Plywood A-grade
A-grade Plywood is the highest grade of plywood, Plywood (sometimes referred to simply as ‘ply’) is an engineered sheet timber product that is widely used for construction purposes. It is manufactured from three or more thin layers of wood veneer, or ‘plies’, that are glued together to form a thicker, flat sheet. It is economical, capable of being produced to precise dimensions and is relatively resistant to warping and cracking. I can be purchased as a softwood product, a hardwood product or a combination of both. Plywood generally comes in different grades from grade A-D, though there might also be other grades for the reverse side (1-4). It may also be categorised by class 1-3, which indicates its uses from internal to external.
As the highest grade of plywood, A-grade Plywood has a smooth, sanded surface generally no knots, if there were defects they would have been repaired with a filler and sanded to match. The surface is finished so ready to paint, varnish or potential oil. A-grade plywood is usually used in furniture or cabinet making.
Types of plywood include:
- Structural plywood: Used in permanent structures where high strength is needed, such as beams, formwork and bracing panels.
- External plywood: Used on exterior surfaces where a decorative or aesthetic finish is important.
- Internal plywood: Used for aesthetic finishing of non-structural applications such as wall paneling and ceilings.
- Marine plywood: Water resistant plywood that is used in shipbuilding and in parts of buildings where there may be high moisture content, such as roofing or bathrooms.
Featured articles and news
A case study and a warning to would-be developers
Creating four dwellings... after half a century of doing this job, why, oh why, is it so difficult?
Reform of the fire engineering profession
Fire Engineers Advisory Panel: Authoritative Statement, reactions and next steps.
Restoration and renewal of the Palace of Westminster
A complex project of cultural significance from full decant to EMI, opportunities and a potential a way forward.
Apprenticeships and the responsibility we share
Perspectives from the CIOB President as National Apprentice Week comes to a close.
The first line of defence against rain, wind and snow.
Building Safety recap January, 2026
What we missed at the end of last year, and at the start of this...
National Apprenticeship Week 2026, 9-15 Feb
Shining a light on the positive impacts for businesses, their apprentices and the wider economy alike.
Applications and benefits of acoustic flooring
From commercial to retail.
From solid to sprung and ribbed to raised.
Strengthening industry collaboration in Hong Kong
Hong Kong Institute of Construction and The Chartered Institute of Building sign Memorandum of Understanding.
A detailed description from the experts at Cornish Lime.
IHBC planning for growth with corporate plan development
Grow with the Institute by volunteering and CP25 consultation.
Connecting ambition and action for designers and specifiers.
Electrical skills gap deepens as apprenticeship starts fall despite surging demand says ECA.
Built environment bodies deepen joint action on EDI
B.E.Inclusive initiative agree next phase of joint equity, diversity and inclusion (EDI) action plan.
Recognising culture as key to sustainable economic growth
Creative UK Provocation paper: Culture as Growth Infrastructure.