SOFTWOOD PLYWOOD
Softwood Plywood is plywood which has a face and back veneer of softwood as opposed to a hardwood such as Birch, Maple, Oak, etc. Softwood plywood panels are comprised of a core made from either softwood then faced and backed with a veneer of soft wood and therefore are used for structural applications.
TYPES OF SOFTWOOD PLYWOOD (CONIFER OR GYMNOSPERMS)
Cedar, Douglas fir, Pine, Spruce, Redwood, and more. Note, Softwood plywood which has a face and back veneer of top grades of softwood such as Fir (vertical grain), Clear Pine, Cedar or Knotty Pine may also be considered “Hardwood plywood’s” as they are used for decorative purposes.
SOFTWOOD PLYWOOD USES
Softwood Plywood is used mainly in the construction industry for structural purposes. There are many grades, sizes and thicknesses of softwood plywood depending how they are to be used however in the highest of grades they are sometimes used for decorative purposes such as furniture and cabinet making. Most softwood plywood is made with moisture resistant glue (such as phenol resin adhesive#1) and are Exterior Grade panels.
Softwood plywood can be handled with ordinary woodworking tools and basic skills. When hand sawing or cutting on a table saw, support the panels firmly with the best face up. Cut with the best side down when using a portable power saw. Do not force-feed the panel into the tool or the tool into the panel too quickly because this will increase the roughness of the cut and may induce splintering-out on the exit side. Proper backup of the material also can reduce splintering.
SOFTWOOD PLYWOOD SOURCES
Softwood Plywood is manufactured by domestic mills throughout the United States of America and also imported from Canada and South America.