When it comes to selecting the right plywood for your project, understanding the different veneer grades is essential. Each grade—A, B, C, D, and O—serves specific purposes and meets distinct Australian or International Standards, ensuring optimal performance and suitability for various applications. Here's everything you need to know about these plywood grades.
A-grade plywood represents the highest quality standard, offering a flawless and smooth surface designed for decorative applications where aesthetics matter most. It’s an excellent choice for visible surfaces like furniture and cabinetry, ensuring a premium finish that enhances any project. Features like tightly controlled imperfections and minimal colour variation make A-grade plywood the benchmark for top-tier applications.
Non-Permitted Imperfections:
Permitted Imperfections:
Applications: Ideal for furniture, cabinetry, and other high-visibility uses where a premium appearance is required.
B-grade plywood balances aesthetics and durability, making it suitable for interior projects that require a smooth finish but can tolerate minor imperfections. It’s a versatile option for paneling, shelving, and joinery that will be painted or laminated. B-grade plywood retains much of the quality of A-grade but allows for slightly more noticeable imperfections, providing excellent value for mid-range projects.
Non-Permitted Imperfections:
Permitted Imperfections:
Applications: Used in paneling, shelving, and joinery projects where the surface finish will be covered or painted.
Example: B/BB Birch Plywood , Lightweight Interior Plywood BB/CC
C-grade plywood delivers a practical and cost-effective solution for structural applications. Minor defects, such as filled splits and moderate discoloration, are allowed but must not compromise the sheet’s structural integrity. It is often chosen for projects where function takes precedence over appearance, such as subflooring, roof decking, or temporary structures.
Non-Permitted Imperfections:
Permitted Imperfections:
Applications: Perfect for subflooring, roof decking, and concrete formwork where structural integrity takes precedence over appearance.
Example: B/C Structural Plywood , Hardwood Exterior BB/CC Plywood
D-grade plywood offers an economical solution for structural applications where appearance is not a concern. Its open imperfections, such as unfilled holes and splits, make it a cost-effective choice for basic construction tasks, packaging, and crates. Despite its allowance for imperfections, D-grade plywood remains structurally sound and reliable for projects requiring utility over aesthetics.
Non-Permitted Imperfections:
Permitted Imperfections:
Applications: Commonly used in packaging, crates, and areas where appearance is irrelevant.
Austral ‘O’ grade marine plywood (AS/NZS 2272) is recommended as a cost effective solution for applications where the aesthetic of the face veneers is not critical, such as applications where the plywood is overlaid, painted or fibre glassed.
Non-Permitted Imperfections:
Permitted Imperfections:
Applications: For applications where the plywood is overlaid, painted or fibre glassed.
When selecting plywood, consider the following:
With a clear understanding of the unique properties and applications of A, B, C, D, and O grade plywood, you can confidently select the material that best suits your needs.
At Bord Products, we are committed to providing a wide range of plywood options that meet Australian and International Standards and cater to every project requirement. Whether you’re working on a residential renovation, a commercial build, or a marine project, we have the perfect plywood solution for you.
Explore our full range of products at Bord Products or contact our expert team today—we’re here to help bring your vision to life.
