Plywood Grades: Choosing the Right Material for Your Project

By: Blog Writer     Published: April 17, 2025      Category: Lumber

When planning your next building or woodworking project, understanding plywood grades is crucial. Plywood is a versatile material used in everything from roofing and flooring to cabinets and furniture. However, not all plywood sheets are created equal. Plywood grades determine the quality, appearance, and performance you can expect from each panel — making it essential to choose the right one for your specific needs.

In this guide, we’ll break down the different plywood grades, explain what they mean, and help you select the best option for your project.

What Are Plywood Grades?

Plywood grades refer to a standardized rating system that identifies the quality of the wood veneers used on the face and back of each panel. These grades help builders, contractors, and DIYers understand which type of plywood will work best for a particular application.

Grades are typically designated with letters — A, B, C, and D — each representing a different level of quality and finish.

Common Plywood Grades Explained

Here’s a quick overview of the main plywood grades you’ll encounter:

• Grade A: Smooth, sanded surfaces with no visible knots or defects. Perfect for fine furniture, cabinetry, and visible interior work where aesthetics matter most.

• Grade B: Solid surfaces with slight repairs like small knots or patches. Good for projects where you want a clean look but can tolerate minor imperfections.

• Grade C: Unsanded surfaces with larger visible knots, splits, or discolorations. Typically used for structural purposes where appearance isn’t critical.

• Grade D: Rough surfaces with many visible flaws. Suitable for subflooring, sheathing, and other hidden applications where strength matters more than looks.

You may also see combinations like A-C plywood or B-D plywood, indicating the grade of the face and back veneers, respectively. For example, A-C plywood has a high-quality front and a lower-grade back.

How Exposure Ratings Impact Plywood Grades

Beyond veneer quality, plywood also carries exposure ratings that describe its ability to withstand moisture:

• Exterior: Designed for long-term outdoor exposure. Great for roofing, siding, or other permanently exposed structures.

• Exposure 1: Can handle temporary exposure to moisture, often used in construction projects.

• Exposure 2: For interior use only; limited moisture resistance.

When selecting plywood grades, it’s important to match the exposure rating to your project’s environment to ensure durability.

Choosing the Right Plywood Grade for Your Project

Picking the right plywood grade depends on what you’re building:

• Furniture and Cabinets: Choose A-A or A-B plywood for a beautiful, flawless appearance.

• Shelving and Paneling: A-C or B-C plywood works well when one side will be visible.

• Roofing and Subflooring: C-D or D-D plywood is typically used where strength is key and the wood will be covered.

Understanding plywood grades will save you time, money, and frustration by ensuring you buy exactly what your project demands.

ForestGuard™ Treated Panels: Elevating Plywood Standards

While selecting the correct plywood grade is important, choosing plywood that’s built to last is even better. That’s where ForestGuard™ treated panels shine. These treated plywood panels resist warping, swelling, and delamination — common problems that even high-grade plywood can face when untreated.

ForestGuard™ panels maintain the structural integrity and appearance you expect from top-tier plywood grades, while adding superior moisture and insect protection. It’s the smart investment for builders who want lasting results.

Conclusion

Understanding plywood grades gives you a major advantage when planning any building or woodworking project. By selecting the right grade and matching it with trusted products like ForestGuard™ treated panels, you can ensure your work looks better, lasts longer, and performs beyond expectations.

Ready to upgrade your next project? Contact Capital Forest Products to explore our full selection of high-quality plywood options.