Russian plywood

Russian birch plywood is a type of sheet made of thin layers of birch veneer glued together. This type of board is known for its strength, durability and attractive appearance. Russian plywood is made by stacking several layers or veneers of birch wood so that the grain of adjacent layers is opposite. This structure with cross stripes increases the strength and stability of the plywood.

Birch plywood usually has a smooth and even surface, which makes it suitable for various applications. It is often used in furniture making, cabinetry, interior decoration and other woodworking projects. It can be easily cut, shaped and sanded. It also accepts paint, varnish and other coatings well.

One of the main advantages of Russian plywood is its high strength-to-weight ratio.

This type of board is stronger and more stable than solid wood of similar thickness, making it an excellent choice for structural applications. It can also be bent and shaped, which is a suitable option for engineers and interior designers.

The quality of Russian plywood can vary, and it has different degrees depending on the appearance of the top layer and the number of holes or defects in the layers. Common grades include B/BB, BB/BB, BB/CP, and CP/C, with B indicating a higher grade than C. A “B” indicates a clear, smooth surface, while a “C” may have some knots, patches, or other imperfections.

Grade guide:

Overall, birch plywood is a versatile and reliable material that offers strength, stability and aesthetic appeal, making it a popular choice for a wide variety of woodworking and construction projects.

Craftsmen mostly use birch plywood to make home furniture such as tables, cabinets, etc. The main thicknesses requested are 12 mm (1/2 in), 15 mm (5/8 in) and 18 mm (3/4 in). The standard sizes are 1220×2440 mm and 1250×2500 mm.

The demand and production of birch plywood mainly takes place in three main areas: North and South America, Northern Europe, Northern Asia.

At present, large manufacturers of birch plywood operate in China and export their products to all over the world.

The difference between the Russian board and other models

• Wood species: The hardness of birch wood and the resistant veins of this material are prominent features of this wood model. Bintangor and Okoume are tropical hardwoods with different color variations.
• Cost: Birch plywood is usually more expensive than Bintangor or Okoume due to its desirable properties and sustainable sourcing practices.
• Streak and beauty: due to the beautiful patterns on the birch wood, this model is very suitable for making interior furniture even without coating and paint. Bintangor and Okoume have more varied and sometimes wild streak patterns.
• UV Printing: While all plywood can be UV printed, the lighter color of birch allows it to retain a more natural appearance after printing than darker woods such as Okoume.

Overall, birch plywood offers a unique combination of strength, beauty and versatility that makes it a popular choice for quality furniture and cabinetry. While other options such as Bintangor, Okoume, and pine can be suitable for different applications, understanding their distinct characteristics will help you make the best choice for your project.