BCX vs RTD Plywood are essentially the same exposure 1 graded plywood, except for the superior manufacturing quality of the RTD plywood. This higher quality in the manufacturing process is what makes the RTD plywood a superior product to its BDX predecessor.
1. BCX vs Plywood: The Basics
Before we start talking about similarities and differences, let’s first figure out what both BCX and RTD Plywood are.
1.1. What Is BCX Plywood
To put it simply, BCX plywood is created by gluing B graded ply to C graded plywood using a waterproof glue. These plywood sheets have a smooth ‘front’ face and a rugged, scratchy ‘back’ face to them.
BCX plywood can last a longtime when used to create outdoor structures. But, that’s only if you take care to seal those exposed edges and ends.
So keep reading to find out how you can get the most out of BCX plywood… You see, plywood is available in four standard grades A, B, C, and lastly D. When plywood is rated ‘A’ it has been sanded smooth and even. However, when plywood is rated ‘D’ it is because it is rough, knotty, and has an overall unfinished appearance.
Now, a composite graded plywood is when two differently graded ply sheets are glued together. The first letter refers to the ‘front face’ of the plywood sheet. While the second letter refers to the ‘back face’.
The X in BCX indicates that a water-resistant glue has been used to stick the ply sheets together.
1.2. What Is RTD Plywood
What you need to know about RTD plywood is that RTD stands for resistance temperature detector.
In terms of how it is built, RTD plywood is similar to normal plywood. Thin veneers of wood are taken and laid side by side to form a sheet. There are then consecutive layers stacked onto each other, with each layer having the veneers perpendicular to the last.
A special adhesive is then used, along with heat, to press these veneers together to form a solid sheet.
With RTD plywood, that resistance temperature detector is used in the pressing and heating process. This is a special type of temperature detection and regulation tool. This allows the plywood to be pressed together using the exact amount of heat that is necessary.
Ensuring that the temperature is ideal means that this type of plywood is very strong and better resists delamination.
2. Differences Between BCX and RTD Plywood
2.1. What Is BCX Grade Plywood?
Well, BCX plywood is actually a composite graded plywood. The letters reflect the different graded plywood sheets used to make this material.
All plywood sheets are given one of four basic quality grades. These grades measure the ‘finished’ quality of the plywood sheet. The best quality plywood is smooth, sanded, and pretty much as perfect as it gets for plywood. This type of plywood is Graded ‘A’.
The worst quality plywood sheets are riddled with imperfections, and are incredibly rough to the touch. This plywood is Graded ‘D’. In between, (at ever lowering levels of quality), are B graded plywood and C graded plywood.
Now, a composite graded plywood sheet is made up of two plywood sheets of differing quality. In the case of BCX plywood, the face (front) sheet is B quality graded plywood. And the back sheet is C grade plywood.
The final letter in BCX plywood refers to the exterior graded glue used to bind those plywood veneers together. The X refers to exterior adhesive. This glue is water-resistant, and doesn’t break down if moisture gets to it.
2.2. And What Is BCX Plywood Generally Good For?
It’s used for constructing support structures (specially ones that will not have direct exposure to water).
So, BCX plywood is best suited for high humidity interior areas, (such as wall sheathing, sub-flooring, and roof sheathing). It is not suitable for structures that would have direct exposure to water (such as rainwater).
2.3. But What Makes RTD Plywood So Moisture Resistant?
Well, when RTD plywood veneers are glued together, this is done at a precise temperature. Accurate temperature measurement is responsible for this glues increased water-resistant capabilities.
Now, in order to measure this precise temperature, RTD plywood manufacturers use a device called a Resistant Temperature Detector (RTD). And this process makes RTD plywood adhesive capable of shrugging off any possible delamination problems.
In other words, the RTD treatment process makes plywood glue so water-resistant, it can handle very high humidity environments.
2.4. So Can RTD Plywood Get Wet?
The wood used to manufacture exterior graded plywood, (such as BCX and RTD plywood), comes from stable types of wood.
You see generally, if wood gets wet, it can shift around and warp. That’s because wood will soak up water like a sponge, causing wood fibers to expand and swell. And then as that water evaporates afterwards, the wood dry’s out, shrinks, and warps.
However, some wood types are naturally stable, meaning they do not warp if they get wet. For example, Douglas Fir wood is an very stable. It is durable, and rot-resistant.
So, BCX and RTD plywood are made from stable timber, such as Douglas Fir. Plywood made from this timber can get soaked again and again, and never suffer severe warping or wood rot.
So, when it comes to exterior graded plywood, wood rot and warping aren’t an issue. It’s simply delamination that needs to be prevented. And preventing delamination comes down to the quality of that plywood’s adhesive.
2.5. Can RTD Plywood Be Used Outside?
It can. But like with BCX plywood, it tends to be used on structures that do not have direct contact with rainwater.
It is best suited for those high humidity spaces, like sub-flooring and sheathing. However, it can take on very damp conditions better than BCX can.
2.6. So Then What’s The Difference Between RTD And BCX Plywood?
Honestly, the key difference lies in the level of humidity each one can take (before delamination becomes an issue). RTD can handle relentless moisture and humidity better than BCX.
Otherwise, the similarities between them outnumber their differences. With the main similarity being that both BCX and RTD do not warp and twist due to humidity.
And both are suitable for sheathing, provided that the plywood sheet also carries the APA sheathing rating.
3. Summary
BCX Plywood is comprised of two different graded plywood sheets. It has then been glued using exterior graded water-resistant glue. RTD plywood has been manufactured using a device called a Resistance Temperature Detector. RTD plywood’s glue is more water-resistant than the adhesive used on BCX plywood.
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