Furniture grade plywood differs from standard plywood due to its exceptional quality and aesthetic appeal. It undergoes a manufacturing process that involves selecting high-quality veneers, precise bonding with adhesives, and quality control measures. This makes it a preferred choice for crafting fine furniture and interior décor.
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The Ultimate USA Plywood Purchase Guide
| Alabama – Jubilee Specialty Wood Products | Indiana – Northwest Lumber | Nebraska – Metro Hardwoods | Rhode Island – Cambio Plywood |
| Alaska – Hardwood Specialties, Inc. | Iowa – River City Hardwoods | Nevada – Baltic Birch | South Carolina – Tidewater |
| Arizona – Spellman Hardwoods | Kansas – Liberty Hardwoods, Inc. | New Hampshire – Highland Hardwoods | South Dakota – Metro Hardwoods |
| Arkansas – [Your Shop Here! Please Contact Us!] | Kentucky – A.W. Graham Lumber | New Jersey – Mendham Plywood | Tennessee – Nashville Plywood, Inc. |
| California – Forest Plywood | Louisiana – Sutherlands | New Mexico – Sutherlands | Texas – Plywood Company |
| Colorado – Columber | Maine – Seacoast Hardwood | New York – Roberts Plywood | Utah – Sutherlands |
| Connecticut – Connply | Maryland – Fisher Lumber | North Carolina – Capitol City Lumber | Vermont – The Treehouse |
| Delaware – [Your Shop Here! Please Contact Us!] | Massachusetts – PrimePly | North Dakota – [Your Shop Here! Please Contact Us!] | Virginia – Cardinal Home Center |
| Florida – Florida Southern Plywood | Michigan – Amerhart | Ohio – Sutherlands | Washington – Cross Cut Seattle |
| Georgia – Georgia Hardwoods, Inc. | Minnesota – Amerhart | Oklahoma – Sutherlands | West Virginia – WV Builders |
| Hawaii – Plywood Hawaii | Mississippi – [Your Shop Here! Please Contact Us!] | Oregon – The Hardwood Centre | Wisconsin – Amerhart |
| Idaho – High Desert Plywood | Missouri – Amerhart | Pennsylvania – Allegheny Plywood Co. | Wyoming – Sutherlands |
| Illinois – Amerhart | Montana – Helena Hardwoods |
Plywood Grading and Standards
Grades A, B, C, and D specify different levels of surface perfection and structural soundness. Grade A indicates minimal blemishes, ideal for visible surfaces; Grade B allows slight imperfections; Grade C is suitable for hidden structural parts. Grade D is the cheapest option but will have the most imperfections.
What Plywood Grade Should I Aim For?
Grades A and B will provide you with the highest quality plywood for your furniture. What you choose depends on your budget and exact needs. Investing in higher-quality plywood will benefit your furniture in the future as it is longer-lasting.
Advantages of Furniture Grade Plywood
Exceptional Visual Appeal
Furniture grade plywood has visual advantages, such as uniform grain patterns. Its manufacturing process removes common defects like knots and voids. Premium veneers are carefully selected and bonded, resulting in an elegant and flawless surface. This superior quality makes it the prime choice for creating furniture pieces.
Premium Veneer Options
Different species of trees allow for different design options. Classic woods like oak and maple bring distinct textures and colors. Their rich hues and unique grains provide opportunities to craft luxurious and distinctive furniture pieces that stand out in a room.
Enhanced Structural Stability
Furniture grade plywood features enhanced structural stability due to its superior core materials. High-quality hardwood (e.g. birch) or softwood (e.g. pine) cores are used, minimizing voids and irregularities that can compromise strength. This results in remarkable resistance to warping and improved overall durability.
Specialty Plywood Types
Marine-grade plywood – designed to withstand moisture and humidity – is ideal for outdoor furniture or water-related projects. Plywood engineered with fire-resistant properties is used in interior furniture for commercial spaces, enhancing safety. These specialized options ensure that furniture maintains its quality and safety standards in diverse environments.
Special Considerations
Cost Considerations
While furniture grade plywood may come at a higher initial cost compared to standard plywood, the investment is justified by its exceptional quality and durability. Furniture crafted from this plywood retains its beauty and structural integrity over time.
Tips for Furniture Grade Plywood
When cutting, use sharp, fine-toothed blades to minimize splintering. Prioritize sanding to achieve a smooth surface before assembly, helping maintain the veneer’s beauty. To prevent splitting, drill pilot holes before fastening. Keep adhesive choices in mind, opting for ones compatible with wood veneers.