What factors into the quality of any given plywood sheet? It’s a fantastic question, but there isn’t a straightforward response. Since plywood is frequently utilized for its relative solidity (in comparison to solid lumber), that will undoubtedly be a defining feature of a high-quality sheet. The inner core is arguably the most important element that affects both appearance and performance. Different types of cores are suitable for various projects, and the composition of the core is increasingly crucial the thinner the face veneer.
Plywood with particle board and MDF cores were discussed in Part 1 together with wood core plywood, along with some advantages and disadvantages. Today, we’ll complete our overview of plywood with a lumber core and then begin to take a look at plywood with a veneer core.
Lumber Core Plywood
Lumber core plywood, sometimes referred to as blockboard in Europe, is much lighter weight than MDF or veneer core plywood and frequently employs softwood lumber for the core. It is perfect for maritime and aerospace applications because of this quality. However, lumber core plywood might vary significantly since the core may include cavities. Voids in plywood with a lumber core can appear between the boards on both the long edge and the end grain.
While everyone loves a good deal, a particularly low price usually indicates a corresponding low level of quality. Core structure and the presence of voids will normally be reflected by a variation in price. You might want to take into account things like the diameter of each stave, the species’ density, and how dry the lumber is. Additionally, you might want to further investigate whether finger jointing has been done to virtually eliminate any voids and boost stability instead of just using glue to join the staves.
It’s becoming more and more rare to be able to get high-quality lumber core plywood since such examination is challenging and time-consuming and because high grade lumber-core plywood is hard to find. J. Gibson McIlvain does not currently stock premium lumber core plywood due to the challenges of reliably obtaining it.
Veneer Core Plywood
Although most species of veneer core plywood are available, Birch and Fir continue to be the most popular choices, and for good reason. When purchasing veneer core plywood, the composition and structure of the core should be taken into account. Finding a supplier of high-quality plywood can be challenging given the variety of methods and possibilities available, and the producers’ trade secrets don’t help. However, you’ll be better able to assess veneer core plywood when you’re looking for quality plywood sheets if you have a basic understanding of what to look for and how it’s created.
Continue reading with Part 3.
