Birch Basswood Plywood vs Luan Plywood vs Red Oak Plywood

BIRCH/BASSWOOD PLYWOOD

Basswood meets all requirements but is lighter and has more flexibility than Mahogany and Birch plywood, but has slightly less structural strength.



MAHOGANY PLYWOOD


American-made structural aircraft-grade plywood is made of imported African Mahogony or American Birch veneers laminated in a hot press to hardwood cores of Poplar or Bass wood with waterproof glue. Will meet all requirements of specification MIL-P-6070, which calls for shear testing after immersion in boiling water for specified time frame.



Red Oak Plywood

Red Oak Plywood is an imported unfinished veneer plywood. Red Oak plywood comes in 1/8”, 1/4”, 1/2” and 3/4” thickness. (sizes) The 1/8” thickness is graded B4. Front face is a B grade that is a smooth sanded and clear face.


There may be an occasional minor blemish on the B face. Back side is a 4 grade that will be of same or similar wood but may have filled knots, veneer joints or seams. This plywood is a stain grade on 1 side. The 1/4” thickness is graded A3. Front face is an A grade that is a smooth sanded and patch-free clear face. Back side is a 3 grade that will be of same or similar wood but may have filled knots, veneer joints or seams.



Red Oak Plywood plywood is a stain graded on 1 side. The 1/2” and 3/4” thickness are graded B2. Front face is an B grade that is a smooth sanded and patch-free clear face. Back side is a 2 grade that will have a few more blemishes than the front B face, but is usually clean enough to be seen. This plywood is a stain grade on both sides

Can Luan Plywood Be Used Outside ?

There are reports that using Luan Plywood as outdoor usage is unacceptable. This is because some believe that because Luan Plywood is made of an unacceptable and unapproved substrate that it cannot receive any exposure to water.


Best Laminate Flooring


Now I've written on this blog that Luan Plywood doesn't react well to moisture that is a sure part of the process when laying ceramic tile flooring, so this is no surprise the readers here. Ceramic, Tile, Stone or any other product with a cementitious backer unit should not use any Luan Wood as stated by the general body making guidelines for the flooring and hardwood industries.


Furthermore they state that for the abovementioned materials, Luan products are not made and manufactured under any recognized grading rules or measures. As well it is not recognized by the building codes or organizations and does not carry a grade stampe or have any structural design value.