Table of

Contents
INTRODUCTION...............................................................................2
I- GENERAL DESCRIPTION.........................................................3
I.1 Softwood plywood made from spruce..........................................3
II- TYPES OF PLYWOOD................................................................4
II.1. Types of ply................................................................................5
III- PROCESSING CONSIDERATIONS.......................................6
IV- STANDARDS SPECIFICATIONS OF PLYWOOD AND
APPLICATION...................................................................................7
IV.1 Standard specifications..............................................................7
IV.2 Applications...............................................................................7
V- PLYWOOD RATINGS, GRADES AND SIZES......................10
V.1 Plywood Ratings....................................................................10
V.2. Plywood Grades....................................................................10
V.3 Plywood Sizes........................................................................12
V.4 Plywood alternatives..............................................................13
VI-POTENTIAL OF TIMBER SPECIES FROM THE CONGO
BASIN FOR THE MANUFACTURING OF PLYWOOD...........14
 Plywood

CONCLUSION..................................................................................16

Engineered wood products for structural

applicationns: PLYWOOD

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 Plywood

INTRODUCTION
Plywood is a necessity in many DIY (Do It Yourself) and construction projects, but not every
type of plywood works for every project. The many types of plywood can differ in materials,
number of layers, rating and grade.
Plywood is one of the important wood-based composites produced from different tree
species, and it has some superior advantages compared to solid wood. There are two classes
of plywood, i.e., 1) construction and industrial plywood and 2) hardwood and decorative
plywood (Youngquist 1999). It is referred to as the original engineered wood product
because it was one of the first to be made by bonding pieces of wood together (APA 2012).
Plywood is produced from softwood and hardwood species of trees, and the species used in
its manufacture determine the physical and mechanical properties of the plywood. The
important factors that affect the physical and mechanical properties of plywood are the
density of the wood, species of trees, type of adhesives, thickness of the veneer, number of
plies, and the temperature at which the veneer was dried. Among these factors, the density
of the wood has the greatest effect of the properties of the plywood (Özen 1981, Örs et al.
2002, Aydın and Çolakoğlu 2008).
In some other studies, the fast-growing species of trees that are used extensively for the
manufacture of veneer and veneer-based composite materials have been tested. For
Engineered wood products for structural
example, some other researchers have investigated the fast-growing species of hybrid poplar
applicationns: PLYWOOD
(Populus x eureamericana) (Baldassino et al. 1998) and Eucalyptus grandis (Dias and Lahr
2004, Iwakiri et al. 2006, Juniar et al. 2009), as well as the slow-growing beech species
(Fagus orientalis) for use in manufacturing plywood (Örs et al. 2002, Demirkır et al. 2005,
Özalp et al. 2009).
This piece of work done by Group 3, is to first, give a general description of the engineered
wood: plywood, secondly, list the different types of plywood, then the processing
considerations, the specifications, followed by the different grades and classification of
plywood, explain the different uses of plywood, as well as popular plywood sheet sizes and
its rating and grade system, so that one can choose the best plywood for his/her project. We
shall end this work by presenting some potential wood species for plywood manufacture.

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 Plywood

I- GENERAL DESCRIPTION
Plywood is an engineered wood (i.e. construction or DIY sheet material) from the
manufactured boards family, made up of a number of layers of real wood – known as “plies”
and giving the material its name – glued together. It includes particle board and oriented
strand board (OSB). It is an engineered wood from the family of manufactured boards which
include Medium Density Fiberboard (MDF) and particle board (chipboard). It is made from
thin sheets of veneer peeled from debarked wood. These thin layers, also called plies, are
glued together in alternating right angles to create a cross-grain pattern. This pattern adds
strength and stability that resists shrinkage and expansion caused by moisture – the more
layers of wood in the plywood, the stronger and thicker the sheet.
Plywood is a popular choice in construction because of its strength and low cost. It is usually
used in areas that are hidden from view in a post-construction capacity. The most common
plywood uses include support for floors, walls, roofs and garages in residential construction.

Engineered wood products for structural

applicationns: PLYWOOD

I.1 Softwood plywood made from spruce

All plywood bind resin and wood fiber sheets (cellulose cells are long, strong and thin) to
form a composite material. This alternation of the grain is called cross-graining and has
several important benefits: it reduces the tendency of wood to split when nailed at the
edges; it reduces expansion and shrinkage, providing improved dimensional stability; and it
makes the strength of the panel consistent across all directions. There is usually an odd
number of plies, so that the sheet is balanced—this reduces warping. Because plywood is
bonded with grains running against one another and with an odd number of composite
parts, it has high stiffness perpendicular to the grain direction of the surface ply.
Smaller, thinner, and lower quality plywood may only have their plies (layers) arranged at
right angles to each other. Some better-quality plywood products will by design have five
plies in steps of 45 degrees (0, 45, 90, 135, and 180 degrees), giving strength in multiple
axes.

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 Plywood

II- TYPES OF PLYWOOD

Plywood is manufactured in two types: Exterior type with 100 percent waterproof glue, and
Interior type with highly moisture resistant glue. Interior type plywood may be bonded with
either interior or exterior glue, although today most is made with exterior glue. Specify
Exterior type plywood for all permanent outdoor projects, and whenever the project will be
exposed to continuous moisture or high humidity. For other applications, Interior type may
be used. Veneer quality, glue type and timber species are the major contributing factors that
determine the application of a plywood panel. The different types of plywood are shown in
the table below:
Type Description Feature/Benefits Recommended for
Sanded plywood The face and back (top Typically used
and bottom) plies are where it will be
sanded in the seen, such as for
manufacturing process cabinets, shelves
to be smooth and even. and paneling.
Sanded plywood Little to no additional Strong enough to
sanding is needed. also be used in
Have a finish-quality structural
appearance and a high applications.
strength-to-weight ratio.
Hardwood Made from hardwoods Best used for
plywood like birch, maple and furniture and
Engineered wood products for structural oak. Plies are glued at
right angles to one
anything that
requires a strong
applicationns: PLYWOOD another, making the
plywood very strong
load-bearing frame

and stable. Can be

Hardwood plywood heavier than other
types of plywood.
Plywood Designed for Used for framing,
sheathing or permanent structures. beams, flooring
structural plywood Strong and and bracing
inexpensive, but panels.
unfinished and not
made for appearances.
Sheathing plywood Should be covered by
other materials by the
end of the project. May
not be as weather-
resistant as other types
of plywood. Marine-
grade plywood offers
superior protection in
wet environments. Can
be made from
hardwood or softwood

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 Plywood

Project plywood Ready-to-use, pre-cut Used for planned

panels plywood boards DIY projects when
designed for quick and you know the
easy DIY projects. measurements
Various types of wood, needed for
ply and plywood plywood. Great for
alternatives available. beginner DIYers.
Project panels
Markerboard Plywood panels with a Used to create
coated writing surface. craft tables or
For use with dry erase finished
markers only. markerboards for
chore lists, notes,
calendars,
drawings and
Markerboard more.

II.1. Types of ply

A ply refers to a layer of veneer used to create plywood’s various thicknesses. More ply
creates a thicker and stronger board. Plywood has an odd number of plies and needs at
least three plies. Although specialty plywood can have any number of plies above three,
most plywood is categorized as 3-ply, 5-ply or multi-ply.

 3-ply is one of the most common types of plywood. It is about 2- to 3-millimeters

Engineered wood products for structural
thick and is generally used indoors, since it looks more decorative than thicker

applicationns:

PLYWOOD
plywood boards. 
5-ply is a versatile type of plywood that is about 4-millimeters thick. Use it indoors or
outdoors, but avoid using for framing permanent structures, such as a shed or a
home. 
 Multi-ply is a catchall term for plywood with seven or more plies. This plywood is
strong and durable enough for use in roofing, framing and other exterior, structural
projects. 
N.B.: Plywood with  fewer plies is weaker than a plywood with more plies, even if they have
the same thickness

Plywood is sold in various ratings, grades and sizes. Make your selection based on the type of
project you’re working on. 

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III- PROCESSING CONSIDERATIONS

Logs for plywood construction in a plywood factory

Plywood production requires a good log, called a peeler, which is generally straighter and
larger in diameter than one required for processing into dimensioned lumber by a sawmill.
The log is laid horizontally and rotated about its long axis while a long blade is pressed into
it, causing a thin layer of wood to peel off (much as a continuous sheet of paper from a roll).
An adjustable nosebar, which may be solid or a roller, is pressed against the log during
rotation, to create a "gap" for veneer to pass through between the knife and the nosebar.
The nosebar partly compresses the wood as it is peeled; it controls vibration of the peeling
knife; and assists in keeping the veneer being peeled to an accurate thickness. In this way
Engineered wood products for structural
the log is peeled into sheets of veneer, which are then cut to the desired oversize
dimensions, to allow it to shrink (depending on wood species) when dried. The sheets are
applicationns: PLYWOOD
then patched, graded, glued together and then baked in a press at a temperature of at least
140 °C (284 °F), and at a pressure of up to 1.9 MPa (280 psi) (but more commonly 200 psi) to
form the plywood panel. The panel can then be patched, have minor surface defects such as
splits or small knot holes filled, re-sized, sanded or otherwise refinished, depending on the
market for which it is intended.
Plywood for indoor use generally uses the less expensive urea-formaldehyde glue, which has
limited water resistance, while outdoor and marine-grade plywood are designed to
withstand moisture, and use a water-resistant phenol-formaldehyde glue to prevent
delamination and to retain strength in high humidity.
The adhesives used in plywood have become a point of concern. Both urea formaldehyde
and phenol formaldehyde are carcinogenic in very high concentrations. As a result, many
manufacturers are turning to low formaldehyde-emitting glue systems, denoted by an "E"
rating. Plywood produced to "E0" has effectively zero formaldehyde emissions.
In addition to the glues being brought to the forefront, the wood resources themselves are
becoming the focus of manufacturers, due in part to energy conservation, as well as concern
for natural resources. There are several certifications available to manufacturers who
participate in these programs. Program for the Endorsement of Forest Certification (PEFC)
Forest Stewardship Council (FSC), Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED),
Sustainable Forestry Initiative (SFI), and Greenguard are all certification programs that

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 Plywood

ensure that production and construction practices are sustainable. Many of these programs
offer tax benefits to both the manufacturer and the end user.

IV- STANDARDS SPECIFICATIONS OF PLYWOOD AND

APPLICATION
IV.1 Standard specifications
Plywood manufactured for construction purposes is specified in accordance with EN 636.
Products claiming compliance with this standard must also carry the specified markings,
which includes a reference to EN 636. The environmental conditions for which each of these
types of plywood are considered suitable are defined according to the parameters laid down
for Use Classes in BS EN 335 Durability of wood and wood-based products.
Dry conditions: for interior applications with no risk of wetting, defined in use class 1,
with a moisture content corresponding to environmental conditions of 20°C and 65%
relative humidity.
Humid conditions: for use in protected exterior applications as defined in use class 2,
Engineered wood products for structural
with a moisture content corresponding to environmental conditions of 20°C and 85%
relative humidity.
applicationns: PLYWOOD
Exterior conditions: for use in unprotected external applications, as defined in use
class 3, where the moisture contact will frequently be above 20%.
Plywood Strength span ratings indicate the distance between framing members for
roofing and flooring. The span rating looks similar to a fraction and gives the roof
span first and the floor span second. For example, 24/16 indicates that the distance
between two framing members must not exceed 24 inches on a roof, and 16 inches
on a floor. Other strength factors are specified in tables provided by the Engineered
Wood Association.
EN 636 also introduces bending strength and modulus classes based on bending tests to EN
310. These give a designated strength (F) and modulus (E) parallel and perpendicular to the
face grain. An example designation would therefore be F10/20. EN 636 gives minimum
values for each of the classes and EN 12369-2 gives corresponding characteristic values for
use with each of these classes.

IV.2 Applications
Plywood is an engineered wood sheet material made up of fine layers or flimsy strands of
wood veneers attached together placing wood grains 90 degrees to one another. It is one
type of manufactured board which can be described as a mixture of Medium Density
Fiberboard (MDF) and Chip Board (Particle Board). It is a complex material and attaches resin
and fiber sheets of wood. Followings are the uses and applications of plywood:

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 Plywood

If anywhere firm, strong material is needed then it is necessary;

As high-quality layered wood material it is used;
Resistance to bend, split, break, crack, twist, warping made it important for
construction and furniture making;
For outdoor uses;
For space shipping, aviation since 1939;
Low moisture plywood used for different purposes like ship making;
For making surfaces shaped curved, u, or folded plywood is used as the grains of
plywood is easy to make bend than normal wood;
To make the interior surface of skating ground this is use;
Used for different interior games stadium;
For ship construction;
For space and aviation parts making.

Engineered wood products for structural

applicationns: PLYWOOD

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 Plywood

The following images depict how plywood is used in many engineering practices, ranging
from designing, decoration, construction and other applications in buildings.

Engineered wood products for structural

applicationns: PLYWOOD

Construction projects with various types of

interior designing

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 Plywood

V- PLYWOOD RATINGS, GRADES AND SIZES

Plywood is sold in various ratings, grades and sizes. Make your selection based on the type of
project you’re working on. 

V.1 Plywood Ratings 

There are five important ratings that convey where and how to use plywood: Exterior,
Exposure 1, Exposure 2, Interior and Structural 1.
 Exterior means the panels have been waterproofed and can withstand inclement
weather. Use exterior rated plywood for permanent outdoor structures that will be
exposed to water long-term. 
 Exposure 1 means the panels have been waterproofed and can withstand exposure
to the elements during construction. However, they are not suitable for long-term
exposure post-construction.  
 Exposure 2 means the panels are made with an intermediate glue that is not fully
waterproof. These panels can withstand occasional moisture but are otherwise
Engineered wood products for structural
intended for interior use. 

applicationns:
 Interior means thePLYWOOD
panels are not waterproof and are designed for interior use only.
They should not be exposed to moisture. 
 Structural 1 is rated for seismic retrofit work, meaning it is designed to be
earthquake resistant. Unless they have a Structural 1 rating, other plywood panels of
any width are not suited for seismic retrofitting.

V.2. Plywood Grades 

We carry four grades of plywood: A, B, C and D. The grade refers to the quality and
appearance of the plywood’s face and back veneers. A has the highest quality and is the most
expensive, and D is the least expensive. 
 A-grade plywood features a smooth, sanded surface without knots. Any wood
defects have been repaired with synthetic filler, so the veneer can be painted. A-
grade plywood is ideal for furniture or cabinet doors.  
 B-grade plywood also features a smooth, sanded surface, but may have more
repaired defects up to 1-inch across.  
 C-grade is unsanded and may have several minor defects that will need to be
repaired with knots up to 1 1/2-inches across, discoloration and sanding defects. C-

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 Plywood

grade plywood should be used when appearance is not important, such

as for subfloors or garages.  
 D-grade is also unsanded with defects that have not been repaired and knot holes up
to 2 ½-inches (0.76m) across, discoloration and sanding defects.  
 You may also find ratings with two-letter classifications, such as BC. BC-grade is a mix
grade plywood with one side graded a B, while the other side is graded a C. 
Each type of plywood includes a variety of plywood grades. These are generally identified by
Engineered wood products for structural
the veneer grade used on the face and back of the panel, such as C-D or A-B. The veneer
grade for the face is given first. Veneer grades define the appearance of the panel in terms
applicationns: PLYWOOD
of the number and size of repairs allowed during manufacture, and natural unrepaired
growth characteristics, such as knotholes. The best-looking veneer grades are A and B. C-
Plugged is an improved C-grade veneer. The minimum grade of veneer permitted in Exterior
type plywood is C-grade. 0-grade veneer is used only for backs and inner plies of Interior
type plywood.

 Appearance grades:
Plywood grades are also divided according to their use into appearance and
engineered grades. Appearance grades are designed for use where appearance is an
important consideration. These include APA 303 Sidings, sanded panels such as A-A,
A B and B-0, and Medium Density Overlay, known as MOO. MOO plywood has a
special resin-treated wood fiber surface permanently bonded to one or both sides of
the panel. The overlaid surface is an excellent base for paint. Appearance grades with
both sides of appearance quality such as A-A, A-B and MOO with both sides overlaid,
are grade marked on the panel edge. All other panels are grade marked on the back.

 Engineering grades
Engineered grades are designed for demanding construction applications where
properties such as bending strength and stiffness are more important than
appearance. Among the Engineered grades are the sheathing panels- C-O Interior, C-

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 Plywood

C Exterior and Structural I and II C-D and C-C. C-D Interior with exterior glue,
commonly called COX, is by far and away the most commonly available sheathing
grade. It will withstand considerable exposure to weather and moisture during
construction, but must not be mistaken for fully waterproof C-C Exterior plywood.
Structural I and II panels are designed for especially demanding structural
applications.

Engineered wood products for structural

applicationns: PLYWOOD

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 Plywood

V.3 Plywood Sizes 

 The most common plywood sizes are 4- x 8-feet (1.22 x 2.44m) sheets and 5- x 5-feet
(1.52 x 1.52m) sheets.  
 We also carry pre-cut project panels that are available in different sizes that may vary
by store. These project panels help eliminate waste, cut costs, and are easier to
transport than full-size panels.  
 The most common thickness of plywood is 1/2-inch (1.27cm), but plywood
thickness can range from 1/8-inch (0.32cm) to 3/4-inches (1.91cm).

V.4 Plywood alternatives

You can use other types of boards in place of true plywood. They may even be commonly
referred to as plywood, despite being manufactured differently. Although not technically
plywood, other engineered wood boards and panels can be great options for construction
projects when you want to save money or have a different look and feel.  
Follow our chart below to find the best plywood alternative for your project.

V.4.1 Common plywood alternatives

Engineered wood products for structural

applicationns: PLYWOOD

Oriented Strand
MDF
Board (OSB) MDF Boards
Description Oriented Strand Particle Board (Low Medium Density
Board (OSB) Density Fiberboard – Fiberboard (MDF)
LDF)
Feature/ Made from Made from Made from heat-
Benefits compressed layers of compressed wood pressed wood fibers and
wood chips and fibers and adhesives, adhesives. Stronger than
adhesives. Has an sometimes using a particle board, but weaker
unfinished mold. Often made than plywood. Has a
appearance. Has a from wood scraps and uniform and smooth
strong, consistent waste, making it less appearance that is easily
density. Usually expensive than painted or stained. Like
heavier and less plywood. Holds up particle board, it holds up
expensive than well against well against temperature
plywood. May temperature changes changes but not to water.
degrade faster than but will swell when
plywood due to exposed to water and
moisture. moisture. Edges
should be sealed to
avoid water damage.

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 Plywood

Engineered wood products for structural

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 Plywood

V.4.2 Other plywood features and considerations

When choosing plywood or a plywood alternative, consider these features as well:

 Sustainable plywood: provides an already sanded surface that accepts stain well to
create a natural-looking finish. 
 Paintable plywood: readily accepts paint and laminate for a unique and customized
appearance. 
 Pressure treated plywood: resists damage from water, weather, decay and insects. 
 Plywood with tongue and groove edges are designed to snap together easily while
creating a strong and tight joint between panels. 
The choice of plywood needed for projects is based on where and how the panels
would be used.  Depending on the type of project one is working on, project panels or
plywood alternatives can save time and money.

VI- POTENTIAL OF TIMBER SPECIES FROM THE

CONGO BASIN FOR THE MANUFACTURING OF
Engineered wood productsPLYWOOD
for structural
applicationns: PLYWOOD
Plywood is a product obtained from different wood types and having different strengths.
Plywood produced by processing natural wood is produced using different wood varieties.
Therefore, whatever tree is used, the plywood gets its name from that tree. For example, if
we are talking about plywood made using beech wood, we call it beech plywood. Or if we are
talking about plywood made of birch wood, we call it birch plywood.
Plywood made from more durable wood would last longer. For example, beech wood is a
water-resistant tree. Water-resistant plywood can therefore beech marine plywood or birch
plywood.

The different types of wood species used for the production of plywood are listed below:
1- Afromosia
Other names are: African Teak, Pericopsis elata. Tree height: 100 – 150 ft. Trunk
diameter: 3 to 5 ft. Color: yellow brown.
2- Bubinga
Other names: Kevazingo. Tree height: 130 – 150 ft. Trunk diameter: 3 to 6 ft. Color:
Red to dark red with black or dark purple streaks.
3- Doussie
Other names: Afzelia. Tree height: Trunk diameter: Color: Reddish brown.
4- Blinga

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 Plywood

Other names: Aloma or Opepe. Tree height: 50 m. Trunk diameter: 100 – 200 cm.
Color: Golden-orange yellow.
5- Iroko
Other names: Milicia excelsa. Tree height: 100 – 130 ft. Trunk diameter: 3 to 5 ft.
Color: Yellow, golden or medium brown.
6- Tali
Other names: Erythrophleum suaveolens, Sasswood. Tree height: 25 m. Trunk
diameter: 2 to 3 m. Color: Brown-yellow or brown-red.
7- Padauk
Other names: African Padauk. Tree height: 100 – 130 ft. Trunk diameter: 2 to 4 ft.
Color: Pink-orange or brown red.
8- Okan
Other names: Edoum, Denya. Tree height: 50 m. Trunk diameter: 100 to 130 cm.
Color: Yellow.
9- Teak
Other names: Burmese Teak. Tree height: 100 – 130 ft. Trunk diameter: 1 to 1.15 m.
Color: Golden to mid-brown.
10- Sapeli/ Sapele
Other names: Entandrophragma cylindricum. Tree height: 45 m. Trunk diameter: 1.5
m. Color: Golden, dark, reddish brown.
11- Melia dubia
Engineered wood products for structural
12- Dougla fir
applicationns: PLYWOOD
13- Aucoumea klaineana
14- Northen red Oak
15- Utile
16- Milletia laurentii
17- Balsa tree
18- Jarrah
19- Rimu
20- Lovoa trichilioides
21- Pinus sylvestris (pine tree)
22- Monterey pine
23- Slash pine
24- Norway spruce
25- Triplochiton scleroxylon
26- European beech
27- Loblolly pine
28- Paraná pine
29- White oak
30- Red lauan
31- Lophira alata
32- Cedrela odorata
33- Kempas

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 Plywood

34- Chinaberry

CONCLUSION
To conclude, our research work was based on engineered wood product for structural
application, case study: plywood. We had to describe this wood product, the different types
that exist and are in usage, its processing considerations, specifications, its grades and the
potential timber species for its production. Plywood is a versatile product that can combine
attractive surface appearance with superior performance under hazardous conditions while
retaining comparatively high-strength-to-weight ratios. It is available in a range of wood
species, including hardwood and softwood species and combinations of the two, and a range
of resin types for interior, high humidity and exterior conditions. We should note here that
plywood was the first type of board developed to provide panels with dimensional stability
and good strength both along and across the panel. Therefore, it is recommended to build
with plywood; not only for the interior but adapting it to our exterior based on the quality,
design and project scale. Its reduced cost and wide range of applications make it a suitable
wood construction product.

Engineered wood products for structural

applicationns: PLYWOOD

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