Different Grades of Baltic Birch Plywood

Baltic Birch Plywood is usually graded with a face and back graded designation system. Here is a listing of face/back veneer grades which you can use to judge the quality of plywood for your home projects : ------

 B/BB: Single piece face and back veneer. Face veneers are usually considered clear and free of defects with a light-uniformed in color scheme. The Back veneer allows 3-6 color matched patches, which usually are oval shaped and egg shaped and sized. The inner cores made with solid birch single veneers. -

 BB/BB: Single sided and faced and backed. Both face and back of the plywood veneers will allow for 3-6 small color-matched patches on average and some lighter mineral streaks. Tight pin knots may be present. Inner cores are solid single piece veneers. -

 BB/CP: Single piece face and back. The “CP” back veneers are downgraded from “BB” grade veneers, which allow for unlimited patches and sound knots, but does not allow for open defects. Inner cores are solid birch single piece veneers.

CP/CP: Single piece face and back. Face and back grade veneers allow unlimited sound knots and repaired splits and unlimited patches. The panel is sound both sides and designed for laminating. -

C/C: Patches, open knots, and small veneer splits allowed. Veneer lap and small core voids permitted. This panel is not sanded and would be used for structural purposes. -

 Shop Grades: Shop panels are offered in the full 60” X 60” format in all of the grades listed above. Panels allow for 1-3 splits on the face veneer along one edge of the panel in lengths no longer than 10” and no wider than ¼”.--

 Shop grades are usually offered at a substantial discount to the “on grade” prices.