Plywood is a very versatile product and can be used for a range of structural, external and internal applications – from internal panelling to formwork.

Available in a range of sizes, plywood is ideal for shelving, bench tops, wall lining and cabinetry.

There are four groups of plywood products, with each group designed for specific applications:

1. AS/NZS 2269: Structural
2. AS/NZS 2270: Interior
3. AS/NZS 2271: Exterior
4. AS/NZS 2272: Marine

Grades and faces of plywood differ depending on what the plywood is being used for. See the table below for the various grades and faces that apply to plywood.

Veneer QualityDescription
AHigh quality appearance grade veneer suitable for clear finishing, suitable where surface decorative appearance is a primary consideration.
SAn appearance grade veneer which permits natural characteristics. The type and frequency of the natural characteristics that are acceptable is to be based on an agreed specification.
BAn appearance grade suitable for high quality paint finishing.
CA non-appearance grade with a solid surface. All open defects such as knot holes or splits are filled.
DA non-appearance grade with permitted open imperfections. Limited number of knots and knot holes up to 75mm wide are permitted.

Table courtesy of WoodSolutions

Examples of Plywood face grades:

Image courtesy of WoodSolutions

Barwon Timber stocks many different types of plywood including Brace ply, CD ply and formply. We also have access to many architectural and feature plywoods used in construction.

Resources

Timber Grading - Wood Solutions
Wood Solutions Website
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FAQs

What are plywood sheets used for?

Like many other building materials, plywood sheets are often used in DIY home renovations and trade applications. It's also frequently specified by architects to create beautiful designs for residential homes and commercial spaces.

How long do plywood sheets last?

The durability of plywood sheets is an often-overlooked characteristic. It can last for up to 50 years if properly finished and maintained. The type or grade of material used will depend on the lifespan of your installation.

How are plywood sheets used in construction?

Plywood is a versatile material with endless uses. It can be used for applications such as formwork and paneling, or interior construction purposes like wall joinery or trim pieces in between different surfaces of wood paneling inside your house. If you have questions about plywood sheets and the use cases, please contact our timber team.

Is plywood waterproof?

No, not all ply is waterproof. Only the “Marine ply” offers moisture resistance.

What timber is used on the face of plywood?

Different species are used depending on availability. Some of the commonly used species for plywood include hardwood trees like birch, blackbutt, oak, okoume, poplar, spotted gum and walnut, as well as softwood species including Hoop pine, Monterey pine, Radiata pine and Douglas fir.

For further information or stock availability, speak to our Timber team.

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