Knowing plywood grades will help your project pass the test.
If you have ever worked with plywood and needed to take a trip to your local wood supply store, you may have noticed that the plywood for sale comes in different grades. Although the systems vary, the most common system uses letters to denote the quality – “AA” is of the highest quality with no blemishes, “D” is the worst quality with the most blemishes allowed. The grades usually come in pairs – one letter for both the front face and the other side. The plywood grading system helps you to make an informed and cost-effective decision on the type of plywood to use for a given project, from interior work to larger exterior projects.
AA Grade
The AA grade is the highest grade given to plywood. It will have the best veneer you can find – smooth, tight cut, and full length. There will be no blemishes or abnormalities in an AA graded piece of plywood.
A Grade
A grade plywood is the highest grade usually stocked at your local wood supply store. All veneer splices should match up for a pleasing appearance, both in color and grain, and no abrupt changes in either should be present. No knots, or a rough cut veneer, is allowed in an A graded piece of plywood, though slight mineral streaks or vine marks may be allowed. This type of plywood is used for higher end cabinetry, architectural millwork, and furniture.
B Grade
B grade pieces of plywood should match up for a pleasing color, but it does not necessarily have to match for grain. While B graded plywood is similar to A graded plywood, sound and repaired knots are allowed in a B grade and some rough cut veneer may be allowed as well. Slight mineral streaks and vine marks may also be present.
C Grade
C grade plywood has more defects in the veneer than the higher grades. Pin knots and small burls, as well as some repaired and sound knots, are allowed. C grade plywood allows for unlimited mineral streaks and vine marks. This grade of plywood is usually used for lower end work and the interiors of cabinetry.
D Grade
The lowest grade available, D grade plywood is similar to C grade, but allows more repaired and sound knots, along with more rough cut veneer.
READY FOR A PROFESSIONAL PLYWOOD PROJECT?
Mahogany Inc. is a general contractor that specializes in quality construction for residential and commercial projects. We have expertise and experience in working with plywood across the grading system. If you are looking for work that will set your living room, kitchen, or business apart, contact us online or give us a call at (410) 727-0334. To see examples of our wonderful work and see what our customers have to say, check us out on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and Pinterest.