1. Look at the level: A scientific match from “face” to “substance”
The grade of plywood directly affects its appearance and cost, and it needs to be precisely selected based on its application.
Grade A (Surface layer without defects) :
Features: Smooth surface without knots or cracks, and can be directly painted or veneered with wood.
Applicable scenarios: Exposed parts such as furniture door panels, desktops, display cabinets, etc.
Price reference: 20%-30% higher than Grade B.
Grade B (Minor repairs) :
Features: Allows for a small amount of repair marks and minor knots, suitable for covering with decorative materials.
Applicable scenarios: Concealed structures such as cabinet backboards and drawer bottoms.
Grade C/Grade D (Industrial Grade) :
Features: The surface is rough and may have large gaps, but the internal structural strength meets the standard.
Applicable scenarios: Building formwork, packaging boxes and other non-decorative uses.
Guide to Avoiding Pitfalls:
Be vigilant against merchants using the vague promotion of “AB grade” and demanding the specific number of veneer layers (such as 7 layers of birch plywood).
Check if the edges are dense. Delamination or burrs may indicate that the gluing process does not meet the standards.
2. Material type: Performance comparison of different wood species
The material of the core layer of plywood determines its physical properties
Birch wood
Advantages: High hardness and fine, uniform texture
Disadvantage: Relatively high price
Usage: High-end furniture, floor base layer
Pine wood
Advantages: Lightweight, easy to process, and high cost performance
Disadvantages: There are many nodules and surface treatment is required
Usage: Common furniture, wall panels
Poplar wood
Advantages: Low cost and good moisture resistance
Advantages: Low strength and prone to deformation
Usage: Packaging boxes, temporary building formwork
Eucalyptus wood
Advantages: Corrosion-resistant and suitable for outdoor use
Disadvantages: Heavy weight and high processing difficulty
Usage: Outdoor furniture, ship decks
Case illustration:
If making a children’s desk, birch plywood (environmentally friendly and with strong load-bearing capacity) is recommended.
For the construction of temporary exhibition stands, poplar plywood (low cost and easy to disassemble) can be chosen.
3. Environmental friendliness of Glue: In-depth Analysis of Formaldehyde Emission
The environmental friendliness of plywood depends on the type of glue. Common standards are as follows:
Grade E0 (Formaldehyde emission ≤0.05mg/m³) :
Isocyanate (MDI) glue is used, with no formaldehyde added. It is suitable for mother and baby rooms and hospitals.
E1 grade (≤0.124mg/m³) :
It complies with the mandatory requirements of national standards and is suitable for ordinary homes and office Spaces.
F★★★★ (Japanese standard) :
The formaldehyde emission is ≤0.3mg/L, exceeding the national standard, making it the top choice for high-end Japanese furniture.
Test method:
Require merchants to provide test reports certified by CNAS or CMA;
Simple self-test: Put the board scraps into a sealed container for 24 hours. After opening the lid, there should be no obvious pungent smell.
4. Thickness selection: Scientifically match load-bearing capacity and flexibility
The thickness error of plywood should be ≤0.2mm. Common specifications and application scenarios:
Thickness: 3-5mm
Common uses: furniture veneer, decorative background board, handicrafts
Load-bearing reference (uniform distribution) : Not applicable to load-bearing structures
Thickness: 9-12mm
Common uses: bookshelf shelves, drawer bottoms, lightweight partitions
Load-bearing reference (evenly distributed) : Approximately 200kg per square meter
Thickness: 15-18mm
Common uses: bed boards, countertops, stair treads, construction formwork
Load-bearing reference (evenly distributed) : Approximately 500kg per square meter
Thickness: 25mm+
Common uses: heavy-duty shelves, industrial equipment bases, outdoor flooring
Load-bearing reference (evenly distributed) : The load-bearing capacity per square meter is ≥800kg
Notes:
For damp environments (such as bathrooms), it is recommended to choose boards that are 1-2mm thick to avoid water absorption and expansion.
For shelves with a span exceeding 60cm, additional support keels should be added to prevent bending.
5. Certification Mark: Identifying international authoritative endorsements
FSC Certification: Ensuring that the wood comes from sustainably managed forests, a must-have for high-end projects in Europe and America.
CARB Certification (California Air Resources Board, USA) : Strictly controls formaldehyde release, a must-have for exports to the US market.
CE certification: In compliance with EU safety standards, it serves as a pass for plywood exports to Europe.
How to verify authenticity:
Log in to the official website of the certification body (such as the FSC certificate inquiry page) and enter the enterprise number;
Check whether the certification label is clear and complete. Counterfeit labels are often printed blurry.
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