BIRCH PLYWOOD

Uncoated, wire mesh and film faced birch plywood.

NordPanels.nl supplies birch plywood made by the manufacturer in three versions: Uncoated Birch Plywood (EXT), Birch Wire Mesh Plywood (F/W) and Birch Film Faced Plywood (F/F).

Birch plywood is a strong, durable, and versatile material made by gluing together thin layers of birch veneer. Its stability and high-quality finish make it a popular choice in construction, furniture-making, and interior design.

Our Birch Plywood Range

Birch Plywood Grading System

Birch plywood is classified into different grades based on surface quality and defects. These grades follow EN and international standards, helping buyers choose the right type for their needs.

Grade Code Description
Elite (Highest Quality) E, A Smooth and flawless surface, ideal for high-end furniture and decorative use.
First 1, I, B Minor imperfections, suitable for furniture and visible surfaces.
Second 2, II, BB More noticeable defects, commonly used for interior applications.
Third 3, III, CP Visible knots and repairs, used in structural projects.
Fourth (Lowest Grade) 4, IV, C Rough surface with defects, mainly for industrial use.

Higher grades (E, A, B) are perfect for furniture and decorative applications, while lower grades (CP, C) work well for structural and industrial purposes. Understanding these grades ensures you get the right plywood for your project.

Birch plywood Grade E surface

Grade E

Premium grade with a flawless appearance

Grade E plywood is the highest-quality class, produced from carefully selected birch veneer. Sheet surfaces are virtually flawless, with no visible defects or manufacturing imperfections.

Strict grading criteria:

Permitted: Only barely perceptible natural variations in the wood grain; dark pin knots are excluded.

Not permitted: Knots of any kind, including knot holes, wormholes, splits and brown streaks.

Technical parameters and tolerances:

Surface roughness (GOST 7016): Maximum 100 μm for sanded sheets and 200 μm for unsanded sheets.

Flatness (warping): Not specified for sheets thinner than 6.5 mm. For thicknesses of 6.5 mm and above, maximum diagonal deflection is 15 mm per metre of length.

Applications:

The refined surface grain is ideal for clear lacquer finishes. This grade is used in aircraft and mechanical engineering, precision construction and as a substrate for film facing. In furniture production, it is intended for premium doors, tables, chairs and cabinets.

Birch plywood Grade B (I) surface

Grade B (I)

High-quality surface

Grade B plywood has very few defects. A sheet may contain a total of no more than three machining defects or natural wood characteristics.

Permitted variations:

Knots and wormholes: Sound, tight knots, both light and dark, up to 15 mm in diameter. Partially intergrown or loose knots, through knot holes and wormholes up to 6 mm are permitted in a strictly limited quantity of no more than 3 per m².

Splits and edges: Minor splits up to 200 mm long. Minor edge defects or veneer shortage within 2 mm may occur after trimming and sanding.

Geometry: Slight sheet warping is permitted.

Applications:

Panels graded 1/1 are suitable for film facing and are widely used in furniture production, interior design and engineered wood flooring. Depending on the end-use requirements, WBP grades 2/2 and 3/3 may also be selected where their permitted surface characteristics are acceptable.

Birch plywood Grade BB (II) surface

Grade BB (II)

Balanced surface quality for finishing

Grade BB plywood allows a moderate amount of natural wood features that can be corrected during finishing. Defects may be professionally repaired during production.

Permitted variations:

Sound knots: Tight, fully intergrown knots up to 25 mm in diameter — maximum 10 per m².

Open and loose defects: Partially intergrown or loose knots, open knot holes and wormholes up to 6 mm in diameter — maximum 6 per m².

Surface repair: Open defects and voids are repaired with matching natural veneer patches.

Applications:

The surface is suitable for painting, veneering or facing with other finishing materials. Panels graded 1/2 and 2/2 are widely used in furniture manufacture and interior partitioning. FC-bonded plywood grades 2/3, 3/3, 2/4 and 3/4 are also suitable for comparable construction and interior applications.

Birch plywood Grade CP (III) surface

Grade CP (III)

Structural grade for concealed construction and packaging

Grade CP plywood is intended for applications where strength and economy are more important than surface appearance. Noticeable natural wood characteristics are permitted.

Permitted variations:

Sound knots: Tight, intergrown knots are permitted without a quantitative limit.

Open defects and wormholes: Loose, partially intergrown or missing knots, open knot holes and wormholes up to 6 mm in diameter — maximum 10 per m².

Applications:

Suitable for concealed elements and internal structural components where appearance is not critical. Common uses include exterior construction, reusable formwork, temporary storage structures, utility buildings, and durable industrial packaging, cases and containers.

Birch plywood Grade C (IV) surface

Grade C (IV)

High-strength utility and packaging grade

Grade C plywood is the most economical option, selected for technical performance rather than appearance. The essential requirements are sound ply bonding and structural integrity.

Permitted variations:

Visual defects: All natural and production-related surface imperfections are permitted.

Knots and voids: Loose or missing knots, knot holes and wormholes are permitted without a quantitative limit, provided their diameter does not exceed 40 mm.

Applications:

Widely used for general construction. Grades 3/3, 3/4 and 4/4 are suitable for subfloor and wall sheathing, continuous roof decking and formwork. Grade 4/4 is also used for robust transport packaging, crates and containers.

Ready to Discuss Your Volume

Leave a request — we will send the current price and the full specification. Contact us.