5 Signs Of Good Quality Plywood That Reveal You Have The Right Materials

Plywood might seem simple on the surface, but there is a lot more to it. Right from its type – exterior vs interior use to its thickness, multiple factors can play a role in how purchased plywood performs onsite and after installation. 

 

That’s why builders must make sure they buy the right plywood only. Especially if it is being used for sensitive applications such as subfloors, sheathing, cabinetry, or furniture making. 

 

In today’s blog, Fonthill Lumber Inc., Ontario’s most trusted lumber yard for 75 years, will help builders recognize the signs that they have bought strong, stable, and high-performing plywood for their project. 

 

 

What Are The Signs Of Good Quality Plywood? 

 

While all plywood sheets might look similar, good quality plywood will display the following signs which builders can use to choose the best boards for their project: 

 

Smooth outer veneer

 

One of the clearest signs of a plywood’s quality is the appearance of its outer veneer. If it looks smooth and consistent, you can trust it to be a dependable choice. Minimal knots, cracks, or patches are also signs that the plywood sheets in question are reliable and can be safely used in construction projects. That said, boards that have visible imperfections and defects are generally of a lower grade. So in the case of plywood, it is best to judge a book by its cover. 

 

Solid core construction 

 

Good quality plywood tends to have a well-manufactured core that looks the part upon close examination. So when visiting a lumber yard, make sure you check the edges of the sheet before making a purchase. If they have uniform layers that are tightly bonded, they will offer stable performance in the long run. 

 

Conversely, wood with uneven layers, noticeable gaps, and large voids can significantly reduce the sheet’s ability to hold fasteners or support the weight of load-bearing structures. 

 

Appropriate thickness and dimension 

 

The thing is, plywood sheets come in varying dimensions and thicknesses, and picking the best option among them depends entirely on the requirements of your project. By matching the sheet’s thickness with your project’s specifications, you can improve its structural performance and decrease movement under loads. 

 

As for dimensions, while you obviously have the flexibility to cut them onsite, just be sure to pick panels that feature consistent dimensions all across, as that ensures even thickness.

 

Proper moisture resistance 

 

Certain types of plywood are used for exterior applications too. When selecting sheets for projects that are frequently exposed to humidity or moisture, you should pick options that are specifically engineered for use in such cases. They generally feature moisture-resistant adhesives and properly bonded veneers that are less likely to swell, delaminate, or warp over time. 

 

While it is true that exterior-rated plywood sheets will not be an appropriate choice for many projects, it still makes sense to choose the right type of sheets for their intended environment. This improves the long-term durability of the entire project. 

 

High-quality grade 

 

Just like other lumber types, plywood also comes in several grades that indicate its quality – especially as far as its front and back veneers are concerned. You can use the sheet’s specific grade as a guide to determine its suitability for structural or appearance-driven applications. 

 

As a general rule of thumb, higher grades have smoother veneers and stronger cores, which minimize their long-term upkeep. On the other hand, lower quality boards have more visible imperfections. Matching the plywood’s grade with your project’s requirement ensures you get the best option within your budget. 

 

 

Conclusion 

 

It takes more than a basic price comparison to select high-quality plywood. Builders must also examine the surface veneer, core construction, thickness, consistency, properties, and grades of plywood sheets to make more informed decisions. 

 

At Fonthill Lumber Inc.’s flagship store in Welland, Ontario, we house a large variety of plywood sheets covering commonly used grades, thicknesses, dimensions, and use cases. Contact us to explore our catalog or visit our store to get expert guidance for plywood selection. 

 

 

FAQs

 

Is expensive plywood always better?

 

Not necessarily. Price does not guarantee quality as reliably as the traits of a plywood sheet do. Be sure to examine the sheet end-to-end to ascertain if it's strong, smooth, and justifies the price. 

 

Can the same plywood be used for multiple applications? 

 

No. The plywood’s moisture rating and thickness determine its suitability for different applications. For example, thinner sheets might be better for indoor furniture, while thicker, moisture-resistant sheets might be required for external applications. 

 

What are the obvious signs of poor quality plywood one should watch out for? 

 

Obvious signs of poor quality plywood include defects, warping, edge voids, and cosmetic imperfections. Such sheets are best avoided.