The Guide to Baltic Birch Plywood

THE GUIDE TO BALTIC BIRCH PLYWOOD Baltic birch is one of the most popular types of plywood due to its strength, Note: Strong color variation is not permitted in any grade, and any plugs must be color matched and flush with the durability and beauty. It's used in many applications, including cabinetry, furniture, picture frames, audio speakers and more – it's even tough enough for skateboards! Even with its popularity, Baltic birch plywood grades still cause confusion. The grading system used is based on a Russian standard that designates Baltic birch plywood grades as B, BB, CP, and C. Forest Plywood offers Baltic birch plywood surface. with grades for both the face and back of the plywood (e.g. B/BB). BB The highest quality, allowing very limited splits and no repairs. Defect free and used for projects where the aesthetic is important. Still a high grade, but allows for light mineral streaks and a very limited number of repairs, knots and splits. Color Variation S 5% of surface Color Variation Light variation allowed Pin Knots Pin Knots Unlimited Sound Knots Sound Knots < 10 Splits s2 tight allowed; wide not permitted Splits <2 both tight and wide Wooden Plugs Not allowed Wooden Plugs <8 CP With unlimited splits and knots, this panel is Designed for laminating, this grade allows for unlimited knots and tight splits but limited wide often not sanded and used for structural splits. purposes. Color Variation Light variation allowed Unlimited Color Variation Light variation allowed Pin Knots Pin Knots Unlimited Sound Knots Unlimited Sound Knots Unlimited Splits Wooden Plugs Splits Unlimited tight splits; s2 wide splits Tight & wide allowed within limits Wooden Plugs Unlimited Unlimited All values are given per square meter of the plywood surface. SHOP GRADE Although not listed in the official standard, many plywood providers offer "Shop" grade. Forest Plywood's Baltic birch Shop grades allow for 1 to 3 splits on the face veneer that are no longer than 10 inches and no wider than 4 -inch. QUICK FACTS ADVANTAGES Baltic birch is not a single species of birch. Also called Russian birch or Finn birch, it's a general Screw-Holding Strength. A nearly void-free construction of solid Baltic birch veneer means name for birch species that originate from the that screws grip and hold on tight. Softer core Baltic region of northern Europe. materials have less screw-holding strength. Unlike some types of plywood that use softwood or MDF core, Baltic birch plywood is made only Uniformity. Each ply is of equal thickness, with cross-banded Baltic birch veneer. allowing for a consistency not found elsewhere. Baltic birch plywood is availab in a range of Void-Free Core. The void-free core allows thicknesses, ranging from 1.5 mm (3-ply) to 3o mm (often 15 ply). finished products to last longer and hold up against rough handling. Attractive. Featuring an appealing light color, DEFINITIONS smooth texture and consistent grain pattern, it is attractive enough for any project-even with the Pin knot: A type of knot that is a half-inch in edges exposed. diameter or smaller. Split: A separation of the wood in which pieces SOURCES splinter or break apart. Sound knot: A knot that is as hard as the www.wood-database.com/lumber-identification/hardwoods/baltic-birch/ surrounding wood. www.popularwoodworking.com/techniques/basics/choose_the_right_plywood Wooden plugs: A type of repair, using an http://www.andersonplywood.com/305/baltic-birch oval-shaped wood patch, on a defect in veneer to www.woodworkerssource.com/blog/tips-tricks/your-ultimate-guide-to-baltic-bir ch-plywood-why-its-better-when-to-use-it obtain a smooth surface.