GRADE RULES OF
DOMESTIC PLYWOOD
GRADE RULES OF DOMESTIC PLYWOOD
Grade Rules of Domestic Plywood
| Grade | Description | Common Uses |
|---|---|---|
| A | – Highest quality grade – Smooth, paintable surface with no open knots – Few minor imperfections |
Cabinets, furniture, doors, and other projects requiring a high-quality appearance |
| B | – Solid surface, usually has visible repairs (plugs) – Small knots and defects, filled or repaired |
Furniture, paneling, and shelving where appearance matters but can tolerate minor flaws |
| C | – Some tight knots up to 1.5 inches in diameter – Some splits and voids, which may be repaired |
Utility projects, subflooring, crates, and structures that won’t be seen |
| D | – Knots and defects up to 2.5 inches – Some unfilled splits and defects – Cheapest grade |
Rough construction, backing, and applications where appearance isn’t important |
| A-C | – A-grade front and C-grade back – One smooth, high-quality face and one lower quality face |
Decorative plywood where one side will be visible, such as furniture backing |
| B-C | – B-grade front and C-grade back – Front side relatively smooth, back has knots and splits |
Shelving, paneling, utility projects |
| C-D (CDX) | – C-grade front and D-grade back – Suitable for structural applications but not finish quality |
Exterior sheathing, subfloors, roofing where strength is important but looks aren’t |
Additional Notes:
- CDX plywood is typically used for exterior purposes. The “X” in CDX refers to the type of adhesive used, which is weather-resistant.
- Plywood grades are based on appearance and the number of allowed defects, with A being the highest quality and D being the lowest.
- Veneer Grades affect cost, with higher grades generally costing more.