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

Question

Hello:Saw some plywood sheets in a lumber yard whichI 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 · Accepted Answer

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 · Answer

"Robert11" wroteCabinet grade plywood.Yes.For cabinet making. Usually made with 9-13 layers with little or no voids inthe core for a 3/4" thickness vs. the normal 5 layers with many knots orvoids in the core.  Can get the finished veneer in most any species of wood.Indoor.Yes.

bill a · Answer

there's a birch veneer plywood that's pretty common in the yards around here.   used for cabinets, custom bookshelves, etc.and not really all that pricey, considering how it looks.bill

John Hines · Answer

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.

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

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