by exploring the different types of plywood and how their specific uses, strengths, and features can help you make an informed choice.
What Is Plywood?
Plywood is a strong, stable, and versatile engineered wood product. It’s a popular alternative to solid wood for many construction and woodworking projects.
Plywood is a composite material made by gluing together thin layers of wood veneer, called plies. Each ply is a very thin slice of wood. The manufacturing process begins with peeling or slicing logs into these veneers. After drying and sorting, adhesives—strong glues—are applied between each layer.
A key feature of plywood is that each layer’s grain (the direction of wood fibers in each ply) is perpendicular to the layers above and below. This cross-graining technique gives the panel strength and warp resistance. The stack is then subjected to high pressure and heat, which cures—meaning hardens—the adhesive and bonds the layers into a solid, durable sheet.
Plywood Core Types
Plywood’s core material, or the material used in its center, greatly affects its properties. Knowing the three different types of plywood cores will help you choose the right sheet for your project.
Veneer Core Plywood
Veneer core, the most common type of plywood, is made entirely of wood veneer plies. It’s known for excellent strength and screw-holding capabilities. It’s relatively lightweight, making it a popular choice for structural uses. It’s also good for furniture making, offering a balance of performance and workability.
MDF Core Plywood
Medium-density fiberboard (MDF) core plywood has a stable, uniform MDF core sandwiched between outer wood veneer layers. Made from finely ground wood fibers held together with resin—an adhesive similar to glue—MDF provides a smooth, even material. This core yields a flat, consistent panel, free from voids (empty spaces) sometimes found in veneer cores. Its uniform surface makes it an ideal base for paint or thin laminates, and it’s often used for cabinet doors and high-end furniture.
Lumber Core Plywood
Lumber core plywood has a core of solid wood strips glued between veneer plies. These narrow strips are placed side by side. This type is very strong and resists warping or bending over long spans, making it ideal for tabletops, bookshelves, and desktops needing strong support.
Specialty Plywood Types
Specialty plywoods are designed for specific needs. They perform well under moisture exposure or high-stress conditions. Here are the specialty types of plywood sheets:
Exterior Sheathing Plywood
Exterior sheathing plywood is built for construction and made with moisture-resistant adhesives (special waterproof glues). It’s commonly used for roofing and exterior walls. You can identify it by its grade stamp, like “CDX,” where “C” and “D” indicate the quality of the veneer faces used, and “X” signifies that the panel is suitable for limited exterior exposure.
Marine Plywood
Marine plywood is ideal for wet environments. Made with waterproof glue and high-quality, void-free veneers, it resists delamination (layers coming apart) and rot. While ideal for boatbuilding, it also suits outdoor furniture, bathroom cabinetry, and coastal construction.
Subfloor Plywood
Subfloor plywood is thicker and more water-resistant than regular panels. It creates a solid base for flooring. Many panels have tongue-and-groove edges—this means the edges are shaped so that one edge, called the tongue, fits into a matching groove on the next panel. These edges let sheets lock together for a stable, seamless surface. This design helps prevent floor squeaks.
Aircraft Plywood
Aircraft plywood is exceptionally strong and lightweight. Made with premium veneers and specialized adhesives, it delivers durability without added weight. This high-performance material is ideal for aviation and other industries requiring both strength and minimal weight without sacrificing performance.
Grades And Surface Quality
Plywood grades, ranging from A to D, reflect the surface quality of the face and back veneers. These grades help you select a panel that meets your project’s aesthetic requirements.
- Grade A. Grade A plywood features a smooth, sanded surface free of knots or visible repairs. A knot is a natural dark spot or imperfection where a branch was. It’s ideal for projects where the surface will be on display and requires a high-quality finish, such as furniture or cabinetry. It works well with both paint and stain.
- Grade B. Grade B plywood has a solid surface with minor, well-repaired defects and small, tight knots. It balances quality and affordability. This makes it ideal for cabinet interiors, utility shelves, or as a base for other materials.
- Grade C. Grade C plywood is unsanded and may have visible imperfections like knots, splits, and patches. ‘Splits’ are cracks in the wood that occur along the grain. It’s best for structural uses, such as wall sheathing or subflooring, where it will be covered.
- Grade D. Grade D is the lowest quality veneer, featuring larger knots and unrepaired defects. This grade is used for hidden structural applications, offering economical support.
Plywood Types Of Interior Projects
Plywood is versatile and fits many indoor uses, from structural elements to decorative accents.
Plywood For Furniture And Cabinetry
Hardwood plywood with A or B grade veneer is common for furniture and cabinetry. Veneer core offers strength for cabinet boxes, while MDF core provides a smooth paintable surface. ApplePly, a specialty option with void-free edges, can be left exposed for a stylish look.
For projects needing character and sustainability, reclaimed wood is a great choice. Vintage & Specialty Wood provides unique alternatives to standard plywood. Their wood gives furniture a timeless appeal.
Plywood For Wall Panels, Built-Ins And Decorative Surfaces
Plywood can be used to create accent walls, custom-built-ins, and other decorative surfaces. High-grade hardwood plywood highlights the natural beauty of wood grain. Its large sheet size makes installation easy and creates a clean, modern look.
Plywood For Flooring And Subfloors
Plywood is crucial for flooring systems. Thick, tongue-and-groove subfloor plywood creates a strong, silent base. Thinner plywood panels can also be used as an underlayment, providing a smooth, even surface for finishes like tile or vinyl.
Plywood Sheet Sizes And Thickness
Plywood comes in standard dimensions, simplifying project planning and execution.
Standard Plywood Sheet Sizes
The most common plywood size is 4×8 feet. Smaller options, like 4×4 feet or 2×4 feet panels, sometimes called “handy panels,” are available for easier transport and use in smaller projects. Specialty plywoods, such as Baltic Birch—a type of plywood known for its high strength and high number of thin layers—are often sold in 5×5 feet sheets.
How Thickness Impacts Strength, Cost, And Installation
Plywood thickness typically ranges from ⅛ inch to over 1 inch, with common options like ¼”, ½”, and ¾” available at most home improvement stores. The thickness you select directly affects the panel’s strength, weight, and cost. Thicker panels offer more strength and rigidity but are also heavier and more expensive.
Pros And Cons Of Plywood
Plywood, like any material, comes with its own advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages
Plywood’s main benefits are its stability, uniform strength, and versatility. Its cross-grained structure prevents warping and provides strength in all directions. Available in many grades and types, it suits various uses, from construction to fine woodworking.
Drawbacks
Aesthetic drawbacks include visible layered edges, often needing edge banding or trim. Most standard plywood can delaminate in high moisture, though water-resistant options exist. Quality varies significantly by grade, requiring careful selection.
Buying The Right Type Of Plywood
A little knowledge goes a long way at the lumberyard.
- Pick the right type and grade: Grade A for tabletops, CDX for shed walls.
- Inspect sheets: Look for flat panels without warping or edge gaps. Check the face for defects.
- Estimate ahead: Calculate sheets needed to avoid extra trips. Higher grades and specialty types cost more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I choose the right plywood thickness for my project?
Thickness depends on the application. Use 3/4-inch for strong cabinet boxes and shelves. Wall panels and backing are fine with 1/4-inch or 1/2-inch. Subflooring needs at least 3/4-inch for stability.
Are there tips for maintaining plywood and extending its lifespan?
Keep plywood dry, especially interior types. Seal exposed edges to prevent moisture damage. Inspect outdoor plywood regularly for rot, resealing or repainting as needed.
Can I paint or stain all types of plywood?
Most plywood can be painted or stained, but higher-grade panels (Grade A or B) with smooth surfaces give the best results. For lower-grade plywood, sand and fill imperfections before finishing.
Can I use interior plywood types outside or in wet environments?
No, interior plywood uses non-waterproof glues. Moisture causes ply separation and rot.
Making The Smart Choice: Which Plywood Fits Your Build?
Choosing the right plywood is about matching the material’s properties to your project’s demands. By understanding the different types of plywood, including core types, grades, and specialty panels, you can select a sheet that delivers the performance, appearance, and durability you need. Before buying, confirm your project’s needs regarding strength, moisture, and looks, then inspect panels closely. With the right plywood in hand, you’re one step closer to a successful build.
Looking for something more unique than standard plywood? Explore reclaimed and specialty wood from Vintage & Specialty Wood. Their sustainable, one-of-a-kind materials add character and lasting value to any project—perfect for furniture, flooring, or custom builds.
Hire The Timber Experts For Your Next Project
Vintage & Specialty Wood should be your source of the highest quality timbers from around the world. When it comes to fabricating and installing reclaimed wood or specialty wood products in your home, we don’t cut corners. We offer many reclaimed wood and specialty wood products such as Douglas Fir, white oak, and much more. We also offer timber framing and wood flooring services as well. Contact our team today to speak to a timber expert about what Vintage & Specialty Wood can do for you.
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About The Author
Experience, exploration, and knowledge are the hallmarks of writer Rei Bayucca. Her dedication to crafting articles that both inspire and educate will leave you thinking long after you’ve finished reading.
