There are many types of plywood that are used for many different purposes. Depending on each strong point and outstanding features, each type will be applied depending on the situation. Or also A1 Plywood learn about two types: Birch and Oak Plywood.
1. Concept
1.1. What is Birch Plywood?
Birch plywood is one of the most popular varieties of plywood on the market. Baltic birch plywood, specifically, is unique amongst the most durable of plywoods because of its all-birch core.
Baltic birch plywood’s inner core is typically made up of sheets of Baltic or Russian birch approximately 1.5 millimeters thick and is laminated with a superior exterior-grade adhesive. This means that there are no holes or voids in the core of the wood, making it exceptionally sturdy.
Baltic birch plywood has excellent screw-holding capabilities because the core layers are a hard birch wood versus a softer wood that can spread and loosen when screws are inserted.
The layers of the core are also attractive when viewed from the edge and can be sanded, polished and lacquered without any staining necessary. Baltic birch plywood also has a very thick front and back veneer, making it nearly impossible to accidentally puncture or sand through.
Baltic birch is typically made in 5-by-5-foot sheets for the European cabinetry market but can be cut for other projects.
1.2. What is Oak Plywood?
Oak plywood is also a heavy, hard plywood with a strong durability rating and excellent wear resistance. There are several different grades of oak plywood, including white and red oak. Both are quite strong, but white oak has a greater tendency to chip or splinter.
Oak plywood typically has about seven layers of plies, but it varies according to thickness, and quality may varies between big-box stores and specialty wood suppliers. Lumber suppliers tend to have a wider variety of thicknesses than big box stores. Oak plywood comes in 4-by-8-foot sheets.
2. Similarities of Birch and Oak Plywood
Durability: With two types of perennial natural wood, the quality and hardness of these two types of wood are very guaranteed.
Environment-friendly: Both types are made from two natural plants, which are flammable, so both are very beneficial to the environment.
3. Differences between Birch and Oak Plywood
3.1. Appearance
If you need something beautiful, oak is definitely the way to go. Oak plywood has a lot more texture to it, and it looks like real wood.
Moreover, oak also has a really nice deep dark color. Birch on the other hand is lighter in color and also has less texture. Birch plywood may still kind of look like real wood, although it’s definitely not as deep, dark, and rich in color. Oak is the better looking of the two.
3.2. Strength and Durability
Something else to consider here is that oak plywood is a bit harder and more durable than birch plywood. It’s not like birch plywood is not strong or durable, but it doesn’t really get close to oak plywood. If you need something that is going to last for a very long time, or even be structural in nature, then it is oak plywood that you need.
3.3. Water Resistance
Another big difference here has to do with water resistance. Now, to be clear, neither of these types of plywood are waterproof. However, oak is a bit stronger and harder, and also usually has less gaps in between the fibers.
This means that it is more resilient towards moisture and won’t absorb water quite as easily. Birch, while it is still somewhat water resistant, it doesn’t perform like oak does in this regard.
3.4. Workability
Something else to consider here is that birch plywood, although it’s a bit softer and not quite as durable, is also easier to work with. You can use most tools to cut apart birch plywood with ease. On the other hand, because oak plywood is much harder and stronger, it can be a bit more difficult to saw apart and to work with.
3.5. Flexibility
The next difference between these two types of plywood worth considering is flexibility. Now, oak plywood is of course extremely strong and durable. However, it is so strong that it totally lacks flexibility. It’s not something that is ideal for weight bearing applications at all because instead of flexing it may just snap.
That said, birch plywood is not much better in terms of weight during applications. Although it may flex a bit, it won’t be able to hold all that much weight. However, in terms of flexibility, birch plywood is the definite winner.
3.6. Application
Oak Plywood is used in interior furniture or exterior furniture. Birch Plywood: It still looks good enough to make furniture, and it’s certainly more than good enough for things like sheathing walls and other such purposes.
3.7. Cost
Birch is ideal if you are looking for a fairly flexible and somewhat strong type of plywood that also comes in at a very reasonable price.
4. Which of these two should you choose?
If you just want something cheap that is ideal for structural purposes and indoor use, then structural plywood is the way to go.
If you are building a deck, patio, or outdoor furniture, pressure treated plywood is the option of choice.
If the building has anything to do with water, or will even be submerged or partially submerged in water, it is marine grade plywood that you want to go with.
5. A1 Plywood – Prestigious and quality Plywood factory
A1 Plywood is committed to the prestige and quality of products, ensuring that Plywood panels are always delivered to customers according to requirements and designs.
We own a direct furniture factory in Vietnam, with a team of skilled carpenters; each product is made carefully from the stage of choosing boards to construction and installation.
The factory accepts orders to produce Plywood boards based on the correct sizes and measurements as required, and delivery on time.
The above is the differences between Birch vs Oak Plywood, basing on it customer can choose the suitable wood.
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