A successful construction project begins long before the first holes are dug, boards are delivered and boots hit the ground. Success starts with choosing the right materials for the job.
For almost any construction project, plywood is a staple material, and choosing the right kind of plywood for framing is crucial for the overall integrity of the build.
This quick guide to plywood framing will help you choose the best plywood for your project and will give you a deeper understanding of plywood to help educate your customers and your employees.
Plywood Grades and Standards
Choosing the right plywood for a successful frame means choosing plywood with the appropriate grade, size and rating for your project.
Plywood Grade
A plywood’s grade is the quality and appearance of the wood’s front and back veneers.
Grades are determined on a four-point scale: A, B, C and D, with A being the highest quality and most expensive and D being the lowest quality and least expensive. Plywood can have a mixed grade — noted as AB or CD. Additionally, the fronts and backs of plywood can each have different grades.
Understanding a plywood’s grade is important for several reasons:
- If a plywood’s grade is C or D, you may need to spend more time prepping the piece as it will have more visible imperfections than an A or B grade piece.
- Different grades of plywood work better depending on the project. For example, grade A plywood is ideal for cabinets and furniture while grade C plywood is suitable for subfloors or any place where aesthetics aren’t important.
Plywood Size and Ply
The most common sizes for plywood panels are 5 feet x 5 feet and 4 feet x 8 feet. The panels can be cut to custom dimensions depending on the supplier to make transport or installation easier.
In addition to panel size, the ply, or thickness, of the plywood panel is important to consider. A ply is a single layer of veneer (also called a pile). The more ply a piece of plywood has, the thicker and stronger it will be. Lesser ply plywood will be more flexible and require extra care during installation and application.
The most common plys of plywood are 3- and 5-ply. Multi-ply means that the plywood has seven or more layers of veneer.
Plywood Rating
A plywood’s rating indicates how to best use the plywood and how well the plywood will stand up to moisture and weather.
The four ratings are Interior, Exterior, Exposure 1 and Exposure 2:
- Interior: An Interior rating means the plywood will not withstand moisture well. These panels are not waterproofed and should only be used in dry, indoor environments.
- Exterior: Exterior plywoods have been waterproofed and are well-suited to withstand inclement weather. Exterior-rated plywoods are the best choice for permanent outdoor structures.
- Exposure 1: Exposure 1-rated plywoods are waterproofed and can withstand moisture during the construction process. However, these plywood panels should not be permanently exposed to moisture or weather. Utilizing Exposure 1 plywood for a build’s internal structure that might experience inclement weather during construction is ideal.
- Exposure 2: Exposure 2 plywoods are not fully waterproofed and should be minimally exposed to moisture and humidity.
Different Types of Plywood for Framing
One of the most important things to know about a plywood when purchasing is the load-bearing capability the final product needs to have.
Builds like kitchen cabinets will be minimally load-bearing while the framing of a home or commercial building needs to be capable of extreme load-bearing.
The four most common types of plywood are:
- Hardwood Plywood: Hardwood plywood is made up of hardwoods, making it a strong and durable plywood for weight-bearing projects like chairs, tables and armoires.
- Sanded Plywood: Sanded plywood is plywood that has been sanded. Sanded plywood is visually appealing on its own and accepts paints and stains well. Opt for sanded plywood for projects like shelving or paneling.
- Structural Plywood: Structural plywood is the best choice for internal build framing and in projects where strength is more important than aesthetics. Structural plywood offers the kind of integrity and stability necessary for large builds like homes or commercial buildings.
- Project Plywood Panels: Project plywood panels are pre-cut and ready to use. Project plywood panels are a popular choice for simple DIY builds as they are easy to work with and come in a variety of grades and plys.
Factors to Consider When Choosing Plywood
Not every type of plywood will offer your build the same benefits and qualities. If structural framing is your goal, refrain from using plywood project panels and instead choose structural plywood.
While you might want the look that sanded plywood offers, consider using hardwood plywood or structural plywood for the majority of the build and add sanded plywood last.
Understanding the purpose and function of the overall build and how the plywood framing needs to contribute to that is the first consideration.
Other factors to consider are:
- Size;
- Cost;
- Ply;
- Specialty or standard plywood;
- Transportability;
- Weatherproofing;
- Longevity and durability;
- Stock and availability;
- Internal or external use;
- End product visibility;
- Environmental footprint;
- Workability;
- Builder’s familiarity with the type of plywood;
- Plywood’s acceptance of paint or stain.
Applications and Uses in Framing
Plywood has a wide range of applications and framing capabilities.
In commercial or residential buildings, plywood can be used for bracing, scaffolding, subflooring or roofing. Plywood can also be used in other indoor and outdoor structures like fencing, benches and more.
Some builds, like certain types of furniture, require minimal framing so it’s important that the chosen plywood is both structurally sound as well as visually appealing to keep the project efficient and sound.
Other construction projects need extensive framing and bracing — this is where the strength and durability of the plywood are more important than its appearance.
No matter the application, there is a plywood that is perfectly suited to your build’s needs.
Tips for Proper Plywood Installation
Here are a few tips to follow to make plywood installation a breeze:
- Prepare the surface or install area. Preparation can include eliminating moisture, leveling, removing debris or priming the application area.
- Acclimate the plywood to the building environment. Avoid warping, shrinking or expansion during construction by allowing the plywood to acclimate for 1 to 2 days in the building environment.
- Take extra care when working with thin plywood. Adding a stronger backing or brace can reduce unintentional sagging or flexing.
- Seal the plywood’s edges. A wood sealant prevents moisture from penetrating between the plywood’s layers, protecting it from rot and decay.
- Gather appropriate tools before beginning. Nails, screws, hammers, screwdrivers, a level, a measuring tape, a plumb line, a saw and protective eyewear are all common tools used when working with plywood.
Find Superior Framing Materials At Berry Home Centers
The quality of the plywood starts with the quality of the lumber. Berry Home Centers offers top-quality lumber and exceptional customer service from start to finish.
Construction experts as well as DIY enthusiasts feel the difference right away when working with Berry Home Centers. Contact Berry Home Centers or visit us at one of our brick-and-mortar locations to learn more about our products and how we can help you and your team have the smoothest build yet.