Plywood Question: Really Smooth Top Layer-What Is It ?

[Robert11]

Hello:

Saw some plywood sheets in a lumber yard which I don't think I've ever seen before.

Wish I asked the fellow there for a type designation, but neglected to.

They had one surface unbelievably smooth, and uniform; at least for any plywood that I've ever seen. A dark brown color. Almost looked like a verneer.

No blemishes-really a nice layer.

Man there said it was absolutely wood, this top layer, and could be stained, polyurethane, etc.

Anyone know the type of plywood that this "might" have been ? Is the top layer really "wood" ?

What's this stuff usually used for ? Indoor or Outdoor ? Will it take a stain ?

Thanks, Bob

[Edwin Pawlowski]

There are high quality plywoods available. You can get oak, cherry, maple, mahogany, etc. Most have an A and B side, meaning the A side is best, the B is the same wood, but may have some lesser appearance to it. For more money you will get Two A side.

It is intended for indoor use. Yes, it will take stain, but if I'm paying for oak or cherry, I'm going to leave the natural beauty of the wood show.

[johnny]

"Robert11" wrote

Cabinet grade plywood.

Yes.

For cabinet making. Usually made with 9-13 layers with little or no voids in the core for a 3/4" thickness vs. the normal 5 layers with many knots or voids in the core. Can get the finished veneer in most any species of wood.

Indoor.

Yes.

[bill a]

[John Hines]

MDO? Medium density overlay has exterior plywood, with heavy brown kraft paper laminated on the outside. Very popular among sign painters, and others that paint rather than stain.

You can get plywood with layers of anything you want, depending on how much you are willing to pay.