Birch Plywood

October 29th, 2012

What is Birch Plywood?
Where are the sources of Birch Plywood?
How is Birch Plywood constructed?
What are the typical uses for Birch Plywood?
What are the different types of Birch Plywood?
Where can I buy Birch Plywood?

What is Birch Plywood?

Birch plywood (betula spp.) is a hardwood plywood that is widely used for numerous applications. Birch plywood can be used for high end millwork, furniture production, industrial and structural purposes, and packaging. The main attributes of Birch plywood are its panel strength, grain texture, durability and ease of finishing.

Where are the sources of Birch Plywood?

Birch plywood comes from Birch trees (betula spp.) which are deciduous, fast growing hardwoods totaling 30-50 species around the world. The life expectancy of most birch trees is 60-90 years and on average they attain a maximum height of less than 30 meters and a maximum diameter of 40 cm. Birch trees are monoecious and can readily colonize open terrain as well as woodland systems, making them a renewable resource.

Birch plywood is manufactured in three primary source areas:

North America
Northern Europe
Northern Asia
How is Birch Plywood constructed?

As the name implies, Birch plywood is not one solid piece of wood but is made up of multiple layers or plies of veneer. The number of layers or plies depends on the thickness of the Birch plywood panel, its intended application, the manufactures specifications and processes. The two outermost layers of Birch plywood are referred to as the face and back veneers, while the inner plies are referred to as core stock. Core stock is also produced from layers or plies of veneer. Typically, Poplar, Gum, Pine or Aspen veneers are used for core stock in the production of Birch plywood as well as many other hardwood plywood panels. In certain areas of the world’s production, Birch veneer is also used as core stock in the production of Birch plywood. The core veneers are glued together in many different configurations depending on the intended use of the Birch plywood panel and the manufacturer’s specifications. Some examples of these configurations would be LVL Birch plywood (laminated veneer lumber), uni-directional Birch plywood, lumber core Birch plywood and conventional Birch plywood. The veneer specie(s) of the core stock along with the configuration help determine the strength and durability of Birch plywood panels. Patriot Timber Products offers Birch plywood in 4’x8’ panels in ¼”, ½” and ¾” thicknesses. Other sizes such as 5′x5′, 5′x8′, 4′x9′, 3′x7′, 8′x4′ and thicknesses ranging from 1/8” – 1” are available in the market place. All of these are determined by the intended application of the Birch plywood panel, the source of the production and the manufacturer’s specifications.

What are the typical uses for Birch Plywood?

Birch plywood can be used for a variety of applications including millwork, structural/industrial applications, pattern making, plywood underlayment, form work, home improvement and minor construction projects, just to name a few. Birch plywood is a very versatile product that is readily available and competitively priced through distribution and retail channels.

What are the different types of Birch Plywood?

Depending on the face grades, glue line, core construction, variety of sizes and thicknesses, there are many types of Birch plywood available. Birch plywood is readily available sanded for cabinet, furniture and millwork applications or rough for industrial/structural needs. Birch plywood can also be specified with a UV finish on either one side or two sides. Patriot Timber Products can offer Birch plywood to meet our customer’s needs and specifications.

Where can I buy Birch Plywood?

Patriot Timber Products offers Birch plywood in 4’x8’ panels in ¼”, ½” and ¾” thicknesses. For more information on pricing and availability please e-mail us at Sales@PatriotTimber.comor call us at 1-877-787-3759.

Call Us 336-299-7755 or Email Us for sales and technical information.

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